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THE
ARCHDIOCESAN LEGAL NETWORK OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES (ALN)
DATE & TIME:
Variable, depending on your schedule.
PLACE: Cases are tried at local D.C. and Maryland courts. Pro bono lawyers
may use meeting space at the Archdiocesan Legal Network of Catholic Charities,
1221 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.Washington, D.C. 20005.
BAR MEMBERSHIP: Lawyers must be members of the Maryland Bar to take Maryland
cases, I government attorneys do not need to be members of the D.C. Bar
to take D.C. cases pursuant to Rule 49; non-lawyers who wish to aid the
lawyers may volunteer under the supervision of a Bar member
NUMBER OF LAWYERS: Unlimited.
MALPRACTICE INSURANCE: Provided through the Archdiocesan Legal Network.
TRAINING/ORIENTATION/ASSISTANCE: ALN co-sponsors with the D.C. Bar periodic
training seminars, such as the wills seminar held in the spring. The Pro
Bono Program Manager will keep a schedule of upcoming training sessions.
If a sufficient number of our attorneys are interested, L ALN could provide
special training sessions in each subject area (ALN is very interested
in providing I training session on custody and other family law matters
since they particularly need volunteers in this area.) ALN provides mentor
attorneys for assistance and consultation. Volunteers may use meeting
space, telephones and limited secretarial assistance at the ALN office.
In addition, ALN has a paralegal who can provide Spanish translation service.
ALN also has reference materials available for volunteers. KINDS OF CASES:
ALN provides services to low?income individuals on landlord?tenant matters,
domestic relations issues, wills, conservatorships and guardianships,
government benefits, employment issues and bankruptcy matters. Attorneys
should contact ALN directly to express interest in a particular case.
CONTACT: James Bishop, ALN Director (202-772-4324), email bishopJ@catholiccharitiesdc.org.
See www.catholiccharitiesdc.org.
AYUDA
Inc.
DATE & TIME:
Variable, depending on your schedule.
PLACE: AYUDA's offices are located at 1736 Columbia Rd., NW, Washington,
D.C. Domestic violence cases are heard at D.C. Superior Court.
BAR MEMBERSHIP: Government attorneys who are not members of the D.C. bar
may participate as long as they meet the requirements of the government
employee section of Rule 49.
NUMBER OF LAWYERS: Unlimited. Attorneys who speak Spanish or other foreign
languages are preferred. Clients can be instructed to bring a translator
if the volunteer attorney does not speak the client's language.
MALPRACTICE INSURANCE: Provided through AYUDA.
TRAINING/ORIENTATION/ASSISTANCE: AYUDA co-sponsors periodic trainings
with the D.C. Bar on both domestic violence and immigration law. If a
sufficient number of our attorneys are interested, AYUDA could provide
special training sessions for us in domestic violence law. AYUDA provides
mentor services, and staff attorneys are available for assistance and
consultation. Staff attorneys have a number of frequently-used documents
on disk, both in English and in Spanish, available for volunteer attorneys.
Volunteers may use office space and telephones at AYUDA. AYUDA also has
a library, which includes a number of training materials and other relevant
resources. KINDS OF CASES: AYUDA represents foreign?born victims of domestic
violence in domestic violence, domestic relations and immigration cases.
AYUDA attorneys will also handle other cases that directly relate to violence
against the victim to resolve any issues that impact her safety (i.e.
small claims cases. Only domestic violence cases and related domestic
relations cases will be referred to Federal Government attorneys. Because
so many of AYUDA's clients speak Spanish or other foreign languages, volunteers
with foreign language capabilities are strongly preferred. However, clients
can be instructed to bring a translator with them if the attorney does
not speak Spanish. Clients typically need assistance obtaining civil protection
orders in D.C. Superior Court. Only clients who are documented and do
not need immigration assistance will be referred. Interested attorneys
should provide their contact information to AYUDA.
CONTACT: Lori Humphreys, 202-387-0434, x20.
BREAD FOR THE CITY'S
LEGAL CLINIC
DATE & TIME: Variable, depending on your schedule.
PLACE: Volunteers may use meeting space at the Legal Clinic's offices
(1525 'h St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001? Green Line to Shaw/Howard
Univ. Metro, exit on 81h & R Sts.). This also is the site of the monthly
employment clinic and the advice and referral clinic co-sponsored by the
D.C Bar.
BAR MEMBERSHIP: Attorneys need not be members of the D.C. Bar. Paralegal
help also is sought.
MALPRACTICE INSURANCE: Provided through the Legal Clinic.
TRAINING/ORIENTATION/ASSISTANCE: Formal training sessions co-sponsored
by the D.C. Bar are provided regularly throughout the year. There also
are occasional training sessions at area law firms. In addition, the Legal
Clinic has training materials (experienced attorneys may not need to attend
the formal training sessions), on-staff attorneys, and a network of mentors
KINDS OF CASES: Bread for the City is a non?profit agency that provides
food, clothing, social services, medical services and legal services to
D.C. residents. The legal clinic provides advice and full representation
to low?income clients. The legal clinic screens cases given to volunteers.
Although government employees cannot take public benefits cases, immigration
or bankruptcy cases, interested attorneys may take landlord/tenant, family
(including guardian ad litem for custody matters) and consumer law cases.
Case descriptions can be sent by e?mail or fax to volunteer attorneys.
The Legal Clinic co?sponsors a free legal advice and referral clinic with
the D.C. Bar on the second Saturday of each month. About 70% of the clients
seeking free legal services only require brief advice and counsel. The
clinic covers bankruptcy/debt collection, consumer, employment, family,
health, housing, immigration, personal injury, probate, public benefits
and tax issues. Visitors to the clinic will have an opportunity to meet
with the volunteer attorneys to discuss their problems and to receive
brief, general information or advice. Individuals with issues of likely
conflict, such as public benefits, immigration or bankruptcy will be handled
by a non?government clinic volunteer. The volunteers will not be assigned
to represent the clinic visitors, but may refer them to a legal or social
services agency to provide any needed additional information or service."
The D.C. Employment Justice Center, which specializes in employment law
matters, runs a Worker's Right? Clinic. This clinic is held on the first
and third Wednesday of each month from 6:00 p.m. to 8:OC p.m. Those interested
in volunteering for this clinic should contact Kerry O'Brien at 202-659-9589.
CONTACT: To volunteer, call Bread for the City's legal director, Elizabeth
Campbell, at 202-265-2400, or email ecampbell@breadforthecity.org. See
www.breadforthecity.org.
