Volunteer Opportunities
Take A Case
VLS will work with you to find a case that meets your time constraints and comfort level. Use the opportunity to learn a new field or stick to what you know. Either way, we can give you a call when we get a case that meets your needs. Or, if you prefer, we can refer cases to you on a more routine basis.
NOTE: We especially need Spanish-speakers. We also need volunteer mediators and volunteers willing to serve as the attorney ad litem in uncontested pro se cases involving a missing spouse or respondent.
Give Advice at the Evening Legal Clinics
Giving advice at one of the evening legal clinics is a great way to help our low-income neighbors without a huge time commitment. The evening legal clinics are held on Monday and Wednesday evenings at local middle schools. The clinics generally run from 6:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
The need for help at the clinics is great. Typically, over 6000 people per year come to the clinics to get help.
Run an Assisted Pro Se Clinic
In our assisted pro se clinics, attorney and paralegal volunteers help low-income people with their uncontested legal matters. There is great satisfaction in helping small groups of people navigate the legal system and complete their case on their own.
Be a Mentor to Other Volunteers
Answering questions in your area of expertise is a way to help other attorney volunteers with their VLS cases and does not require a large time commitment. Mentors and consultants are invaluable sources of information to volunteers and help the experience be successful— which increases the willingness to volunteer again and ultimately, the number of people helped.
More Ways to Help
We are always in need of volunteer interpreters, paralegals, court reporters, and extra hands in general.
