Moderate Means Program
What is the Moderate Means Program?
- The Moderate Means Program is a joint venture between the WSBA and the three law
schools in Washington State.
- The purpose of the program is to increase access to civil legal services for moderate
means individuals (those between 200% and 400% of the federal poverty level), who
cannot afford to hire private attorneys at prevailing rates but make too much money
to qualify for traditional civil legal aid services.
- The program will focus on the areas of Family, Housing, and Consumer law.
How does the program work?
- MMP interns will interview potential clients by telephone to collect information
and evaluate their cases.
- After a case has been evaluated and determined to be appropriate for the
program, the student will contact one or more participating attorneys who will
be offered the opportunity to work with the client at a reduced fee.
- Once an attorney has agreed to take a case, the client will be directed to the attorney
and the intake materials developed by the student will be sent to the attorney.
- The attorney will then meet in person with the client to determine what services
are appropriate.
Benefits of the program
- Clients benefit by being referred to attorneys who practice law in the area they
need, and receiving services at a rate they can afford.
- Benefits to students:
- Student interns will receive training on how to interview clients and will gain
hands-on experience interviewing clients.
- They will receive training in substantive legal issues and will learn how to do
fast and efficient issue-spotting.
- Students will receive training on how to use the Legal Server database, which is
used by most of the civil legal aid organizations in Washington State.
- Students will engage in legal research, and will learn where to find practical legal
information and how to use it.
- MMP interns will be advised and mentored by experienced attorneys, and it is anticipated
that there will be opportunities for students to work directly with participating
attorneys on cases they have referred (such as doing research).
- As part of the initial launch of the Moderate Means Program, students will have
the opportunity to help shape and improve upon the functioning of the program.
- Students will also have the satisfaction of knowing that they are helping moderate
income individuals who otherwise might not receive any legal help at all.
What kind of commitment do I need to make to be involved?
- We ask that student interns commit to a minimum of six hours a week.
- The Moderate Means Program will run year-round, so students will have the opportunity
to participate for more than one quarter.
What if I need more information?
There will be an information session on October 12 at 3:30 p.m. in room 133. If
you have additional questions about the program, please e-mail Clay Wilson, MMP
Attorney, at
.
How do I get involved?
You may apply to be an MMP intern by submitting a cover letter, resume and class
schedule care of Ann Spangler at . Please include “MMP” in the subject
line of your e-mail. Deadline for fall quarter consideration is October 14, 5:00
p.m.