COVENANT HOUSE
WASHINGTON DIVISION OF LEGAL SERVICES
DATE & TIME: Variable, depending on your schedule. PLACE: 1015 15th Street,
N.W., Lower Level, #2, or the CHW Community Service Center, 3400 Martin
Luther King, Jr., Avenue, S.E.
BAR MEMBERSHIP: Not required for the legal education or other activities
that do not involve the practice of law. To take a case, lawyers must
be members of the D.C. Bar or work under the supervision of a D.C. Bar
member. Non?lawyers who wish to aid the lawyers with cases may volunteer
under the supervision of a Bar member.
NUMBER OF LAWYERS: Unlimited.
MALPRACTICE INSURANCE: Provided through Covenant House Washington (CHW).
TRAINING/ORIENTATION/ASSISTANCE: Training, office space, reference materials
and other support are provided as needed through CHW.
KINDS OF CASES: For more than twenty-five years, CHW has provided essential
services, such as shelter, food, and counseling to homeless, runaway,
abused and neglected children. CHW would welcome assistance with the weekly
workshops it provides to youth regarding violence and crime, housing,
custody, child care, public benefits, the legislative process, legal drafting,
and other issues involving legal rights and responsibilities. CHW, together
with the Archdiocesan Legal Network for Catholic Charities, also offers
monthly free legal consultations to area youth in the areas of domestic
relations, government benefits, labor/employment, bankruptcy/credit, wills/probate,
and landlord/tenant matters. This clinic currently is done on an advice?and?referral
basis; the clinic volunteer gives general advice and then refers the case
to another volunteer attorney via the Archdiocesan Legal Network for any
additional necessary work. In the future, CHW hopes that its volunteers
will be in a position to handle the cases discussed during the clinic.
When a youth has an issue that would involve an area of conflict for a
government volunteer, such as a government benefit issue, he or she will
be referred to a non?government volunteer.
CONTACT: Evita Smedley, Director of Legal Services, (202) 610-9602 x602,
email esmedley@chdc.org. or Benita Singletary, Coordinator of Volunteer
Activities, (202) 610-9621, e mail: singletarybo@chdc.org. See: www.covenanthousedc.org.
THE ARC OF THE
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, INC. (THE ARC OF D.C.)
DATE & TIME: Variable, depending on your schedule. Those who wish to serve
as mentors are asked to work with their constituent 12-15 hours per month.
This includes checking in by phone, meeting in person and/or going on
outings.
PLACE: The Arc of D.C. constituents are located throughout D.C. and Prince
George's County, MD. The Arc of D.C. is located at 900 Vamum St., N.E.,
Washington, D.C. 20017.
BAR MEMBERSHIP: Bar membership is not necessary for mentoring work. For
legal work, non- D.C. Bar members may work under the supervision of a
staff attorney or other D.C. Bar member.
MALPRACTICE INSURANCE: Provided through The Arc of D.C.
TRAINING/ORJENTATION/ASSISTANCE: All volunteers are given an orientation
before working with the Arc ofD.C. constituents. Additional training is
provided to the volunteers either one-on-one, or in groups, as appropriate.
TYPES OF CASES: The Arc of D.C. is a private, non-profit corporation founded
by parents of children with mental retardation. It is a membership organization
that has served persons with mental retardation for more than four decades.
As one of the 1,200 nationwide chapters, The Arc of D.C. serves as the
primary advocate for an estimated 18,000 D.C. citizens who have mental
retardation and provides direct services to nearly 1,000 clients annually.
Its programs and services seek to enhance the quality of life for the
individuals they serve by affording constituents the opportunity to live,
work, learn and play alongside their neighbors and making them valued
members of the community. The Arc of D.C. periodically needs volunteers
to assist clients with legal issues such as landlord?tenant or consumer
problems. Assistance with policy and legislative questions are also needed.
Volunteers are also needed to serve as mentors to individuals with mental
retardation. Such volunteers may be assigned to advise a constituent on
a variety of issues with which he or she may need assistance (such as
phone bill discrepancies or helping them to understand other documents),
or simply to serve as a "big brother" or "big sister" companion. Volunteers
increase the quality of these individuals' lives via what The Arc of D.C.
Arc terms "community integration." Mentors do not have to be attorneys.
CONTACT: Mary Lou Meccariello, Director of Program Services, 202-636-2950,
and Lydia Williams, 202-832-6860. See www.dc-arc.org.
D.C. BAR PRO BONO
PROGRAM ADVICE AND REFERRAL CLINIC
DATE & TIME: The Clinic is held on the second Saturday of every month
from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Volunteers should arrive at the Clinic by 9:30
for a brief orientation.
PLACE: Bread for the City's Legal Clinic, 1525 7th Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. (Green line to Shaw/Howard University Metro, exit on 8th & R Streets)
and at the Max Robinson Center in Anacostia, 2301 Martin Luther King,
Jr. Avenue, S.E. (Green line to Anacostia and easily accessible by car).
BAR MEMBERSHIP: Lawyers must be members in good standing of a state bar
or of the D.C. Bar. Those who are not D.C. Bar members will work under
the supervision of a D.C. Bar member (a volunteer D.C. Bar member or D.C.
Bar Pro Bono Program attorney). Legal assistants also are welcome.
NUMBER OF LAWYERS: Unlimited.
MALPRACTICE INSURANCE: Provided through the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Program.
TRAINING/ORIENTATION/ASSISTANCE: An orientation will precede the Clinic.
D.C. Bar ProBono Program mentors who are expert in the areas covered by
the Clinic will be available at clinics to assist volunteers. Reference
manuals will also be provided. KINDS OF CASES: This is an excellent opportunity
for attorneys and legal?assistants to engage in an important, although
very manageable, pro bono project. About 70% of those seeking free legal
services only require brief advice and counsel. This free clinic will
offer advice in civil legal matters governed by D.C. law in the areas
of bankruptcy/debt collection, consumer, employment, family law, health
law, housing law, immigration/asylum, personal injury, probate, public
benefits and tax issues. Clients of the Clinic will have an opportunity
to meet with the volunteer attorneys to discuss their problems and receive
brief general information or advice. Individuals with issues of likely
conflict to Federal Government attorneys, such as public benefits, will
be handled by a non?government Clinic volunteer. (The individuals are
initially screened for the types of issues they have. If in the course
of discussion another issue comes up that might create a conflict, the
individual would be sent to another volunteer.) The volunteer attorneys
will not be assigned to represent the Clinic clients, but may refer them
to a legal or social service agency to provide any needed additional information
or service.
