The Commons Law Center

The Commons taught The first tenant defense skills class at a unique combined class with Oregon's three Law schools, a groundbreaking collaborative initiative. This simulation-based course provides practical skills in tenant eviction defense and client interaction, culminating in a simulated client project. The inaugural class in january 2023 received high demand, with diverse student representation and waitlists across all three schools.

In 2023, The homeownership asset preservation program (happ) continued its partnership project with The african american alliance for homeownership (aaah) to combat displacement in n/ne portland. Supported by a renewed contract with The city of portland housing bureau, The happ team has delivered a total of 29 targeted webinars to over 300 people; provided 64 families with estate plans; and is working with 8 families currently.

In 2023, The tenant eviction defense (ted), with assistance from The modest means program, expanded its services to assist individuals facing eviction for non-payment of rent at The multnomah county courthouse, an area The Commons has identified as The greatest unmet need through data analysis and experimentation. Partnering with bienastar, ted offers on-site legal aid and rental assistance to eligible individuals. Our program's focus is for The rights of renters to be protected, evictions prevented and mitigated, and appropriate settlement agreements reached.