The Power of Pro Bono
Bridging the Civil Legal Justice Gap
Thanks to our amazing volunteer attorneys, law students, and other legal professionals, VLP helped more than 6,600 Nebraskans in 2020. Victims of human trafficking secured custody of their children from their abusers. Individuals living with disabilities avoided evictions during the pandemic. Daycare providers secured legal guidance in navigating the federal relief packages.
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The Legal Services Corporation estimates that 71% of low-income households experience a civil legal problem annually and 86% of low-income individuals seeking civil legal assistance receive inadequate or no legal assistance. Legal nonprofits alone cannot solve this crisis, particularly in Nebraska where the civil legal justice gap is compounded by the rural justice gap. The Volunteer Lawyers Project is committed to connecting legal professionals with meaningful pro bono and reduced fee work through direct case placement, virtual & in-person clinics, ongoing projects, cyber platforms, and courthouse self-help desks.
Thankful Thursday VolunteerKala MuellerWe are grateful for Kala Mueller, the Director of Public Interest Programs at Nebraska College of Law. In addition to ensuring pro bono & public interest opportunities are part of law school, Kala volunteers with VLP and serves on the board of the Midwest Innocence Project.
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Please nominate a pro bono volunteer you would like to thank for their efforts in expanding access to justice. With just a few sentences, anyone can nominate any Nebraska legal professional or group of Nebraska legal professionals they believe deserve special recognition for their dedication to pro bono work.
Volunteer Opportunity SpotlightNebraska Free Legal Answers
By utilizing technology, Nebraska attorneys can engage in pro bono work from their home or office at any time through Nebraska Free Legal Answers. The Volunteer Lawyers Project administers this program for the American Bar Association. Past NSBA President, J. Scott Paul, urged Nebraska State Bar Association members to consider engaging in pro bono work through NFLA one hour a week in order to meet the Nebraska Supreme Court's rule that all attorneys aspire to fifty hours of pro bono work each year. Sign up today at Ne.Freelegalanswers.org
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The Volunteer Lawyers Project has a small staff. We do not accept or respond to incoming calls, email, fax or mail requests from individuals seeking pro bono legal assistance. Visit the “Public” page on this website or call (402) 986-6501 for a recorded message about services available through the Volunteer Lawyers Project or that may be available from legal aid and legal service providers in your area. VLP staff is not onsite to meet with walk-in visitors to the office.
Nebraska State Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project. Disclaimer. Grievance Policy.
Nebraska State Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project. Disclaimer. Grievance Policy.