The Legal Aid Society’s Pro Bono Program allows volunteers to make equal access to justice a reality.
LAS matches volunteer attorneys, paralegals, and support staff with litigation/non-litigation opportunities based on their interests and availability. Volunteers learn new skills, use their current skills to broaden resources for LAS’ clients, and provide vital legal services to the most vulnerable individuals living in communities served by Metropolitan Family Services.
LAS Provides
- MCLE accredited training and mentoring (in some substantive areas)
- Intake and client screening
- Malpractice insurance
- Ongoing substantive support in our areas of expertise
If you have questions about joining our volunteer community, please contact our Director of Pro Bono at LASprobono@metrofamily.org.
Opportunities
LAS provides a variety of pro bono opportunity types. Attorneys may take on individual cases for pro bono representation, volunteer at a clinic, or participate in one of our many pro bono events. LAS offers various volunteer projects for paralegals, including in-house volunteering.
Simple Divorce Program
Get great litigation experience representing clients in short divorce cases (about 3-6 months) with the training and support of LAS. Attorney volunteers have the opportunity to interview clients, prepare and file the pleadings for dissolution, conduct discovery as needed, and prepare clients for and elicit testimony from clients at prove-up hearings.
Power of Attorney Clinics
Help draft Powers of Attorney forms for senior citizen clients in need. LAS welcomes attorney and non-attorney volunteers to join our single-day clinics throughout Chicago. Volunteers will meet with seniors and assist them in filling out Healthcare and/or Financial Power of Attorney forms. No subject matter expertise is required to volunteer and LAS provides all necessary materials.
U Visa / VAWA Program
Assist low-income clients who qualify for legal status in the United States through U-Visa (crime victims) or VAWA (survivors of domestic violence) petitions. Pro bono attorneys work under the supervision of an LAS staff attorney to complete applications for these clients. Cases typically require 4-6 months of interviewing clients and drafting documents before submission.
Short Term Guardianship Clinics
Assist parents with completing Short Term Guardianship forms. LAS welcomes attorneys and non-attorney volunteers to join our one-day clinics. Volunteers will meet with parents at MFS community centers and assist them in filling out Short Term Guardianship forms. No subject matter expertise is required to volunteer and LAS provides all necessary materials and a training.
Pro Bono Cases
For a list of our current pro bono cases available for direct representation, please see our Paladin page. Case types vary from litigation to negotiation to advocacy and research.