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Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering volunteering but still have questions, read our FAQs. These are the most common questions from our volunteers.
General:
No time for a full case? You can still:
(1) take a case for Limited Assistance Representation (LAR). LAR refers to taking a case for a limited time period or for a limited purpose such as a specific hearing.
(2) Volunteer at Lawyer for the Day Projects or Clinics.
(3) If you are an experienced attorney, you can serve as a mentor for newer pro bono attorneys. Mentoring is rewarding and flexible.
(4) Contact VLP Pro Bono Manager Emelia Andres at eandres@vlpnet.org to discuss the range of pro bono opportunities at VLP.
(5) You can provide financial support –any amount is greatly appreciated.
Yes! Many retired and inactive attorneys volunteer with VLP. We will work with you to complete the paperwork required for these pro bono statuses.
Retired attorneys whose only legal practice consists of pro bono work for organizations like VLP can assume Pro Bono Retired status at no cost with the Board of Bar Overseers.
Inactive attorneys who limit their practice to pro bono can assume Pro Bono Inactive Status for a reduced BBO registration fee.
Another option is to connect with Senior Partners for Justice. Click here to read more.
No, you do not need your own malpractice insurance to volunteer at VLP. We provide primary malpractice insurance coverage for all VLP pro bono cases. Even if you have your own insurance, your VLP pro bono case will be covered by VLP’s malpractice insurance
No, you are not responsible for finding or paying for the interpreter on your case. VLP retains interpreters to assist in your communication with clients of limited English proficiency. Interpreters bill VLP directly. The attorney only needs to sign the interpreter’s time sheet to verify the interpreter’s time spent on the case.
As a volunteer, you are not responsible for filing or legal fees pertaining to your VLP case. Whenever possible, attorneys should file an Affidavit of Indigency for the client to get filing fees and court costs waived or paid for by the Commonwealth. VLP has limited funds to assist with litigation costs that are not otherwise covered. Please contact VLP to discuss your particular situation or needs.
Some routine costs are inherent in legal representation, e.g. copying, stationery, postage, etc. Panel attorneys may use the copier and postage meter in VLP’s office. VLP is unable to reimburse attorneys for mileage or parking.
- Bankruptcy
- Civil Appeals
- Consumer
- Domestic Violence
- Employment
- Family Law
- Guardianship
- Housing Law
- Probate
No, we do not have a time commitment. Attorneys can volunteer as often as they are able.
Volunteer Lawyers Project offers several different types of opportunities and cases. Most of our volunteers spend time at our clinics, others take on full-rep cases, while others mentor or provide legal assistance virtually. Ask for more information about the many ways you can volunteer.
Ready? If you haven’t already done so, fill out the Join VLP form, then contact our Pro Bono Manager Emelia Andres at eandres@vlpnet.org. Emelia will make sure you are all set up and informed about available cases.
You may also want to check out our Calendar of Events to see if there are any upcoming trainings in the areas you’re interested in. The Calendar will also list our New Volunteer Orientation sessions which we hold every other month.
Individuals with F-2 Visas are eligible to volunteer with VLP if they maintain their visa status. You do not need prior authorization from the US Government to volunteer.
Case Representation:
VLP has pro bono cases for attorneys at every level of experience, including basic cases for attorneys with no previous experience.
We can provide you with a mentor experienced in your legal area who can answer questions and provide guidance. We also offer trainings in all subjects we cover and strongly recommend that you take a training in the relevant subject before taking a case.
To view our upcoming trainings, visit our Calendar of Events.
To view recorded training videos, email Pro Bono Manager Emelia Andres @eandres@vlpnet.org.
Fill out the Join VLP form on this website and you’ll receive a login for our VLP Portal. There you can check available cases and gain access to our volunteer resources. We can also email you periodic updates with descriptions of available cases in your area of interest. Contact us or call 857-320-6446 and let us know the type of case you’re interested in and your level of experience.
Getting the File and Referral Memo
VLP staff meet with clients for an intake before a case is referred. During this meeting, we gather documents and assess the case for referral. When a case is ready for a volunteer attorney, the Pro Bono Manager sends an email to volunteers interested in that particular legal area with a brief summary of the case. Once you decide to take a case, you will receive a detailed memo and the documents in the file. We will also confirm the referral in writing with the client. You should reach out to your client to schedule an appointment.
Interpreters
VLP retains interpreters to assist in your communication with clients of limited English proficiency. We assign interpreters once the case has been accepted. The interpreter will be available to relay information throughout the duration of the case. The interpreter can also set up and attend meetings, provide interpreting services for phone calls and emails, and accompany you to a hearing for pre- and post-hearing client discussions. Both the client and the attorney are given the name and contact information for the interpreter. Interpreters bill VLP directly. The volunteer attorney only needs to sign the interpreter’s time sheet to verify the interpreter’s time spent on the cases.
Meeting the Client
You may meet with clients at your own office, the client’s home, or at VLP. To reserve a room at VLP, email our reception desk at receptionist@vlpnet.org or call 617-423-0648. Please provide the receptionist with your name, the client’s name, the room size needed, the date and time of the appointment, the approximate length of time required, and a number at which you can be reached.
Ongoing Support and Mentoring
VLP staff attorneys are available to consult with you on your pro bono cases.
If this is your first case in a subject area, we will pair you with a mentor who is an experienced volunteer attorney and member of Senior Partners for Justice.
If you would like a mentor and have not been assigned one, please contact Pro Bono Manager Emelia Andres at 857-320-6446 or by email to eandres@vlpnet.org.
If you have expertise in an area and are interested in serving as a mentor, please contact Senior Partners for Justice Manager Barbara Siegel at bsiegel@vlpnet.org or 857-320-6447.
Email Groups
We have email discussion groups or listservs available in many subject areas. They are a good way to get advice and sample practice materials about your pro bono cases from other attorneys. You must be registered as a volunteer and logged in to join our listserv.
Monthly Mentoring Roundtable
A roundtable is a peer-to-peer mentoring forum. It is an opportunity for volunteer attorneys to meet over lunch to talk about cases, dealing with clients, ethical issues, and the practice of law generally. You will learn from each other as you discuss issues that come up in your pro bono cases or practices.
Fees and Costs
Whenever possible, attorneys should file an Affidavit of Indigency for the client to get filing fees and court costs waived or paid for by the Commonwealth (Affidavit of Indigency). VLP has limited funds to assist with litigation costs that are not otherwise covered. Please contact VLP to discuss your particular situation or needs.
Some routine costs are inherent in legal representation, e.g. copying, stationery, postage, etc. Panel attorneys may use the copier and postage meter in VLP’s office. VLP is unable to reimburse attorneys for mileage or parking.
Case Management
VLP will check in with both you and the client periodically during the case to ensure that you are getting any support you need and that the matter is progressing satisfactorily. At the time of case closure, VLP will send a form to you requesting basic information about the case disposition.