CONTACT: Clinic Coordinators Dan Clark, 737?4700 x297, Mark Herzog, (202)
737?4700, x206, mherzog@dcbar.org. See www.dcbar.org.
D.C.
BAR PRO BONO PROGRAM PRO BONO CLINIC NIGHT
DATE: The D.C. Bar hosts a "clinic night" approximately three times per
month at which pro bono attorneys are matched with clients needing legal
assistance. DOJ staffs this clinic approximately ever 10?11months.
TIME: Interviews are scheduled for Wednesday evenings, either at 5:45
or 6:45.
PLACE: D.C. Bar Conference Center, 1250 H Street, NW, Washington,
D.C. BAR MEMBERSHIP: Any lawyer admitted to practice in the highest court
of any state or the District of Columbia.
NUMBER OF LAWYERS: Fifteen per session.
MALPRACTICE INSURANCE: Provided through the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Program
TRAINING/ORIENTATION/ASSISTANCE: A staff person from the D.C. Bar Pro
Bono Program gives an in?house orientation to the volunteers a couple
of days before the clinic. At that time, volunteers receive general information
about the structure of the clinic and the support that Pro Bono Program
provides, as well as their assigned case files. At "clinic night" attorneys
meet with their L new clients and conduct an approximately one?hour interview
to gather additional facts. Mentors I attend the clinic to assist volunteer
attorneys with evaluating the merits of the cases and to discuss strategies.
The mentors are available to advise volunteers on an ongoing basis.
KINDS OF CASES: Volunteers handle domestic relations (involving custody),
landlord?tenant issues, and perhaps personal injury defense. No public
benefits cases are given to Federal Government attorneys. The facts of
specific cases are available one week before clinic night. They can therefore
be assigned to specific attorneys prior to the clinic to allow time for
conflicts checks.
CONTACT: Laura Klein, DOJ Pro Bono Program Manager, 202-353-7529. See
www.dcbar.org.
D.C.
BAR PRO BONO PROGRAM PRO-SE-PLUS DIVORCE CLINIC
DATE & TIME: The Clinic is approximately 3 - 4 times per month. A schedule
is attached.
PLACE: The clinic is held at the D.C. Superior Court, 500 Indiana Ave.,
NW, Room 2500.
BAR MEMBERSHIP: Not required.
NUMBER OF LAWYERS: Unlimited.
MALPRACTICE INSURANCE: Provided through the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Program.
TRAINING/ASSISTANCE/ORIENTATION: All volunteers must go through training
offered by the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Program. Experienced family law practitioners
are part of each clinic workshop team. A resource manual and training
materials are also available.
KINDS OF CASES: Volunteers provide training and assistance to unrepresented
litigants in divorce cases at a series of two workshops. "They answer
questions and help pro se litigants to fill out forms. The volunteers
do not represent the litigants, and the issues are limited to D.C. divorce
law and procedure. The workshops cover filing requirements, identifying
issues that may be contested, service of process, default proceedings,
and how a hearing would proceed. CONTACT: Valarie Depres, (202) 737-4700.
EMPLOYMENT
JUSTICE CENTER
DATE & TIME: Variable, depending on your schedule. Clinics are held every
Wednesday from 6:00-9:00 p.m.
PLACE: Clinics occur at Bread for the City's Legal Clinic at 1525 7th
St., N.W., Washington, D.C 20001. Take the Green Line to Shaw/Howard Univ.
Metro, exit on 8th & R Streets. The Employment Justice Center's offices
are located at 1350 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite 600.
BAR MEMBERSHIP: Attorneys do not need to be members of the D.C. Bar in
order to participate. Paralegal help also is sought.
MALPRACTICE INSURANCE: Provided through the Employment Justice Center.
TRAINING/ORIENTATION/ASSISTANCE: Formal training sessions co?sponsored
by the D.C. Bar are provided once a year. There are also periodic training
sessions at area law firms. In addition, the Employment Justice Center
has training materials available for new volunteers (experience attorneys
may not need to attend the formal training sessions) as well as an on?staff
attorney and a network of mentors to provide support.
KINDS OF CASES: The Employment Justice Center provides brief services,
advice, referrals and full representation to low?income clients on employment
law matters including unpaid wages, unemployment compensation, workers'
compensation, family and medical leave act issues, sexual harassment,
welfare to work issues, discrimination and disability accommodation. The
project screens all cases given to its volunteers. Case descriptions can
be sent by email to volunteer attorneys.
CONTACT: To volunteer, call Kerry O'Brien or Judy Conti at (202) 828?9675
or e?mail to justice@dcejc.org. See: www.dcejc.org.
LAW
FOUNDATION OF PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, INC.
DATE & TIME: Variable, depending on your schedule.
PLACE: Probono lawyers may use meeting space at the Law Foundation's offices
(5303 Baltimore Avenue (Rte. 1), Hyattsville, MD). Volunteers also may
work at a number of Prince George's County shelters or soup kitchens (generally
located in Hyattsville, Capitol Heights, Beaver Heights and Adelphi) during
the evenings, at lunch time or on weekends.
LAW MEMBERSHIP: Volunteers must be members of the Maryland Bar to volunteer
with the Law Foundation's programs.
MALPRACTICE INSURANCE: Provided through the Prince George's County Law
Foundation.
TRAINING/ORIENTATION/ASSISTANCE: Formal training sessions are provided
once per year. However, videotapes of a training session and a manual
are available for volunteers. In addition, the Law Foundation has a network
of mentoring attorneys including a family law clinic operated by three
leading family law attorneys in Prince George's County.
KINDS OF CASES: The Law Foundation has several programs. The main program
consists of representing individual clients in family law, landlord?tenant,
tort defense, replevin, will and power of attorney preparation, and school
suspension cases not involving drugs or weapons. The Law Foundation contacts
its registered volunteers to place such cases. Other programs include
representation in simple bankruptcy Chapter 7 matters, (sliding fee) reduced
fee mediation, and a pilot program of reduced fee contested custody matters.
Federal Government attorneys will not be referred bankruptcy cases. Another
program involves volunteering during the evenings or on weekends at one
of several shelters in the county. In the shelter program, attorneys would
meet with clients who are homeless or in imminent danger of becoming homeless.
