The Unemployment Law Project provides low-cost representation and free advice and counsel to people in Washington State who have been denied unemployment benefits or whose award of benefits is being challenged. focus and direction during the hearing and ensure that your voice is heard. Also, having a seasoned representative beside you can be invaluable in accessing and navigating the legal system in a time of stress and need.

If you have been denied unemployment benefits, you must first file an appeal with the state Employment Security Department (ESD) before you contact us. Simply write "I disagree with the decision, and would like a hearing." There is no need to explain the reasons why you disagree as that will be discussed in the hearing. If your appeal is late, explain why. But being sure to get the appeal filed within 30 days will make the process much easier.

If you have been denied unemployment benefits and have filed an appeal, your case will be sent to the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH).  This is the office that will hold your hearing by phone. Contact them and request that they send your file to the Unemployment Law Project.  The OAHs phone number should be 1-800-366-0955. The OAH offices have all of our contact information and will send us your file as soon as they are able. Contact us a few days later to see if we have received your file. If we have, we will set up a telephone intake interview to talk with you about your case.

If you have been denied unemployment benefits and already have a hearing date,  look at the top of the page of the "Notice of Hearing." You will see the address and phone number for the Office of Administrative Hearings. Immediately call that number and request that they send your file to the Unemployment Law Project. The Offices of Administrative Hearings has all of our contact information and will send your file as soon as they are able. Call us the following day after you make this request to see if we have received your file. If we have, we will set up an intake interview to talk with you about your case. If you have a hearing date within 24 hours of contacting us, we may not be able to represent you, but we will work with you to set up an appointment for you to speak with on of our representatives through our helpline.

Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Mission Statement: The Unemployment Law Project is a statewide, not-for-profit law firm that is established to provide advice, education, advocacy, services, and representation to unemployed workers, to defend the rights and benefits of workers and unemployed people, to advise workers regarding benefits, and to prevent economic insecurity among Washington’s working population.