An important part of the LASC pro bono program involves referring cases to pro bono attorneys in lieu of assigning them to an LASC attorney or turning someone away due to lack of resources. If you are interested, complete our Attorney Pro Bono Interest Form, and we will follow-up directly with you!
Volunteer Resource Center (VRC):
The VRC is a case referral program that utilizes two sets of volunteers: attorneys who accept litigation– oriented case referrals and in-house volunteers who sign up for weekly 3-hour shifts to handle client intake, case evaluation and referral of cases to the pro bono attorney panel. The VRC first contacts pro bono counsel to confirm availability and clear conflicts. Cases are screened for merit prior to referral.
Retired attorneys, paralegals, administrative assistants, and law students can assist as in-house VRC volunteers.
The VRC addresses several areas, including some special programs:
VRC Housing Project
VRC Housing Project
Scope: Representing Tenants in Eviction Actions
Representation Includes: Municipal court hearings; settlement negotiations; motion practice; filing answers/counterclaims
Average Hours Per Case: 5-10
Anticipated Case Length: 2 weeks-9 months (depending on limited vs. full rep)
Limited Engagement Option Available
Ideal For: New Attorneys, Litigators, Corporate Counsel (Co-counseling option available)
Online Training Includes: Recorded CLE & Attorney Toolkit
COVID Protocols: Cases take place at the Convention Center with court-mandated safety precautions; No-contact negotiation-only options.
VRC Consumer Project
VRC Consumer Project
Scope: Representing Consumers Sued by Debt Buyers
Representation Includes: Motion practice; filing answers/counterclaims; discovery; pretrial conferences; settlement negotiations
Average Hours Per Case: 5-15
Anticipated Case Length: less than 1 year
Ideal For: New Attorneys, Litigators
Online Training Includes: Recorded CLE & Attorney Toolkit
COVID Protocols: Majority of representation can be handled remotely; court-mandated safety precautions
Unemployment Compensation Appeal Project
Unemployment Compensation Appeal Project
Scope: Representing Unemployment Compensation Claimants in Appeal Hearings
Representation Includes: Case review and Administrative Phone Hearings
Average Hours Per Case: 4-6
Anticipated Case Length: Less than 2 weeks
Ideal For: New Attorneys, Litigators, Employment Attorneys, Corporate Counsel
Online Training Includes: Recorded CLE & Attorney Toolkit
COVID Protocols: No in-person contact necessary
VRC Shift Volunteers
VRC Shift Volunteers
Scope: Interviewing and Referring Tenants Facing Evictions
Position Includes: Calling and interviewing clients, reviewing leases, consulting with Legal Aid staff for case acceptance decisions
Average Hours Per Shift: 3
Anticipated Commitment: 3 month minimum
Ideal For: Retired or Inactive Attorneys and Paralegals
Online Training Includes: Recorded CLE & Volunteer Manual
COVID Protocols: Remote shifts only
IEP Advocacy Project
IEP Advocacy Project
Scope: Representing Children and Families navigating the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process
Representation Includes: Attendance at IEP meetings; editing IEP; school contact
Average Hours Per Case: 6-15
Anticipated Case Length: 3-6 months
Ideal For: Transactional Attorneys and New Lawyers
Chapter 7 Pro Bono Bankruptcy Project
Chapter 7 Pro Bono Bankruptcy Project
Scope: Representing Debtors Filing Ch 7 Bankruptcies
Representation Includes: Petition and schedules; 341 meeting; reaffirmation agreements; fee waiver application
Average Hours Per Case: 6-10
Anticipated Case Length: 6-9 months
Limited Engagement Only
Ideal For: Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
Online Training and Document Collection Provided
COVID Protocols: Virtual 341 hearings; minimal in-person contact with clients
Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic
Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic
Scope: Representing Individuals Involved in Tax Controversies with IRS
Representation Includes: Oral and written negotiation; offers in compromise
Average Hours Per Case: 10-20
Anticipated Case Length: 9-12 months
Ideal for: Corporate and Transactional attorneys
COVID Protocols: No in-person contact necessary
Seniors Referral Project
Seniors Referral Project
Scope: Preparing and Executing Simple Wills and Advance Directives for Seniors and Veterans
Representation Includes: Document preparation and review
Average Hours Per Case: 2-5
Anticipated Case Length: Less than 1 month
Ideal for: Transactional and Government Attorneys; Estate Planning Attorneys
COVID Protocols: Ohio Justice Bus handling in-person document execution; Ability to serve by drafting or reviewing documents remotely
Veterans Pro Bono Project
Veterans Pro Bono Project
Scope: Representing Veterans with VA Benefits Issues and Discharge Upgrade Applications
Representation Includes: Full case representation; Options for limited scope, including record review only; Drafting argument and appearing at administrative hearing
Average Hours Per Case: 10-15; 3-4 hours for a records review
Ideal For: Attorneys with VA Accreditation
COVID Protocols: Minimal in-person contact
