For almost four decades, the Volunteer Lawyers Program (VLP) has offered civil legal aid to low-income and vulnerable members of the communities served by Southern Arizona Legal Aid, Inc. The VLP enlists the private bar to provide pro-bono legal services to those who seek assistance with a civil legal problem and are unable to afford it.
When you join the effort to provide equal access to justice by volunteering your time at SALA, you are directly improving the lives of those in our community and upholding the promise of our profession. Legal needs studies consistently report that legal aid programs serve only one person out of every five who need civil legal assistance.
Your volunteer support to SALA helps families in crisis return to safe, productive lives. Your time, talent, resources, and personal touch can make all the difference in the lives of vulnerable community members who have nowhere else to turn for civil legal help. Read the latest news about our wonderful volunteers.
Volunteer today with one of the options below!
Thank you to everyone who attended our
2024 Volunteer Appreciation Celebration
and made it such a special day.
October 11, 2024
Hacienda del Sol
An extra nod of appreciation to our sponsors!
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Volunteer Opportunities
FOR LAWYERS
Why Volunteer
We invite you to join the indispensable community of volunteer attorneys who help SALA broaden access to those who need civil legal services. Here are some of the reasons attorneys volunteer: to give back to the community by helping people who cannot afford an attorney; free CLE’s presented by SALA; CLE credit for volunteer time; training in additional areas of law; malpractice insurance coverage; period case follow-up done by SALA staff; collegial support; case costs coverage; administrative and translation support; client relationship management via SALA staff; mentoring law students; and recognition and award opportunities.
Opportunities to Volunteer
Advice-Only Clinics
Give one-on-one advice to clients on issues including bankruptcy, debt, and employment law.
Direct Representation
Provide full and direct representation to a client in any of SALA’s service areas.
Domestic Relations ClassPresent basic information on divorce with children, divorce without children, and paternity and the court process. Open to the general public!
Domestic Relations Follow-Up ClinicsProvide one-on-one advice to clients on family law issues, assist in trial preparation, and assist with forms.
Writing and Legal Information
Write articles for the public and our clients on various subjects.
Future Projects
We often tailor volunteer programs and projects based on the expertise of our volunteers (within SALA’s service areas). VLP is always working toward new pilot projects. For example, we now offer an opportunity to volunteer in SALA’s Criminal Records Relief Project.
Attorneys, make a difference today! Email us at salavolunteers@sazlegalaid.org.
FOR PARALEGALS
Why Volunteer
Use your skills to broaden access to those who need civil legal services and help educate the community on legal topics. Here are some of the reasons why paralegals volunteer: It allows them to give back to the community by helping people who cannot afford legal services. They enjoy teaching. Some enjoy doing work that is different from their everyday paralegal role.
Opportunities to Volunteer
Teach classes, such as divorce and paternity. Administrative support work.
Paralegals, make a difference today! Email us at salavolunteers@sazlegalaid.org.
FOR LAW STUDENTS AND LAW-RELATED UNDERGRADUATES
Why Volunteer
Obtain valuable legal and courtroom experience. Help clients who have nowhere else to turn, all while you are still in school. Here are some of the reasons law students volunteer: They earn school credit doing real-world legal work. Students play an important role in the delivery of legal aid services. They gain a reference for future employment and meet a variety of legal professionals. Students stand out to employers by demonstrating a commitment to community service.
Opportunities to Volunteer
Work under an attorney to provide legal services to clients.
Teach classes, such as divorce and paternity. Legal research and some drafting assignments. Under supervision, Rule 39-eligible students may be able to represent clients in court hearings.
Students, make a difference today! Email us at salavolunteers@sazlegalaid.org.
FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, SUPPORT SERVICES, AND OTHER LEGAL PROFESSIONALS
Opportunities to Volunteer
Translation, interpretation, administrative assistance, court reporting, investigations, communications, and fundraising. Make a difference today! Email your cover letter and resume to salahr@sazlegalaid.org.