While the majority of matters handled at the shelters can be addressed
informally during the consultations at the shelters, volunteer attorneys
are expected to do the necessary follow?up work. However, the Law Foundation
will find other attorneys to do the follow?up work if the volunteer is
unfamiliar with a particular area of law, lacks the time to handle the
matter, or has a conflict of interest. The volunteer schedules for the
shelters are arranged by the Law Foundation for six month periods. Volunteers
usually work four to five times per year. Government attorneys may be
paired with non?government attorneys to avoid possible conflicts of interest.
CONTACT: To volunteer, call the Law Foundation's Program Director, Neal
Conway, or Chief Attorney, Ellen Bigham, at 301-864-4907, email lawfopg@clark.net.
See: www.mlsc.org.
LAWYERS FOR CHILDREN
AMERICA (LFCA)
DATE & TIME: Variable, depending on your schedule.
PLACE: 2000 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. Cases are tried at D.C. Superior
Court.
BAR MEMBERSHIP: Attorneys do not need to be members of the D.C. bar. Non?lawyers
may assist with case preparation and social work component of the project.
NUMBER OF LAWYERS: Unlimited.
MALPRACTICE INSURANCE: Will be provided through Lawyers for Children America
(LFCA Attorneys should confirm coverage prior to taking a case assignment.
TRAINING/ORIENTATION/ASSISTANCE: Volunteers are required to attend a one?day
Initial Core Training. The required one-day training series is offered
at least three times a year through LFC and once per year through the
Counsel for Child Abuse and Neglect (CCAN) Office of the D.C. Superior
Court. Follow-up training in various areas is offered throughout the year.
Courtroom observations and tours are part of the training as well. LFCA
provides seminar materials (including. two?volume local child welfare
practice manual) and case consultation and courtroom assistance, as needed.
TYPES OF CASES: LFCA emphasizes a multi?disciplinary approach to the representation
of abused and neglected children in civil actions brought in D.C. Superior
Court. Pro bono lawyers receive intensive training on the laws and procedures
governing child abuse and neglect court proceedings, as well as on child
development and pertinent psycho?social issues affecting these children.
These attorneys also learn about the various remedial and support services
available in the community to assist both the children they represent
and their families. Cases are assigned to a team of one or two attorneys,
and a paralegal or administrative assistant. Once a case is assigned,
LFCA provides consultation and support to the team to analyze the case,
assess the client's needs, and identify appropriate social services for
the child and family.
CONTACT: Danielle Chappell, LFCA Program Director, (202) 419-2604, or
Keely Magyar, LFC Program Director, (202) 419-2603.
LEGAL
AID BUREAU OF MARYLAND (LAB)
DATE & TIME: Variable, depending on your schedule. Typically, volunteers
in the Metropolitan Maryland Office (serving Montgomery, Prince George's,
and Howard Counties) work one or two days per week for six months to a
year. We have also had volunteers work for the summer and for as long
as four years. Intake is generally done by telephone, although walk?in
clients are not turned away. The intake schedule at the Metropolitan Maryland
office is: 1. Consumer/Bankruptcy: Monday and Fridays, 9:00 a.m. to 11:30
a.m. 2. Housing/Landlord and Tenant: Mondays and Fridays, 1:00 p.m. to
3:00 p.m. 3. General Intake (any non?domestic problem, such as public
benefits, housing, consumer law); Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:00103:00 p.m.
4. Domestic/Family Law: Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 5. Spanish
Speaking Intake: Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. to noon. 6. Elder Law (60 years
old and older): Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. to noon.
PLACE: LAB has eleven offices throughout Maryland. Montgomery, Prince
George's and Howard Counties are served in the Metropolitan Maryland office
(6811 Kenilworth Avenue, Suite 500, Riverdale, MD 20737), as well as satellite
offices in Silver Spring and Ellicot City. Other offices are located in
Cumberland, Annapolis, Baltimore (our main office), Towson, Centreville,
Frederick, Bel Air, Hughesville, and Salisbury, Maryland.
BAR MEMBERSHIP: Volunteers must be members of the Maryland Bar to litigate
cases, but need not be members of the Maryland Bar to assist in non?litigation
matters.
MALPRACTICE INSURANCE: Provided through the Legal Aid Bureau of Maryland.
TRAINING/ORIENTATION/ASSISTANCE: Volunteers for this program are considered
"members of the (LAB) Volunteer Staff." Because of federal funding requirements,
LAB requests resumes from its volunteers and checks references. In?house
training and mentoring are provided.
KINDS OF CASES: LAB is a staffed legal services program offering free
civil legal services to the low income population throughout Maryland.
LAB accepts cases in the areas of family/ domestic law, public benefits,
landlord?tenant, and consumer cases. LAB also provides specialized representation
through grants or contracts to senior citizens, nursing home residents,
migrant farmworkers and children alleged to be abused or neglected. Those
calling LAB for assistance may receive: a referral to another agency that
may be able to help, advice, assistance with court filings, or representation.
Outreach is ' also conducted throughout Montgomery, Prince George's and
Howard Counties. This includes informational presentations on legal issues,
and interview sites.
CONTACT: For more information or to volunteer in the Metropolitan Maryland
Office, call the LAB Chief Attorney, Blake Fetrow, at 301-927-2101, ext.
3022. For information about other LAB offices, call the LAB Main Office
at 1-800-999-8904. E?mail metropolitanmd@mdlab.org. See: www.mdlab.org.
THE
LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (LAS)
DATE & TIME: Variable, depending on your schedule.
PLACE: Pro bono lawyers may use the conference room or offices at the
Legal Aid Society, 666 11 Street, N.W., Suite 800, Washington, D.C. 20001.
' Cases are tried at D.C. Superior Court.
BAR MEMBERSHIP: Government attorneys do not need to be members of the
D.C. Bar in order to participate. Non-lawyers who wish to aid the lawyers
may volunteer under the supervision of a D.C. Bar member.
NUMBER OF LAWYERS: Unlimited.
MALPRACTICE INSURANCE: Provided through the Legal Aid Society.
TRAINING/ORIENTATION/ASSISTANCE: LAS co?sponsors periodic framings with
the D.C. Bar. If a sufficient number of our attorneys are interested,
LAS could provide special training session for us in each subject area.
LAS provides mentor services, and staff attorneys are available for assistance
and consultation. Staff attorneys have a number of frequently?used documents
on disk available for volunteer attorneys. Volunteers may use office space
at the LAS office. LAS also has a library, which includes a number of
training materials and other relevant resources.
