Via Lakeshore’s Pro Bono department, a growing number of outstanding lawyers give their time and expertise to help those who otherwise could not afford legal services. We offer varied and flexible pro bono opportunities, training and mentoring, pre-screened clients, office space and malpractice insurance. Our valued volunteer counsel satisfy bar-recommended requirements for pro bono service while having a real impact on individuals, families and community. Join us!
Explore available opportunities to serve listed below. All cases are pre-screened by Lakeshore staff. We provide malpractice coverage for all pro bono work handled though Lakeshore Legal Aid.
Take a family law case: divorce, child custody and paternity matters in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties
Represent low-income clients who are domestic violence survivors, have a disability, or who speak English as a second language. This is a chance to help improve the stability and economic security of clients and their children. This is also an opportunity to learn a new area of law to supplement your practice. We provide mentoring, sample pleadings and templates. Email Heather Herbert at hherbert@lakeshorelegalaid.org to learn more or sign up.
Advocate to remove barriers to employment: expunge criminal records and restore drivers’ licenses
Many of our clients do not have drivers’ licenses. Public transportation is often not available or reliable. Employment opportunities for many clients are limited to businesses close to a bus route or within walking distance of their homes. Employers often decline to hire individuals with suspended or revoked licenses. Our clients are overwhelmed by the requirements to get their license back.
Direct Virtual Representation Cases Include:
You will be working with clients who are determined to turn their lives around and become employed. This is also a chance to develop your research, negotiation, litigation and creative lawyering skills.
We provide mentoring, and you can shadow an experienced attorney before you accept your own case.
This is an opportunity to have a life-changing impact on a low-income client. Our clients can’t get jobs or housing because of a mistake years ago. Conviction records can be sealed, but only after many years and with evidence of rehabilitation. No one can seal serious felonies.
You will use or develop litigation skills, preparing your client to testify at one hearing and handling a brief oral argument. The argument involves explaining why the client is legally eligible to seal the record and why the client is now rehabilitated. Cases take between 3 -10 hours depending on your level of experience. We provide mentoring, and you can shadow an experienced attorney before you accept your own case. Email Heather Herbert at hherbert@lakeshorelegalaid.org to learn more or sign up
Provide advice and pro per services: Family Law Assistance Project
Provide advice and pro per services to a client regarding their family law issue via our in person clinic located at the Oakland County Friend of the Court. Experienced family law attorneys complete a short intake and provide client with advice and pro per assistance regarding divorce, custody, paternity, support, and other family law issues.
Clinic Hours: Alternating Wednesdays from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
Sign up at https://signup.com/go/emzeWcH or contact Heather Herbert at hherbert@lakeshorelegalaid.org for more information.
Represent a client in a bankruptcy
Represent an eligible client in their Chapter 7 bankruptcy action to help free them from debt that is beyond their means to pay and give them their fresh start. Email Heather Herbert at hherbert@lakeshorelegalaid.org to learn more or sign up.
Prepare estate planning documents or assist with a probate issue
Lakeshore is seeking volunteer attorneys to assist clients with their estate planning and probate needs. Volunteers will assist clients with their life planning documents – e.g., wills and trusts, durable powers of attorney, patient advocate designations. In addition, pro bono attorneys can assist clients with probate matters – e.g., the probate of the estate of a deceased loved one, litigation in probate court, guardianships, and conservatorships. Email Heather Herbert at hherbert@lakeshorelegalaid.org to learn more or sign up.
Other volunteer opportunities available
With increased volume in many areas, Lakeshore is exploring new ways to engage volunteers based on their availability and skill sets. Please reach out to Heather Herbert at hherbert@lakeshorelegalaid.org to get involved now!
Pro Bono Attorneys are vital to the work of Lakeshore Legal Aid and the community we serve. If you would like to volunteer with us, please complete this form and someone will contact you to get involved.
Learn more about volunteering with Lakeshore Legal Aid by contacting Pro Bono Director, Heather Herbert at hherbert@lakeshorelegalaid.org.
For access to Pro Bono Volunteer training materials and general resources, current volunteers can log in below. For prospective volunteers, you may request access by contacting Heather Herbert or completing the form at the top of the page.
