Legal Advice Portal Expands Access to Justice for Victims of Hate & Bias Crimes in Oregon

Thanks to an initiative from the National Crime Victim Law Institute (NCVLI) and Pro Bono Net, victims of hate and bias crimes in Oregon now have a new legal assistance resource. The Victims’ Rights Advice Portal aims to bridge a critical gap in legal representation for victims of hate crimes, providing them with direct access to pro bono attorneys who can answer questions about their legal rights.

This first-of-its-kind Oregon-specific legal advice portal will be supported by a growing network of pro bono attorneys and law students working in the Crime Victim Litigation Clinic at Lewis & Clark Law School. The project represents a significant step forward in access to justice.

How It Works

The Victims’ Rights Advice Portal is designed to be simple and accessible, streamlining the process for victims to receive legal guidance in just three easy steps:

1. Eligibility Check – Victims of hate or bias crimes in Oregon complete a short questionnaire to determine whether they qualify for assistance.
2. Submit a Legal Question – If eligible, users can submit a question about their situation.
3. Receive Free Legal Advice – Pre-screened volunteer attorneys will review the question and provide brief written legal guidance at no cost.

Currently, Oregon is the only state supported by this initiative, though NCVLI hopes to expand the effort to other states and victims.

According to Meg Garvin, Executive Director of NCVLI and Clinical Professor of Law at Lewis & Clark Law School, the project is still in its early stages, and trust-building within affected communities will be key to its success: “We recognize that it will take time for victims to find and trust this resource. But we are incredibly excited about its potential to make legal advice more accessible to those who need it most.”

Garvin, a nationally recognized leader in victims’ rights advocacy, has dedicated her career to strengthening legal protections for crime victims. Under her leadership, NCVLI has continuously worked to close gaps in legal representation and ensure victims have a voice in the justice system.

Looking Ahead

While the Victims’ Rights Advice Portal currently focuses on hate and bias crimes, NCVLI hopes to expand the service to include other types of crime victims in the future. For now, the team is encouraging victims and community advocates to explore the platform and help spread the word.

For more information or to access the Victims’ Rights Advice Portal, visit VictimsRightsAdvice.org.