KINDS OF CASES: LAS is the longest?serving legal assistance program in
D.C. LAS provides pro bono representation to the community's poorest individuals
on family law, domestic violence, landlord tenant, public benefits and
disability matters. Initial intake is done by LAS. Government benefits
and disability cases will not be referred to Federal Government attorneys.
Individual attorneys can contact LAS to get on the broadcast e?mail lists.
Additional information regarding the Legal Aid Society is provided in
the LAS annual report.
CONTACT: Virginie Ladisch, Pro Bono Director, (202) 628?1161; probono@legalaiddc.org.
See: www.legalaiddc.org.
LEGAL
COUNSEL FOR THE ELDERLY (LCE)
DATE & TIME: Variable depending upon your schedule. PLACE: Pro bono lawyers
may use the interview rooms at Legal Counsel for the Elderly, 601 E. Street
NW, Washington D.C. or visit homebound clients at their homes. BAR MEMBERSHIP:
Lawyers should be members of the D.C. Bar. Government attorneys who are
members of other bars should contact LCE. Non?lawyers who wish to aid
the lawyers may volunteer. NUMBER OF LAWYERS: Unlimited. MALPRACTICE INSURANCE:
Provided through Legal Counsel for the Elderly. TRAINING/ORIENTATION/ASSISTANCE:
Volunteer attorneys can use office space and secretarial assistance at
the LCE office. Each year, LCE co?sponsors trainings with the D.C. Bar
in the areas of landlord/tenant, wills and advance directives, social
security disability and bankruptcy. If a sufficient number of our lawyers
are interested, LCE could provide a special training session for us. Staff
or volunteer lawyers are available for consultation. KINDS OF CASES: (1)
Wills. Many of LCE's elderly clients need wills, powers of attorney for
finances and for health care decisions, and living wills. Most clients
have very limited estates, normally consisting of only the homestead and
some personalty. The wills are normally simple and straightforward. Shirley
Williams, Volunteer Lawyers Project Coordinator, is the contact person
and "mentor" on wills. Forms for all the documents are available on disk.
Initial intake is done by LCE in person or through the telephone hotline.
Staff attorneys are always available for consultation and assistance.
(2) General caseload. LCE handles landlord?tenant cases, guardianships,
real estate, consumer law, collections, contracts, and public benefits
cases. (The latter would be excluded from our program.) Individual attorneys
can indicate their interest and get on the broadcast e-mail list. CONTACT:
Shirley Williams, Volunteer Lawyers Project Coordinator, (202) 434?2120,
e?mail SMWIlliams@aarp.org. See www.aarp.org.
LEGAL SERVICES
OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA (LSNV)
DATE & TIME: Variable, depending on your schedule.
PLACE: LSNV's offices are located at 6400 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church,
VA. Their Saturday Uncontested Divorce Clinic is held at their Fairfax
office (4080 Chain Bridge Rd.).
BAR MEMBERSHIP: Attorneys must be members of the Virginia Bar, unless
taking a case involving a District employer. There are also opportunities
for paralegals.
MALPRACTICE INSURANCE: Provided through Legal Services of Northern Virginia.
TRAINING/ORIENTATION/ASSISTANCE: Formal training sessions are provided
at various times throughout the year. The Hotline training is held each
spring. In addition, LSNV assigns mentors to its volunteer attorneys.
KINDS OF CASES: LSNV serves Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William
counties and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas,
and Manassas Park. All intake is conducted by LSNV. Volunteers may provide
direct representation to clients, co?counsel cases with LSNV staff attorneys,
conduct legal research for LSNV staff and pro bono attorneys, mentor LSNV
staff attorneys and probono attorneys, conduct trainings for pro bono
attorneys, prepare community legal education materials and perform community
outreach, conduct information sessions for clients, and/or provide administrative
support to LSNV. LSNV's cases involve housing, family law, employment
law, public benefits and bankruptcy cases. (Public benefits and bankruptcy
cases will not be assigned to Federal Government volunteers.) LSNV/VBA
Hotline: LSNV also has a "Hotline Program,"which is staffed by volunteer
attorneys at the Falls Church office on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30
p.m. to 4:30 p.m. In this program, pro bone attorneys provide advice and
counsel by telephone to clients on issues involving family law, domestic
violence and housing law. Volunteers are supervised by a mentor attorney
from the LSNV. Housing, Consumer and Employment Law Projects: Volunteer
attorneys meet with clients to conduct an initial interview, investigate
the merits of the case, provide advice and counsel and, in appropriate
situations, undertake representation. These projects often are co-sponsored
by local bar associations which help provide training to the volunteers.
Family Law Projects: Volunteer attorneys on the LSNV Family Law Panel
accept custody, support and divorce cases for advice and counsel, as well
as for representation in court proceedings. Experienced family law attorneys
act as mentors. The Uncontested Divorce Clinic (held on the fourth Saturday
of each month) utilizes paralegals and attorneys to provide legal services
to individuals seeking uncontested divorces in Fairfax, Alexandria and
Arlington. Domestic Violence Pro Bono Panel: Volunteer attorneys obtain
protective orders for victims of domestic violence. In some instances,
representation continues in related custody and support pennons. Attorneys
who speak other languages are especially encouraged to participate on
this panel. The Law Center for Children Project (TLC): TLC advocates for
young people in the areas of health, child welfare, disabilities, education
and custody. TLC's pro bono panel consists of volunteer attorneys and
paralegals who provide assistance with community education and outreach,
legal reseal and direct representation. Bankruptcy Pro Bono Panel: Volunteer
attorneys conduct monthly informational sessions for client exploring
the option of filing bankruptcy. LSNV staff attorneys then screen attendees
for referrals to participating pro bono attorneys. (Check with your ethics
advisor for possible conflicts of interest.)
CONTACT: Karen Zeineddin, Pro Bono Coordinator (703-246-4521), or Eric
Moe, Pro Bono Assistant (703-538-3954), email eric_mo@yifan.net. The main
number is 703-534-434 See: www.legalaidhelp.org.
THE PRO BONO RESOURCE
CENTER OF MARYLAND, INC.
The Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland, Inc. (PBRC) is the statewide
coordinator of volunteer civil legal services. PBRC's mission is to promote
equal access to justice in Maryland by coordinating and supporting volunteer
civil legal services, providing resources and support for legal advocates
for the poor, and promoting cooperation within the legal community. PBRC
publishes the Guide to Legal Services in Maryland which describes legal
organizations throughout the state that are geared primarily to assisting
individuals with limited income who are seeking legal assistance. The
Guide, which was updated in 2000, includes a topical and geographical
index, but does not indicate whether the organization provides malpractice
insurance for their volunteers. For more information on a specific volunteer
opportunity with any of the organizations listed in the Guide, or to order
the most recent edition of the Guide, contact PBRC directly at (800) 492-1964
extension 257 or (410) 837-9379. Email pbrc@probonomd.org.
