June 22, 2015

Last week, Nick was honored to join Governor Kate Brown, Representatives Jennifer Williamson and Tobias Read, and other community leaders as the Governor ceremonially signed HB 2700 into Law.

HB 2700 authorizes Oregon courts to direct unclaimed damages from class action lawsuits to fund an endowment for legal aid services.  Most states already have similar laws in place.

Legal Aid Services of Oregon (LASO) is one of the non-profits which will benefit from the endowment.  LASO provides representation on civil cases to low-income families in Oregon. They work on over 8,000 cases each year – but only about 15% of eligible Oregonians receive the help they need.

In January, Nick submitted a letter of support for the bill to the House Committee on Judiciary: “We cannot allow a two-tiered system of laws – one for the wealthy, and one for the rest of us,” he shared.

With the Governor’s signature, the bill will expand significantly expand access to justice for thousands of deserving Oregon families.

Thanks to Governor Brown and Representatives Williamson and Read for their leadership.

Steve Duin: A golden opportunity to repair class-action law and rescue Legal Aid

Steve Duin in The Oregonian