The Probono Project

Please review the available programs and submit a volunteer application form or contact Monique Drake at 581-4043.

The Project handles civil matters only. Referral areas include Family Law, Administrative Law, Housing Law, legal problems of the elderly, homeless and juvenile (abuse/neglect) cases. Click the Cases button to see a list of currently Available Cases.

Potential clients are screened to determine income eligibility and to assure that the case has legal merit. The case is then matched with a volunteer attorney according to his/her expressed area of interest. The Project sends written confirmation of the referral to the attorney, client and referral agency. Follow up and resources are provided by The Project until the case is closed.

Pro Bono provides an equitable distribution of cases among the members of the Bar and allows lawyers to share equally in their ethical pro bono obligation.
Affords practitioners an opportunity to expand and sharpen their legal skills through "hands on" experience.
CLE training is offered for free or at a reduced fee to Project volunteers.
Professional liability insurance is provided.
Reimbursement is available for reasonable and necessary litigation expenses.
Helps promote a more favorable image of the Bar.
Personal and professional satisfaction.

The Project uses a simple case reporting system.
The initial disposition card includes a retainer agreement which notifies the referral office whether the client has followed through on the referral. This card is to be returned after the initial interview.
The status of a pending case is summarized on the case update forms that The Project forwards periodically until the case is concluded.
When the case is closed, the attorney returns the closing and reimbursement cards to the office. Attorneys should be careful to note the number of hours devoted to the case.

Loss of financial eligibility after referral. Situations change and some clients may become ineligible for no-cost service after being accepted or referred. Also, cases that do not originally appear fee generating may become so upon closer investigation.
Pro Bono clients returning for additional services. Attorneys should note that Pro Bono clients are told that a pro bono referral is only for help with the problems specified on the referral letter to the client. If the attorney is interested in handling a new or different problem for the client, the attorney or the client should contact the office so that the new case(s) can be opened and the client's financial eligibility rechecked.
Appeals. Attorneys are asked to notify the office for statistical purposes when an appeal is taken on behalf of a pro bono client.
Please notify The Project if you suspect your client appears ineligible for free legal assistance. We will then investigate and if appropriate, notify both attorney and client of the ineligibility, and that the client is free to seek representation at an agreed fee from the pro bono referred attorney or another attorney of choice. The pro bono attorney may then affect withdrawal if necessary, as long as ethical considerations are satisfied.