MONTGOMERY
COUNTY BAR FOUNDATION PRO BONO PROGRAM
DATE & TIME: Variable, depending on your schedule. Intake hours are Monday
to Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Clients must call in advance for an
initial screening.
PLACE: The Bar Foundation's offices are located at 27 West Jefferson Street,
Rockville, MD, 20850
BAR MEMBERSHIP: Attorneys must be members of the Maryland Bar. Paralegal
help is also needed.
MALPRACTICE INSURANCE: Provided through fee Pro Bono Program.
TRAINING/ORIENTATION/ASSISTANCE: Seminars are provided throughout the
year. In the spring, the Bar Foundation will hold a two?evening family
law seminar. The seminar is free as long as the volunteer agrees to accept
a probono case. Participants will be assigned mentors.
KINDS OF CASES: The Bar Foundation refers low-income Montgomery County
residents to volunteer attorneys. The Pro Bono Program handles the following
types of cases: guardianship, custody (only if custody has not already
been established), adoption, absolute divorce, bankruptcy (Chapter 7 only),
debt collection (defense only), landlord/tenant, and some immigration
cases. The Program does not handle criminal cases, traffic issues, appeals,
modifications, child support, legal separations, limited divorces, employment
issues, or social security disability issues. Volunteers are needed to
take individual cases and/or to volunteer at one of its three advice and
referral clinics in Montgomery County
CONTACT: Maria M. Delgado, Office Administrator, email mdelgado849@earthlink.net
or Debbie Craven, Clinic Coordinator, 301-424-2706, See: www.montbar.org.
THE MULTIDOOR DISPUTE
RESOLUTION DIVISION OF THE D.C. SUPERIOR COURT
DATE & TIME: Variable. Small Claims mediators must commit to mediate three
mornings per month for one year. Family mediators must mediate two cases
per month (one to three hours) for one year. Civil neutrals (used by the
MDRD as an all?inclusive term for mediators, arbitrators or case evaluators)
are requested to commit to six days per year or to accept approximately
20 cases.
PLACE: D.C. Superior Court, 500 Indiana Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20001 (program offices, small claims and family mediation). Civil mediation
sessions are held in the Multi-Door Mediation Center, 515 5th Street,
N.W., Building A, Room 112, Washington, D.C.
BAR MEMBERSHIP: Mediators in the Small Claims and Family Mediation programs
may be non- lawyers. Civil mediators must be licensed to practice law
in any jurisdiction in the U.S. Civil case evaluators must be members
of the D.C. Bar, have at least five years of litigation experience in
the are; of law in which they will evaluate cases, and have conducted
at least three civil trials of more than four hours in length. Civil arbitrators
must be members of the D.C. Bar who have been licensed to practice law
in D.C. for at least five years and who have participated in at least
three civil trials of more than for hours in length.
NUMBER OF LAWYERS: Unlimited. The MDRD's selection process, however, is
quite competitive.
MALPRACTICE INSURANCE: Provided through the Multidoor Dispute Resolution
Division.
TRAINING/ORIENTATION/ASSISTANCE: There are typically three to four times
as many applicants as the number of those selected and trained for this
program. The selection/ orientation/candidate evaluation for the Small
Claims and Family Mediation program includes a videotaped mock interview
with an individual with a dispute, as well as an individual candidate
interview. Neutrals for the Civil program are selected based on their
experience. Training programs range from 60 hour courses for Family Mediation,
40 hour courses for Small Claims, and one-to-two day training sessions
for Civil neutrals. Training schedule varies; those who file an application
for the program will be notified when selection interviews are scheduled.
Following initial training, volunteers are given individual attention
through formal instruction, mentoring, one-on-one observation and coaching.
Each volunteer is evaluated periodically.
KINDS OF CASES: (1) Family Mediation. The Family Mediation Program provides
mediation to people who have disputes regarding family matters, such as
child support, custody, visitation, and other divorce issues. The program
provides citizens with an alternate method of resolving family disputes
with emphasis on the best interests of the child, empowerment of the parties
and facilitating communication between the parties. (2) Small Claims.
Small claims disputes typically involve consumer and service provider
complaint with claims for monetary compensation of $5,000 or less. Small
claims mediators also mediate certain types of collection matters with
claims up to $25.000. (3) Civil ADR. The civil ADR program is governed
by court order and covers a variety of civil L disputes. Approximately
90?120 days after the filing of a civil complaint in the D.C. Superior
Court, y the judge conducts a scheduling conference, at which time the
judge and parties decide which ADR technique is best. The ADR session
typically is held following the close of discovery and the deadliNE for
filing dispositive motions. Cases are assigned based on the case type
and the neutral's legal expertise. Probate and tax assessments are included
in this program; neutrals undergo additional training for eligibility
to mediate these cases.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Applications for the Small Claims and Family Mediation
program are available from the Pro Bono Program Manager. Those who wish
to apply for the Civil program should call Wallace Meissner of the Civil
ADR Program at 202-879-1974 to provide a name and address. Civil program
applications are sent out to candidates as the time for a training session
draws near (probably next fall; no date has yet been set).
CONTACT: Karen Leichtnam, (202) 879-1597. For training information email
Wallace Meissnei the Civil ADR Training Manager at meissnerw@dcsc.gov.
See www.dcbar.org (select "DC Superior Court" then select "Multi-Door
Dispute Resolution").
STREET LAW
DATE & TIME: Variable, depending on the program select
PLACE: Street Law is affiliated with schools and legal education programs
throughout the country and abroad. In the D.C. metropolitan area, the
Parents and the Law (PAL) program takes place in D.C. and Prince George's
county public schools. The Street Law at Georgetown Law School program
takes place at D.C. senior high schools. The Save Our Streets Program
(SOS) is taught in the D.C. Superior Courthouse (500 Indiana Ave., N.W.).
Street Law also has programs in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties
and Alexandria senior high schools (not in Arlington at present), as well
as in other parts of the U.S.
