Law Students/Paralegal
Volunteer FAQ
Q: How do I sign up to volunteer?
A: Please download and complete the Volunteer Registration Form to sign up.
Q: What kind of training will I receive?
A: The SDVLP Clinic Staff Attorney provides training for law students whether the student is in-office or volunteering at a clinic. Written materials may also be provided.
Q: If I sign up, what kind of time commitment am I giving?
A: The time commitment will depend on the legal clinic. You should discuss the time requirement with the appropriate staff attorney.
Q: Will I have the opportunity to work with actual clients?
A: Yes, law students work with actual clients in a majority of the clinics.
Q: Where do I go for the clinics?
A: Please see our Services section, and choose the clinic you are attending. Addresses and maps are included.
Q: If I volunteer in the downtown San Diego office, where should I park?
A: SDVLP does not offer parking to its volunteers or clients. You may wish to use public transportation.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Professional attire should be worn in the office and at clinics.
Q: What kind of recognition is given for volunteer law students?
A: Every February, SDVLP sponsors an annual volunteer recognition reception. At the event, law students and volunteer attorneys are honored. Special recognition is given to volunteers who have done over 50 and 150 hours of pro bono service. Awards are also presented to the outstanding in-office law student volunteers at the reception.
Q: What’s in it for me?
A: Legal skills development: Pro bono participation is an opportunity to work with real clients. This experience enables students to develop a variety of fundamental legal skills that law courses alone cannot teach, such as, problem solving, legal research and analysis, counseling, negotiation, and the recognition and resolution of ethical dilemmas. Having developed such skills, a student can market herself to future employers by demonstrating that she has relevant and practical work experience.
Networking and mentoring: Pro bono work opens the door to these two important career development tools. It helps students build relationships with practicing lawyers who can serve as an important contact for future employment. The supervising attorney can provide helpful feedback to the student.
