Tenant and Eviction Lawyers in Pierce County (Tacoma), Washington
Free and low-cost legal help for renters and landlords in Pierce County (Tacoma): legal aid organizations, any right-to-counsel program, and the bar association's lawyer referral service.
Free legal aid in Pierce County (Tacoma)
- Tacomaprobono Community Lawyers - Housing Justice Project — Appointed Counsel Team represents low-income tenants served with an unlawful detainer summons and complaint in Pierce County; attend your show cause hearing so counsel can be appointed.
- Eviction Defense Screening Line (statewide, Northwest Justice Project) — 1-855-657-8387 or apply online. Screens tenants for appointed counsel under RCW 59.18.640; tenants qualify if income is under 200% of the federal poverty level or they receive public assistance (TANF, SSI, food assistance, Apple Health, etc.).
Legal aid groups usually help people below an income limit and may prioritize eviction cases. Call as soon as you get court papers or a notice.
Right to a lawyer in eviction cases
Statewide right to appointed counsel for indigent tenants in unlawful detainer cases (RCW 59.18.640), administered and funded by the Washington Office of Civil Legal Aid (OCLA) through contracted legal aid providers. The court must advise unrepresented tenants of the right. Pierce County appointed-counsel provider: Tacomaprobono Community Lawyers' Housing Justice Project (per OCLA oversight report listing and HJP's own site). Source
Hiring a landlord-tenant lawyer
If you don't qualify for free help, a lawyer referral service can connect you with a local landlord-tenant attorney, often for a low-cost first consultation:
- King County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service (Seattle / King County area) — 206-267-7100Referral is free; the referred attorney offers a short initial meeting at no charge (no document review), then regular hourly rates apply.
Eviction court, fees and local help in Pierce County (Tacoma) · Legal help across Washington · Can I sue my landlord in Washington?
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.