PROGRAMS: Street Law creates education programs about the law, democracy
and human rights throughout the country and abroad. They have a long?standing
affiliation with Georgetown University Law School. Parents and the Law
(PAL): PAL helps at?risk teen and young parents to navigate a maze of
legal issues related to parental rights and responsibilities. Volunteers
can serve as resources to the people teaching PAL classes. Volunteer attorneys
can share their expertise about laws and community resources to teach
the teens the information they need to solve their own problems (Attorneys
are asked to commit to three class periods; each class lasts from one
to one and a half hours.) Non?lawyers may share expertise on other topics,
such as nutrition or child?development, or volunteer as a teacher's aide
in the classroom or work one?on?one with a teen parent. Street Law at
Georgetown Law School: In this clinic, law students teach a two?semester
elective course in practical law (criminal, torts, consumer, housing,
family and individual rights law) in D.C. senior high schools. The highlight
of the course is a city?wide mock trial tournament before D.C. Superior
Court judges. Volunteer attorneys can do a class presentation on a substantive
issue, help prepare a class for the mock trial competition, or take a
class on a field trip to the Justice Department. Attorneys are also needed
for scoring and judging the citywide mock trial competition each March.
The time commitment is flexible and can be anywhere from one to five hours
per week, depending on the level of involvement. Activities would take
place during the school day and some weekends. To help with scoring or
judging the mock trial competition, you would only have to commit to two
evening; at the end of March for four to five hours each evening. Save
Our Streets (SOS) and the D.C. Courts Program: This program is offered
in D.C. for youths charged with weapons offenses, who are referred to
the program by a D.C. Superior Court Order. The youths attend 12 ninety-minute
interactive classes on Saturday mornings or afternoons. Each lesson is
designed to examine laws and issues that impact the student and the community,
discuss information on the community resources available; and provide
opportunities for negotiation skills building. Volunteers serve as outside
community resource persons to assist the SOS class instructor in an area
where they have some applicable knowledge and experience to contribute.
Knowledge dealing with juveniles, conflict resolution, or the juvenile
court system are especially valuable. For attorneys interested in serving
as community resource persons, there are a number of available lessons.
Classes run throughout the year, so interested persons may assist at any
time. There is no set time commitment for volunteer resource persons.
Street Law Classes in Other High Schools: Attorneys can assist social
studies teachers in high school who teach practical law elective courses.
Lawyers are sought to teach about a relevant area of his or her expertise
during classroom visits. In the D.C. area, opportunities are available
in D.C., Montgomery, Prince George's and Alexandria public schools. There
are programs throughout the nation and even abroad.
CONTACTS: Street Law has a web site at www.streetlaw.org and e?mail address:
clearinghouse@streetlaw.org.. For PAL, call Alexandra Ashbrook (202-293-0088,
ext. 248). For Street Law at Georgetown Law School, call Professor Rick
Roe (202-662-9615, email roe@law.georgetown.edu.) For SOS, call Deborah
Foster (202-293-0088, ext. 223, email Dfoster@streetlaw.org). For other
law related education programs in high schools, call Lee Arbetman (202-293-0088,
ext. 230).
WASHINGTON LEGAL
CLINIC FOR THE HOMELESS (WLCH)
DATE & TIME: Variable, depending on your schedule. Volunteers may conduct
intake once a month or once every two months and/or accept cases 'on a
referral basis. Homeless shelter and soup kitchen intake sites are staffed
in the evenings, early mornings and at lunchtime. Volunteers should first
attend a training session.
PLACE: WLCH sponsors ten intake sites in Washington, D.C. A short description
of each of the sites, as well as intake time and closest metro stops,
is attached.
BAR MEMBERSHIP: Federal lawyers who are members of a bar in good standing
may volunteer; non-lawyers who wish to aid the lawyers may volunteer under
the supervision of a D.C. Bar member.
MALPRACTICE INSURANCE: Provided through WLCH.
TRAINING/ORIENTATION/ASSISTANCE: Genesis Fisher (202-872-1927) is the
Coordinator of Volunteers. Training programs are available periodically.
Call Genesis for information about the next session. If a sufficient number
of our attorneys are interested, WLCH can provide a special training session
for us. WLCH has an intake manual, an in-house library and many informational
packets to assist volunteers with recurrent issues. In addition, a WLCH
staff attorney is available for consultation. Volunteer attorneys may
use office space, telephones and secretarial assistance at the WLCH office,
1800 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., 6th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20036. While
individual government attorneys are encouraged to volunteer as a team
with a non?government attorney (WLCH reports that many of their volunteers
find this to be a convenient and satisfying way to volunteer), WLCH will
attempt to place government attorneys with an appropriate attorney for
intake sessions.
KINDS OF CASES: Clients are homeless, living in shelters or in imminent
danger of becoming homeless. The majority of matters handled at the intake
sites can be handled informally. Many of the clients simply need someone
to sort out their problem, let them know their rights, provide advice,
or make a phone call for them. Issues include landlord-tenant, credit
employment and other civil matters. Public benefits cases will be referred
to volunteer non?government attorneys. While most attorneys participate
by staffing an intake site once a month or every other month, attorneys
may be placed on a mailing list to learn of cases needing lawyers by calling
Genesis Fisher at WLCH. As with all pro bono cases, volunteers must obtain
the requisite authorization before doing pro bono work.
CONTACT: Genesis Fisher, Coordinator of Volunteers, (202) 872-l927, washlch@erols.com.
See: www.legalclinic.org.
WASHINGTON
LEGAL CLINIC FOR THE HOMELESS, INC.
Intake Sites --
CENTRAL UNION MISSION 1350 R Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20009 (202)
745-7118 Central Union Mission provides overnight shelter, dinner, breakfast,
and supportive services to homeless men. They also provide transitional
living for approximately 30 men. WLCH intake Wednesday noon -1:00 p.m.
(U Street/Cardozo metro stop yellow/green line)
CHARLIE'S PLACE St. Margaret's Episcopal Church 1830 Connecticut Avenue,
N.W. Washington, D.C. 20009 Charlie's Place (La Casa de Carlos) is a day
program offering breakfast on Tuesdays and Fridays. A social worker and
arts and language teachers provide social services and enrichment programs
for .English and Spanish speakers. Charlie's Place serves as the Legal
Clinic's Spanish-language intake site. Volunteers must be fluent in Spanish.
WLCH intake The second Tuesday of each month, 7:50 a.m. - 8:50 a.m. (Dupont
Circle metro stop red line)
CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN Brethren Nutrition Program 337 North Carolina Avenue,
S.E. Washington, D.C. 20003 (202) 547-5924 The Brethren Nutrition Program
is open Monday through Friday from 12:00 -1:30 p.m. They provide a hot
meal to anyone in need, usually 250-350 people each day. Social services
are available, including job counseling and health care one day per week.
