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 – Spanish speaking client needs to take guardianship of mother who is in the late stages of dementia. The mother lives with the client who is her only child. The client is getting and updated DMAT. If you would like to assist with this case, please contact Public Services Senior Coordinator, Elisa King at (401) 421-7799 or eking@ribar.com.
US Armed Forces Legal Services Project
Woonsocket, Divorce (Initiate) – Client would like to initiate a divorce. There is no property, and one minor child of marriage who turns 18 on 5/16/25. The client still resides with wife and daughter who will be moving out shortly. Disabled Army Combat. If you would like to assist with this case, please contact Public Services Senior Coordinator, Elisa King at (401) 421-7799 or eking@ribar.com.
Volunteer Lawyer Program
Minor Guardianship – The client, a resident of Pawtucket, is the 19 year old sister of an 8 year old girl. Their mother died at the end of January. The client would like to be her sister’s legal guardian. The child’s father has been out of the child’s life for about 7 ½ years. However, he has recently been inquiring about visiting with the girl. The client is concerned about such visitations because the father is a registered sex offender.
Bankruptcy – The client would like to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to discharge unsecured debt of about $15K. They receive SSI, but they are being hounded by creditors.
If you would like to assist with both or one of these cases, please contact Volunteer Lawyer Program Coordinator, John Ellis at 401-421-7758 or jellis@ribar.com.