Volunteer Lawyer Program

Volunteer Lawyer Program and Other Pro Bono Opportunities

Volunteer Lawyer Program (VLP)
The Volunteer Lawyer Program is sponsored by the Rhode Island Bar Association and funded by a grant from Rhode Island Legal Services, Inc. and the Rhode Island Bar Foundation. Established to serve those who cannot obtain legal representation on their own or through other agencies, the VLP is a critical access-to-justice initiative for Rhode Islanders living below the federal poverty line—estimated at over 10% of the state’s population.

Due to limited legal aid resources, many individuals are left without assistance in matters that deeply affect their lives—housing, family law, consumer issues, and more. Volunteer attorneys donating even a small amount of time can help resolve significant problems and restore stability, dignity, and peace of mind.

Why You Should Join

As a VLP attorney, you are asked to accept just one or two cases per year on a pro bono basis. You may specify the areas of law in which you are comfortable practicing. In return, the Bar Association provides:

Free training programs and practice materials
Free malpractice insurance coverage for cases accepted through our program
Reimbursement for litigation costs and out-of-pocket expenses (with prior approval)
Access to mentor attorneys
Free CLE attendance at VLP-sponsored programs when you accept cases
CLE vouchers for any RIBA-sponsored programs in exchange for 30 hours of pro bono service per year

Through the generous support of our volunteers, the VLP provides direct representation to nearly 1,000 individuals annually.

Make a real difference with your legal skills. Sign up to join the Volunteer Lawyer Program today:

Click here to complete the application form

Pro Bono Program for the Elderly
The Pro Bono Program for the Elderly helps income-eligible Rhode Islanders aged 60 and older with civil legal matters that impact their independence, safety, or quality of life. This program pairs experienced volunteer attorneys with elderly clients in need of compassionate and skilled representation.

Whether it’s assistance with housing, benefits, healthcare issues, or estate planning, your involvement helps safeguard the rights and dignity of one of our most vulnerable populations.

U.S. Armed Forces Legal Services Project
The U.S. Armed Forces Legal Services Project connects income-eligible military personnel, veterans, and their families with Rhode Island attorneys willing to provide free or reduced-fee legal services. Volunteer attorneys can assist in a range of civil legal matters—such as family law, landlord-tenant disputes, and consumer issues—supporting those who have served our country.

This is a meaningful way for Bar members to honor and give back to those who have dedicated their lives to public service.

Sign up to join the U.S. Armed Forces Legal Services Project today:

Click here to complete the application form

Join one or more of these vital programs and be a force for justice in our community!
Enrolling in one or more of these programs is simple and rewarding. Participation allows attorneys to grow their practice, gain valuable experience, and contribute to access to justice in Rhode Island.

For questions or additional information, please contact:
John Ellis
VLP Coordinator
📞 401-421-7758
📧 jellis@ribar.com

Serve Your Community with the Bar’s Volunteer Lawyer Program!

The VLP has shown me that pro bono service is excellent for the mind and soul...
As a corporate attorney who primarily works from home, the VLP not only affords me the opportunity to interact with and help my community, it also refreshes legal doctrine that has gone stagnant since bar prep. The VLP has shown me that pro bono service is excellent for the mind and soul and often reminds me why I went to law school.
Amanda Wuoti, Esq.

I would strongly encourage any attorneys who work in the public sector to consider volunteering with the VLP...
I am very grateful to the Volunteer Lawyer Program for offering an opportunity for me to use my skills as an attorney to give back to my community. I appreciate the opportunity through the VLP to work directly, one-on-one with clients, and the chance to personally connect with them throughout the representation. As a state attorney, I am afforded a work-life balance that allows me the flexibility to take on VLP cases without sacrificing time in my professional or personal life. I would strongly encourage any attorneys who work in the public sector to consider volunteering with the VLP – not only because VLP clients would otherwise not be able to afford such professional help, but also for the rewards that come along with providing that help and connecting with your clients.
Joshua Nault, Esq.
Department of Business Regulation

The Bar's public services programs have provided a great resource for those in our community...
The VLP has allowed me the opportunity to help people of limited means achieve their goals within the legal system. The Bar's public services programs have provided a great resource for those in our community in need of these services. The VLP staff have always been great to work with and it is hard to say “no” to any of them. I encourage everyone to get involved with the VLP and take cases.
Cristine L. McBurney, Esq.
McBurney Law Services