VVLP is the only organized pro bono project in the state of Vermont!
All cases for the VVLP are first screened through the Vermont Legal Aid intake unit. Contact Vermont Legal Aid at 1-800-889-2047 to see if you qualify for services.
VVLP is a cooperative effort of The Vermont Bar Association and Legal Services Law Line of VT. VVLP is the only organized pro bono project in the state of Vermont. As volunteers with the VVLP each attorney is asked to give some time to help the indigent, but they give much more. They give dignity by reaching out and lending a helping hand; they give power to those in fear that fight poverty every day; they give hope where despair is the only reality. Whether you give one or one-hundred hours of your time, your participation in the VVLP makes a significant difference in people's lives. By responding to the pleas for help and providing equal access to justice, each of you gives back to and strengthens your community.
Projects:
- North East Kingdom Legal Assistance Project
- Landlord/Tenant Pro Bono Project
- Foreclosure Pro Bono Project
- Young Lawyers Disaster Relief Project
- Enviromental Court Pro Bono Project
Below is information for Attorney's who are thinking of signing up to take pro bono cases through the VVLP.
Pre Screened Cases
VVLP staff determines financial eligibility for each client before being referred for pro bono service. Clients are interviewed to determine what legal issues need to be addressed. Your name and phone number is given to the client only after you have talked to VVLP staff and agree to accept the referral.
Reimbursement of Expenses
VVLP will reimburse you for any out of pocket expenses from the case such as: long distance phone calls, copying costs, filing fees and mileage. In some cases, other types of expenses can be reimbursed, however you must get pre-approval from the project.
Access To National Law Centers
As a VVLP pro bono attorney you receive discounts on valuable materials and events from the National Law Centers. There is currently information available on special discounts for pro bono attorneys from the National Consumer Law Center. If you are interested in receiving this information please contact the VVLP. Training Events As a VVLP volunteer you are eligible to receive low cost or free CLE training. Topics for upcoming events include: foreclosure, senior citizen issues and mentoring for new attorneys.
Other Pro Bono Opportunities with the Vermont VLP
Mentoring Here
An opportunity for you to help a new attorney or an attorney willing to take on a new area of the law. This allows you to get pro bono credit for teaching what you already know. It helps the project because you are sharing your expertise and helping the VVLP increase its volunteer panel.
Be a Trainer on a VVLP CLE Event
This is another way for you to get pro bono credit and help the project recruit new attorneys. Specialized Projects Do you have a special interest in a unique pro bono idea or project? The VVLP Director will meet with you to discuss what you would like to do to help either on an individual or group basis.
Bankruptcy Referral List
Law Line receives dozens of calls each week from low income Vermonters with debt hanging over their heads. They call seeking help with a bankruptcy. Often they have heard from friends that a bankruptcy can solve all their money problems. Since nothing is quite that simple, Law Line staff attorneys and paralegals counsel individuals on the law regarding debt collection practices and their rights and responsibilities as debtors. People often want the relief that a bankruptcy can provide. They may not have a full time job, they may have no attachable property and can barely keep a roof over their heads and their families fed. These individuals need an attorney to represent them in a simple chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy. We want to be able to refer debtors to attorneys who can help them with bankruptcy for a price that people can afford.
