Columbia Legal Services' Seattle Office represents low-income people and groups with critical civil needs and for whom no alternative legal services are available.  CLS will consider representation in all areas of critical client need, including, housing, prevention of violence or abuse, protection of children, the elderley or other vulnerable people, health care, employment and economic security, education, civil rights, consumer issues, and access to the courts and government services.  Of particular focus are cases involving severe financial exploitation of low wage immigrant workers, discriminatory education practices, unfair and deceptive pay day lending or other consumer practices, denial of access to the courts or government services because of limited English proficiency or disability, or severe maltreatment or abuse of incarcerated people.  In addition, CLS considers representation in cases involving severe and broadscale abuse, exploitation, threats to health or ability to work or denial of basic human rights, discrimination based on race, national origin, language, mental or physicl disabilty, sex, sexual orientation, or low income and cases presenting opportunities to prevent or challenge the underlying causes of poverty.  CLS generally does not take direct client referrals.  New clients are asked to first contact CLEAR at 1-888-201-1014.   Social service providers, community partners or legal services advocates with potential referrals may contact Nick Straley at Nick.Straley@Columbialegal.org or by telephone at (206) 464-5933 x.244.