Question:
How do I get involved with Pro Bono Partnership?
Answer:
Email information@probonopartner.org in order to sign up to receive our monthly e-mails with volunteer opportunities. In your e-mail include your contact information (including address and phone number), the name of your law firm or legal department, practice area, state(s) in which you are licensed to practice law and year of admittance. Take a look at current Volunteer Opportunities and submit your information if you are interested in learning more about one of the projects.
Question:
What type of matters would I get to work on?
Answer:
We handle a wide range of transactional legal matters including: tax, corporate, real estate, contracts, intellectual property, employment, and technology.
We also offer seminars and workshops on legal issues pertaining to nonprofit organizations, and are in need of volunteer speakers and presenters.
Question:
What is the process I go through as a volunteer attorney?
Answer:
Once you are on our mailing list, you will receive monthly Volunteer Opportunities.
If you are interested in one of the listed matters, submit your information on our website or reply to the e-mail.
We are fortunate to have many willing volunteer attorneys, so please keep in mind that volunteering for a matter does not guarantee you will be matched with the matter you have requested.
If you are matched with a matter, we will send you some basic information about the client so you can run a conflicts check. We will send the client a retainer letter. If you are with a law firm, you will probably need to send a separate retainer letter. Then, you will contact us with days and times you will be available for the initial meeting or conference call. The initial meeting will take place with the nonprofit client, the volunteer attorney (you), and an attorney from Pro Bono Partnership. At that point, you will work on the matter until it is complete.
Please contact us if you need assistance in any way and keep us updated with the progress of your matter. When the matter is complete, please contact us. We will then send a closing letter to the client.
Question:
What is the scope of my representation?
Answer:
You are only expected to handle the specific matter for which you initially volunteered. If the nonprofit needs assistance with additional legal matters, ask the client to contact us directly. Please let us now if you would like to assist the organization with the additional matters.
Question:
Can I get assistance on the matter I am working on?
Answer:
While Pro Bono Partnership does not have the capacity to closely supervise volunteer attorneys on projects, we are available to assist on any nonprofit or tax-exempt law questions that arise during your project. We also have model documents and research resources for your use. We are happy to pair in-house volunteers with law firm attorneys. We ask that all law firm associates who volunteer are supervised by a partner or senior associate at their firm.
Question:
What is the level of commitment expected of me?
Answer:
You may volunteer for matters as often or as little as you like. All that we ask is that you complete any matter for which you volunteer. If you are unable to complete a matter for any reason, please contact us as soon as possible, and we will find another volunteer.
Question:
Will my work be covered by malpractice insurance?
Answer:
Yes. All of our volunteer attorneys are covered through our malpractice insurance policy.
Question:
Can paralegals volunteer?
Answer:
Paralegals are welcome to volunteer for certain Pro Bono Partnership projects, but they should first find an attorney from their firm or legal department to actively supervise the project.