where to volunteer as an attorney in san diego

You can help us with a Client's Case

LASSD screens all pro bono clients for eligibility and determines whether a case is appropriate for pro bono representation. LASSD provides malpractice insurance. Most pro bono cases qualify for a filing fee waiver.

You can work on a case at one of our LASSD Offices

Volunteer to take a case or work in our offices and work directly with highly experienced LASSD attorneys in one or more of our practice areas:

You can volunteer at one of our LASSD's Clinics & Workshops

Our staff and volunteers assist self-represented litigants with the forms, information, education and support needed to represent themselves.

Mediation Opportunities

Train elementary-aged students mediation skills to help solve problems such as bullying and violence on the playground.

You Can Provide an MCLE Training or a Training for the Community

Volunteer with the program by providing a training to the general public on an area or law, or provide a training to staff and volunteer attorneys on an area of law relevant to our practice areas.

Other Volunteer Opportunities

If there other volunteer ideas you have, please contact us with those ideas, by submitting a Pro Bono Attorney Volunteer Registration Form. We are always looking for new and innovative ways to provide volunteer experiences.

What is SDVLP volunteer?

SDVLP relies upon volunteers like you. Whether you are a law firm, lawyer, law student or paralegal, you have the ability to change a life. Any amount of time you can give makes a difference. Whether you volunteer at a weekly clinic or assist with a case whenever you're available, your efforts WILL impact people's lives. Many lawyers say that volunteering is the most satisfying aspect of their careers.

How many underprivileged clients does SDVLP serve?

SDVLP will accommodate your schedule and your preferences. Although SDVLP serves over 5,000 underprivileged clients annually, this number represents only a fraction of the men, women and children who need legal help. The majority of people in need still go unassisted.

Can an attorney donate their legal expertise?

Attorneys can donate their legal expertise by providing advice at a legal clinic or pro bono representation to an SDVLP client. Our case list offers a wide range of litigation and transactional opportunities.

What is volunteerism in San Diego?

For the San Diego Paralegal Association, volunteerism is the cornerstone of our core values. We believe strongly in the intrinsic value of using our time, talent and resources to benefit our organization and our community. Doing so serves not only to benefit those we serve, but also aids in our own personal and professional growth.

What is SDCBA volunteer?

The SDCBA encourages every member to volunteer their time either in pro bono legal services or general community volunteer opportunities. Join the many SDCBA members who volunteer their time and efforts for a variety of community oriented events and activities.

What is the CCS in San Diego?

The Center for Community Solutions (CCS) helps more than 30,000 adults and children each year to heal and prevent relationship and sexual violence. CCS operates the only rape crisis center in the city of San Diego along with a countywide 24-hour bilingual crisis helpline.

What is the largest hunger relief organization in San Diego County?

The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and our North County Food Bank chapter comprise the largest hunger-relief organization in San Diego County. Last year, the Food Bank distributed 26 million pounds of food, and the Food Bank serves, on average, 370,000 people per month in San Diego County.

What is legal aid?

LEGAL AID SOCIETY is available to low income individuals & disadvantaged communities for a variety of legal problems, including consumer, family disputes, welfare and health benefits, immigration and poverty law issues such as landlord/tenant disputes, disability support and family benefits payments. Federal Poverty Income Guidelines determine eligibility for free legal services. Our staff of expert legal workers will help you and your family resolve your legal problems free of charge. Call as soon as a problem exists.

What is a will for heroes?

Wills for Heroes programs provide essential legal documents free of charge to our nation’s first-responders, including wills, living wills, and powers of attorney. By helping first-responders plan now, they ensure their family’s legal affairs are in order before a tragedy hits. The 501 (c) (3) charitable non-profit Wills for Heroes Foundation supports these Wills programs, giving back to the community and “protecting those who protect us.”

Where is the juvenile court in San Diego?

These offices are responsible for defending juveniles accused of committing crimes in the County of San Diego. Juvenile Court is located in the Kearny Mesa area of San Diego. The offices are located approximately 4 miles from the courthouse, so interns must have their own transportation.

What is a legal internship?

Legal Internships are for students currently enrolled in law school. By the end of the internship, you will have interacted with scores of clients, participated in a variety of court hearings, and researched and written legal arguments for the benefit of actual clients. For information on Legal Internships, click HERE.

Staff Attorney

SDVLP is seeking a full-time Staff Attorney to support our programs. Our work involves civil law matters impacting survivors of domestic violence, foster youth, low-income entrepreneurs, persons living with HIV/AIDS, and people experiencing homelessness. The Staff Attorney will provide legal advocacy in a variety of civil legal services cases.

Bilingual Legal Administrative Assistant

San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, Inc. has an immediate opening for a full-time (37.5 hour/week) Bilingual Legal Administrative Assistant to support our legal staff. This position is located at our downtown San Diego Office.

Supervising Attorney – Family Law Program

SDVLP is seeking a Supervising Attorney (minimum of five years of family law experience) to lead our Family Law Team of talented and passionate advocates.

What is the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program?

San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, Inc. provides free civil legal services to disadvantaged families, seniors, persons with disabilities, persons living with HIV/AIDS, and domestic violence survivors in San Diego County. If you live in San Diego County and are a low-income individual, you may be eligible for legal assistance. Because SDVLP provides legal advice, SDVLP can generally assist only one party to a case.

Does SDVLP provide legal advice?

Because SDVLP provides legal advice, SDVLP can generally assist only one party to a case. If you receive financial assistance under one or more of the following programs, you meet the income eligibility criteria for SDVLP's free legal services: