Clinics & Projects
Wage Theft Clinic
Wage theft and worker exploitation is rising in Massachusetts. Fortunately, volunteer attorneys can help. The Volunteer Lawyers Project has partnered with the Attorney General Office, Fair Labor Division, and various community partners* to combat this problem through our Wage Theft Clinic. These monthly clinics offer much-needed assistance to aggrieved employees by providing workers with limited legal consultation and outreach related to workers’ rights law.
Attorneys provide Limited Assistance Representation (LAR) to clients, meaning they are only involved in the case for that day. Not trained in LAR? Watch a training and read required materials.
How it Works
- A paralegal or law student screens interested clients for eligibility
- A VLP attorney matches the client with a volunteer.
- Volunteers discuss the client’s case and explain their rights. Attorneys may help their client draft a demand letter or prepare a small claims court complaint.
We have forms, files, reference materials and other necessary items for volunteer attorneys.
Benefits of Volunteering
- Limited Assistance Representation means you start and finish with your client on the same day; no greater commitment with court proceedings or legal services needed.
- Mentorship: Our newer attorneys learn from more experienced attorneys, and more seasoned lawyers get the chance to mentor and guide.
- Networking: Meet fellow attorneys in your area of practice and get connected with other legal professionals.
The Volunteer Lawyers Project provides primary malpractice insurance for all pro bono work.
If you don’t have experience in wage theft cases, we strongly suggest that you attend one of VLP’s free trainings before volunteering. Please check our calendar for upcoming training dates.
*Current Partners: Greater Boston Legal Services Inc., Justice at Work, Lawyers for Affordable Justice, Harvard Legal Aid Bureau, Suffolk University Law School, Volunteer Lawyers Project, Brazilian Worker Center, Brazilian Women’s Group, Chelsea Collaborative, Chinese Progressive Association, and Metrowest Worker Center.