There are three ways you can contribute:
The Native Legal Net is funded by the Legal Services Corporation.
Volunteer Lawyers Program
In an ideal world, everyone would have access to the legal system and there would be justice for all. However, people living in poverty often consider justice to be a luxury they can't afford. By participating in the Volunteers Lawyers Program, you can make justice a reality for someone in need.
What the Program Is:
The Volunteer Lawyers Program works with individuals and various organizations to plant hope and nourish justice. This program matches indigent clients with volunteer attorneys and Tribal Court Advocates whose generous counsel gives thousands of people new hope for a better life.
Benefits
You'll find an impressive range of opportunities in the Volunteer Lawyers Program. Your guidance can be a gift to your client, the community, and yourself. In fact, many lawyers say that volunteering is the most satisfying aspect of their careers. Prove them right by participating in one or more of the following:
- Direct Representation of Eligible Low-Income Clients with Merit:Represent low-income clients on issues such as: consumer fraud, debt collection, family law, guardianship of incapacitated adults, home ownership, tenant's rights, and tort defense. We provide primary malpractice coverage, donated services to avoid litigation costs, mentors, consultants, CLE discounts, and training.
- Community Education:Volunteer lawyers present monthly talks to interest groups such as senior citizens and community organizations on topics covering: Domestic Violence, Family Law, Presentation of Small Claims Cases, Wills and Testaments, Landlord-Tenant Issues, AIDS and the Law, Employee Rights, and Driver's License Suspensions.
- Youth Education:Speak to high school students on subjects including: Paternity and Maternity, Rights of Young People, Delinquency, Consumer Issues, Defending Yourself in a Misdemeanor Criminal Case.
- Mentoring:Mentor or be mentored in a specialty area or present Continuing Legal Education seminars in your area of expertise.
- Office Intake:Advice and Brief Service.
Why Should You Join?
As a Volunteer Lawyer, the relationships developed by donating your time are invaluable, and you can be sure that every hour you give is well spent. We provide support staff and paralegals so you're free to concentrate on the work that only you can do. In addition, all our clients are screened in advance and every case is reviewed for merit, so you know your talents will be put to good use. In a hectic, stressful world, pro bono work is a thing of beauty. Here is where gratitude, respect, satisfaction and friendship flourish of their own accord. You represent the antidote to someone's distress. Whether you're a veteran attorney or just starting your career, you have a place in the Volunteer Lawyers Program.
To join the Volunteer Lawyers Program, fill out the following application then click the Send Application button. For more information, email Barbara Benavidez.