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Mission: Helping Lawyers Help PeopleThe Nebraska State Bar Association began the Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) in 1983 to help Nebraska attorneys meet their pro bono goals. Through VLP, more than 300 volunteer attorneys, law students, and other legal professionals, help approximately 10,000 low-income Nebraskans annually. Volunteers helped victims of domestic violence, families facing evictions, and thousands of others who encountered a civil legal barrier.
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The Legal Services Corporation estimates that 74% of low-income households experience a civil legal problem annually and 92% 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.
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Thankful Thursday Volunteer: Dave ErnstToday we celebrate Dave Ernst, recipient of the 2025 Robert M. Spire Award! As a Partner at Pansing Hogan Ernst & Buser LLP, Dave’s commitment to justice shines through his tireless pro bono work. From launching free legal clinics at the Heart Ministry Center in Omaha to building partnerships that have helped hundreds of low-income Nebraskans, Dave’s leadership and compassion set a powerful example for us all. His ongoing support for the Douglas County Tenant Assistance Project and Legal Aid of Nebraska continues to make a meaningful impact in our community.
Do you know someone who embodies this spirit of service? Nominate your pick for the 2026 Robert M. Spire Award or Visionary Awards by February 4! Let’s honor those who go above and beyond for access to justice. 🔗Nevlp.org/nominate #VLP #Volunteer #AccessToJustice #ProBono #Nebraska #CommunityChampions |
If you would like to thank a pro bono volunteer for their efforts in expanding access to justice, you can do so using the link below. With just a few sentences, anyone can nominate any Nebraska legal professional or group of Nebraska legal professionals who they believe deserve special recognition for their dedication to pro bono work.