The Legal Aid Bureau's (LAB's) Pro Bono Program allows volunteers to make equal access to justice a reality. We match volunteer attorneys, paralegals, and student interns with litigation/non-litigation opportunities based on their interests and availability. Volunteers learn new skills in an intimate setting, use their current skills to broaden resources for LAB clients and provide vital legal services to the most vulnerable individuals living in communities served by Metropolitan Family Services' community centers. Attorney and Paralegal Volunteer Opportunities
Pro Bono opportunities in family law, elder law, and poverty law include client interviews, contested litigation and/or presenting at "Know Your Rights" workshops. Please click here to fill out the Legal Aid volunteer form. (Please be sure to specify that you are seeking pro bono opportunities with the Legal Aid Bureau.)
Student Intern Volunteer Opportunities
The Legal Aid Bureau pairs law and undergrad students with staff attorneys and paralegals. Volunteers have opportunities to:
- Interview clients
- Prepare pleadings and discovery requests/responses
- Conduct legal research on actual cases
- Present cases at Case Acceptance meetings
- Handling status dates in court (711 license required)
- Argue uncontested or contested motions in court (711 license required)
Additional Pro Bono Programs Include
- Domestic Violence Courthouse Project (in partnership with DePaul University's Family Law Clinic)
- Collaborative Law Project
- Child Support Clinic (third Tuesday of the month) in partnership with the Law Offices of Cowell Taradash P.C. for clients trying to enforce child support orders
If you are interested in volunteering for the Legal Aid Bureau, please fill out the following form.
You CAN make a difference by helping to ensure that there truly is justice for all.
Do Free Law. It Pays. - click here to volunteer.
Pro Bono Opportunities
For attorneys and 711-eligible law students:
| Project |
Responsibilities |
Training |
Time Commitment |
| Family Law |
| Uncontested Prove-Ups |
- Elicit testimony from client in court and enter Judgment of Dissolution
|
One hour training |
One morning or afternoon in court |
| Uncontested divorces |
- Draft/file petition for dissolution of marriage
- Draft Judgment of Dissolution
- Appear in court to obtain final Judgment of Dissolution
|
One hour training |
5-10 hours over 3 month period |
| Contested cases |
- Co-counseling family law cases
- Handling Orders of Protection
|
Litigation and/or family law experience
Two hour training
|
Depends on case
10-15 hours per case
|
| Poverty and Elder Law |
| Litigation opportunities & Contested cases |
- Represent clients in cases involving appeals, guardianship, bankruptcy, consumer, housing, etc.
- Impact litigation
|
Requires litigation and/or background experience |
Depends on case |
| Non-litigation opportunities |
- Community legal education at MFS community centers, including bankruptcy, consumer, housing, adoption/guardianship, etc.
- Drafting wills and advising on trusts and estates issues
|
Requires expertise in substantive area |
One afternoon or evening, 1.5 hour presentation
Depends on case
|
LAB Provides
- MCLE accredited training and mentoring (in some substantive areas)
- Intake, client screening and scheduling
- Court filing, file checking, obtaining court dates
- Preparation of documents for Uncontested Prove-Ups
- Malpractice insurance
For paralegals, students, and administrative assistants:
|
Non-litigation opportunities
|
-
Assisting with community education and presentations
-
Client intake interviews
-
Assist Pro Bono Coordinator and/or Executive Director
-
Assist with outreach and publicity
|
Requires experience in substantive area
|
One afternoon or evening, 1.5 hour presentation
Must be available on Tues., Wed., or Thursdays, 3.5/hours per week, for at least 6 months
School-year and summer internships available
|
|