Attorneys

Opportunities

SDVLP offers many opportunities for volunteer lawyers, ranging from direct representation to advice and brief service clinics. You'll have the chance to help a client from the beginning of a case to the end, to help a group of clients in a clinic setting, or to meet one-on-one with clients to give each of them the advice they need. SDVLP offers primary malpractice insurance covering volunteers' work for SDVLP clients.

If you would like to become a volunteer lawyer, sign up here!

See below for more information on volunteer opportunities:

• Community Legal Clinics
• Pro Bono Representation
• Trainings/Mentors
• In-House Volunteers

Community Legal Clinics - SDVLP annually conducts hundreds of legal clinics at sites throughout San Diego County. Volunteers play a critical role in conducting intake, assessing clients’ needs, and offering brief counsel and advice at these clinics. By participation at a legal clinic, volunteers gain experience with direct client contact and client communication.

Domestic Violence/Elder Abuse clinics – everyday

• Downtown San Diego
• Vista
• El Cajon

Civil Harassment clinic – Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays

• Vista

HIV/AIDS clinic – Monday nights

• Hillcrest

Unlawful Detainer clinic – Mondays and Thursdays

• Vista

Guardianship clinic – Tuesdays and Thursdays

• Downtown San Diego
• Vista (Thursday only)

Domestic Violence (Temporary Restraining Orders, custody, visitation); Civil Harassment Restraining Orders; Elder Abuse Restraining Orders; Guardianship; HIV/AIDS, Landlord/Tenant; Immigration for domestic violence victims and foster/dependent youth (VAWA, U-Visa, SIJS); Special Education assistance for foster/dependent youth; Certain Civil Rights cases referred by Federal District Court, Non-profit organization assistance.

Pro Bono Representation

SDVLP seeks volunteer attorneys to provide legal assistance for specific cases. Prior to case placement, SDVLP carefully screens new cases and confirms that clients meet income eligibility requirements. On a bi-monthly basis, SDVLP emails available cases, describing clients’ cases and legal needs. SDVLP’s case list offers volunteers a variety of substantive 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. By providing pro bono representation, volunteer attorneys gain valuable legal experience as their client’s primary advocate from start to finish on a case.

Trainings/Mentors

SDVLP conducts MCLE trainings as needed and community education presentations. SDVLP staff attorneys are available to mentor and assist volunteer attorneys with a case. Also volunteer attorneys with expertise in a specific legal area are invited to serve as mentors for less experienced attorneys.

In-House Volunteers

Depending on space and staff needs, a volunteer attorney may be able to work at the SDVLP offices. By working in-house, a volunteer has the opportunity to work closely with SDVLP staff attorneys to provide legal assistance to low income residents.