A FEW HOURS OF YOUR TIME…
… can make a world of difference for you, for your profession and for the community.
A few hours donated to the Rhode Island Bar Association’s Volunteer Lawyer Program/Pro Bono Project can:
- Bring you great personal satisfaction.
- Provide an indigent client with badly needed professional help.
- Help you meet your pro bono commitment simply and easily.
- Increase your knowledge and experience in different areas of the law.
How the Program Works
The Rhode Island Bar Association’s Volunteer Lawyer Program/Pro Bono Project provides services to low-income clients which range from giving advice and counsel to writing a letter on behalf of a client to actual representation in court.
As a participating attorney, you are asked to accept one or two cases per year on a pro bono basis. You may specify the areas of law in which you prefer to take cases.
You will be contacted by the VLP staff and given the background information on the client and case. You then decide whether or not to take the case. If you accept, you will meet the client directly and handle the matter to its conclusion.
How Pro Bono Involvement Can Benefit You
The Volunteer Lawyer Program/Pro Bono Project will assist you in every way possible to help you provide high-quality services to the clients you accept. The Rhode Island Bar Association recognizes the efforts of volunteer attorneys and offers a broad range of support including:
- Free CLE training programs and materials.
- Free malpractice insurance to cover most Pro Bono cases which you accept.
- Reimbursement for litigation costs and other out-of-pocket expenses with prior approval.
- Access to mentor attorneys.
What the VLP Is
The Volunteer Lawyer Program/Pro Bono Project was created to provide legal assistance to people who cannot obtain legal representation either on their own or through other existing agencies.
It is sponsored by the Rhode Island Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service and funded by a grant from Rhode Island Legal Services, Inc. and the Rhode Island Bar Foundation.
The Need
Estimates indicate that there are over 100,000 people living below the federal poverty level in Rhode Island. Because of limited resources, many of these people are unable to obtain legal representation in matters crucial to their well-being. The active involvement of the private bar is critical in these cases. Volunteer attorneys contributing even a small amount of time can help to resolve difficult problems and restore peace of mind to people who could not otherwise obtain help.
A Little of Your Time
We need your help! Please return the attached form and volunteer to accept one or two cases during the coming year. A little of your time can make a big difference.
The Volunteer Lawyer Program/Pro Bono Project is funded by Rhode Island Legal Services, Inc., and the Rhode Island Bar Foundation and is offered as a public service by the Rhode Island Bar Association.