Attorneys
VOLUNTEER FAQ
Q: How do I sign up to volunteer?
A: Please download and complete our Volunteer Registration Form
Q: What kinds of cases does San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program handle?
A: SDVLP accepts various types of civil cases, including, Social Security disability, employment, housing, government benefits, immigration for domestic violence victims and foster/dependent youth (VAWA, U-VISA, SIJS), family law, special education assistance for foster/dependent youth, civil rights, and transactional assistance for local non-profits. SDVLP is prohibited from handling criminal cases. Please see the Volunteer Opportunities page for more information.
Q: What areas of San Diego do you serve?
A: SDVLP serves all of San Diego County.
Q: Are the cases all direct representation?
A: No, in addition to direct representation cases, SDVLP offers a variety of clinics to offer clients brief service and advice. These clinics include domestic violence, civil harassment, unlawful detainer, HIV/AIDS, and guardianship. Please see the Volunteer Opportunities page for more information on each clinic.
Q: Who determines if a client is eligible and if their case has merit?
A: All clients are screened by SDVLP staff. Applicants must be residents of San Diego County and meet certain financial criteria based on household income. Financial eligibility is confirmed by documentary evidence, such as pay stubs and tax returns.
Q: If I sign up, what kind of time commitment am I giving?
A: You can donate a few hours at a clinic, or represent a client from beginning to end. You choose the time commitment that meets your preferences and schedule.
Q: Does the SDVLP cover malpractice insurance?
A: Yes. Any case handled through SDVLP is covered under SDVLP's primary malpractice insurance.
Q: Who pays for court fees?
A: Many SDVLP clients qualify for a fee waiver. However, if a client does not qualify for a deferral or waiver, the client is asked to pay his or her own court fees.
Q: Who pays for support services, such as translators and court reporters?
A: If you discover that you require such services in a SDVLP case that you are working on, you should contact the SDVLP office immediately. SDVLP may be able to obtain the services you need on a pro bono basis.
Q: I’m not familiar with the civil law that SDVLP does. Do you provide training?
A: Yes, we provide training and supervision. We are an approved MCLE provider by the State Bar of California. MCLEs are offered at no cost to volunteer attorneys or attorneys who agree to take a SDVLP case prior to the seminar. Generally seminars are held on an as needed basis. See the Training section for information on upcoming MCLEs.
Q: How can legal support staff contribute?
A: SDVLP often times needs volunteer interpreters, legal assistants, graphic artists, photographers, notaries, court reporters, and private process servers.
Q: Do I need to keep track of my hours?
A: Yes. This information is required by our funding sources. We will request your hours and an update on your case every six months.
Q: What kind of recognition is given for volunteer lawyers?
A: SDVLP pursues every possible recognition opportunity for our volunteers. The staff nominates volunteers for local and state awards. For 50+ hours of pro bono service, the State Bar of California awards the Wiley W. Manuel award. For 150+ hours of pro bono service, volunteers receive a Distinguished Service Award. In addition, SDVLP recognizes one volunteer each month on its website for his or her extraordinary efforts in providing pro bono legal services.
SDVLP sponsors an annual volunteer reception and an annual awards ceremony to recognize and thank all of the volunteers that participate in the program. SDVLP recognizes that our volunteers are among the most talented and generous people in our community. We make every effort to ensure that the legal community and the general public know about their good works. See the Awards page.
Q: Who funds SDVLP?
A: Funding for the program is provided by a variety of sources that include grants and private donations. For more information about SDVLP and the SDVLP budget, download the 2010 SDVLP Annual Report.
