Volunteer Lawyers

"I had already fallen in love with the kids and I am learning a ton of stuff that will be useful in the future. Right now I have to be the one telling the parents what they need to be doing to get the kids back so I am having to learn a lot about community resources, etc. The mentor GALs have been great. Until this case settles down, I don't want to take on another assignment. This took a ton of time already, but its probably the best thing I've ever done as a lawyer."

"This was an extremely volatile case and providing a GAL for the children was a tremendous asset for their safety and well being."

"Although there is a ton of pressure and you are so nervous about making the right decision for these children, you feel good knowing that you are doing a needed service. This is not the everyday stuff of contacts and mergers...childrens' lives and well being are depending on you...this is truly important."

"[FACT - Free Advice Clinic for Teens] is very rewarding. You get immediate gratification from helping these needy teens. They let you know how much they appreciate your help and you feel good knowing that, but be it not for your services, their issues would most likely go unaddressed and potentially become even bigger issues."

How can I get involved?

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There are many ways to help children through the Children's Law Center. The following is a break up of these options.

Free Advice Clinics for Teens

The Free Advice Clinic for Teens (FACT) is held in community locations convenient for teens. Volunteer attorneys provide legal consultations and information to individual teens or group presentations on legal issues. Reference materials are provided.

Guardian Ad Litem for children affected by family court cases

When parents are going through high conflict divorce cases, the courts need an extra set of eyes and ears to give a recommendation as to the best interest of the children. We offer training, mentors and materials to assist you in serving in this capacity.

Guardianship

Guardianship cases involve representation of a caretaker - often a grandparent - who needs guardianship to arrange school, medical or other services for a child who is unable to live with parents. The program gets consent from the parents before referring the case and provides pleadings, consultations and training.

Social Security (Supplemental Security Income) SSI cases for children with disabilities

Social Security (SSI) cases for children provide assistance to help disabled children continue to receive financial benefits. Volunteer attorneys represent children in administrative proceedings.

Adoption

The Adoption Project is getting underway. We are planning to have attorneys work hand in hand with other agencies who do the home studies for adoptions while we offer the legal part of the adoption to be done by our volunteer attorneys. There will be a training session to orient volunteers who have never done adoptions before.

Are there any perks to volunteering?
WE CARE

Yes!

You get to help children in need!
Free CLE credits!
Free trainings in other areas of law
Primary malpractice coverage
Mentor system to help you on cases
Recognition and awards in publications and ceremonies
Being a part of a wonderful project and making a difference in a child's life!