Pro Bono Cases of the Month
Pro Bono Cases of the Month reflect one or more of the many requests for help from clients in desperate need through the Rhode Island Bar Association’s Volunteer Lawyer Program (VLP), Elderly Program or U.S. Armed Forces Legal Services Project. VLP, funded through a grant from Rhode Island Legal Services, Inc. and the Rhode Island Bar Foundation, provides pro bono legal services to qualified low-income Rhode Islanders. Participating attorneys provide legal assistance, at no charge. The client’s income must qualify under federally regulated guidelines to receive pro bono assistance, and the case must fall under one of the areas of law handled by the VLP. Clients may be responsible for filing fees, court costs and other out-of-pocket expenses.
Program for the Elderly
Providence, Guardianship – Client needs to take guardianship of disabled grandson who turned 18 on April 16, 2023. Client has had legal guardianship of grandson since he was a year old and parents were charged with neglect. DCYF terminated parents’ rights, neither client nor grandson have had contact with the parents in 17 years. If you would like to assist with this case, please contact Lawyer Referral Service & Elderly Pro Bono Program Coordinator, Elisa King at (401) 421-7799 or eking@ribar.com.
Volunteer Lawyer Program
Divorce, not yet filed, Newport – Client from Portsmouth has a 3 year RO against her husband. She would like a divorce. He was arrested in CT for shooting her dog. He also attempted suicide and sent client pictures of the aftermath. There is 1 child and no assets. Due to husband’s unstable behavior client would like custody of their 2-year-old child. If you would like to assist with this case, please contact Volunteer Lawyer Program Coordinator, John Ellis at 401-421-7758 or jellis@ribar.com.