WLC intake- Wednesday 12:15-1:15 p.m. (Eastern Market metro stop - blue/orange
line)
COMMUNITY FOR CREATIVE NON-VIOLENCE Men's Shelter 425 2nd Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20001 (202) 393?1909 CCNV-M provides 24-hour shelter
for 1400 men. Clothing, medical care and social services are also available
on site. WLCH intake Mondays and Wednesdays 7:00 -9:00 p.m. (Judiciary
Square metro stop red line)
COMMUNITY FOR CREATIVE NON-VIOLENCE Women's Shelter 425 2nd Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20001 (202) 393-1909 CCNV-W provides 24-hour shelter
for 130 women. Clothing, medical care, and social services are also provided.
WLCH intake Mondays 7:00 -9:00 p.m. (Judiciary Square metro stop red line)
DINNER PROGRAM FOR HOMELESS WOMEN 945 G Street, N.W. (First Congregational
Church) Washington, D.C. 20001 (202)737-9311 Dinner Program provides dinner,
social services, job counseling, and health care to approximately 85 homeless
women Sunday through Thursday. The program is open from 4:00-8:00 p.m.
and dinner is served at 6:00 p.m. WLCH intake Tuesday 6:15-7:15 p.m. (Metro
Center metro stop red line) MIRIAM'S KITCHEN 2401 Virginia Avenue, N.W.
(Western Presbyterian Church) Washington, D.C. 20037 (202) 835-8383 Miriam's
kitchen provides breakfast to approximately 300 people (mostly men) each
morning Monday through Friday. A social worker is available when WLJ~HH
does intake, and health services are provided one morning per week. WLCH
intake?Wednesday 7:30-8:15 a.m. (Foggy Bottom/GWl) metro stop blue/orange
line)
RACHAEL'S WOMEN'S DAY CENTER 1222 11 TH Street, N.W. Washington, D.C.
20005 (202) 682-1005 Rachael's is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.?
4:00 p.m. They provide day shelter, lunch, crisis counseling, job counseling,
drug counseling, and health screening to homeless women. WLCH intake ?
Wednesdays 12:30-1:30 p.m. (Mt. Vernon Square/UDC metro stop yellow/green
line)
SO OTHERS MIGHT EAT (SOME) 600 Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20001 (202)
797-8806 SOME provides 1100 meals each day to men and women. They also
provide medical and dental services, counseling, and affordable housing
to elderly and handicapped persons. WLCH intake Fridays 1:00 p.m. to 2:00
p.m. (Union Station metro stop red line)
VIRGINIA WILLIAMS FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER 25 M Street, S.W. Washington,
D.C. 20001 (202) 797?8806 The Family Resource Center is open from 8:15
a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Center serves as central
intake for D.C. families seeking shelter. Staff includes substance abuse
counselors, housing specialists and social workers. WLCH intake ? Wednesdays
12:30 ? 1:30 p.m. (Navy Yard metro stop green line)
WOMEN EMPOWERED AGAINST VIOLENCE, Inc.(WEAVE) DATE & TIME: Variable, depending
on your schedule. PLACE: 1111 16* Street, N.W., Suite 410, Washington,
D.C. 20036. Cases are tried at D.C. Superior Court.
BAR MEMBERSHIP: Government
attorneys who are not members of the D.C. Bar may participate as long
as they meet the requirements of the government employee section of Rule
49.
NUMBER OF LAWYERS: Unlimited.
MALPRACTICE INSURANCE: Provided through WEAVE.
TRAINING/ORIENTATION/ASSISTANCE: WEAVE sponsors quarterly training sessions
either at WEAVE or area law firms. WEAVE provides mentor services, and
staff attorneys are available for assistance and consultation. Staff attorneys
have a number of frequently?used documents on disk available for volunteer
attorneys. WEAVE also has a library, which includes a number of training
materials and other relevant resources.
KINDS OF CASES: WEAVE provides comprehensive legal services to domestic
violence survivors in the District of Columbia. WEAVE handles cases in
numerous substantive areas, including civil protection orders, divorce,
custody, child support, dissolution of joint debt, and immigration issues.
Pro bono attorneys are needed to handle civil protection order cases and
related matters that impact victims' safety. Clients with immigration
issues will not be referred to Federal Government volunteers.
CONTACT: Jennifer Podkul, Legal Coordinator (202) 452-9550 ext.l03. Jennifer@weaveincorp.org
See: www.weaveincorp.org.
THE WHITMAN-WALKER
CLINIC (WWC)
DATE & TIME: Legal clinics are held every Monday night, except for holidays,
from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m..
PLACE: Intake and legal clinics are conducted at WWC's main facility at
1701 14th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009. Virginia licensed attorneys
may volunteer at the Northern Virginia office 5232 Lee Highway, Arlington,
VA 22207.
BAR MEMBERSHIP: Federal government attorneys admitted to practice and
in good standing before the bar of another state may participate in the
clinic's program. The clinic has a particular need for lawyers who are
licensed to practice in Virginia.
NUMBER OF LAWYERS: Unlimited.
MALPRACTICE INSURANCE: Provided through the Whitman-Walker Clinic.
TRAINING/ORIENTATION/ASSISTANCE: WWC sponsors a day-long AIDS Advocacy
training with the D.C. bar every year in late January. The training is
videotaped for those who cannot attend. In addition, WWC offers "mini
trainings" throughout the year on substantive legal issues covered at
the legal clinics. In addition, WWC provides all volunteers with a 600?page
practice manual, updated annually and covering relevant federal and local
laws. WWC has an extensive network of expert mentors, as well as staff
attorneys, to guide pro bono attorneys. Volunteer attorneys may use office
space at the WWC offices.
KINDS OF CASES: The Whitman-Walker Clinic provides free legal services
to people living with HJV/AIDS in the D.C. metropolitan area on matters
related to their health status. They serve nearly 1,900 clients each year,
providing assistance on discrimination, insurance, debt, child custody,
public benefits, estate planning, immigration and confidentiality matters.
Volunteer attorneys meet with client; at weekly legal clinics conducted
at WWC offices. Federal Government attorneys may take cases in any areas
that do not pose a job-related conflict of interest.
CONTACT: Jodi Feidman, Pro Bono Coordinator, Whitman-Walker Clinic, (202)
939-7664, email jfeldman@wwc.org. See: www.wwc.org.
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