HVL’s pro bono projects are created for law firms, corporate legal departments, and individual attorneys. Projects are not limited to this list. If you are (1) interested in plugging into a current project, (2) creating a project for your firm or corporation, or (3) have an idea for a pro bono project you would like to develop, please contact probono@hvlp.org. 

Pro bono attorneys will provide Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services for eviction cases at the 1-2 Justice of the Peace Court every Tuesday morning.

Volunteers will meet with pro se landlords and tenants before their scheduled hearings to facilitate pre-trial settlement discussions. The goal is to help both parties reach mutually beneficial agreements that can be formalized in writing and presented to the court.

This project offers a valuable opportunity for pro bono attorneys to develop negotiation and mediation skills while helping to prevent unnecessary evictions and promote housing stability. HVL will provide training materials, sample settlement forms, and staff support.

Sign up to volunteer here.

Pro bono attorneys will draft and execute wills and other estate planning documents for HVL clients. HVL hosts will execution clinics on the first Monday of every month. HVL mentors will provide pro bono attorneys with templates for all estate planning documents.

Project Type: Transactional

Project For: Attorneys; Summer Associates; Paralegals

Skills to be Used/Developed: Client advice and counseling, client interviewing, document drafting, substantive knowledge

Duration: Less than 10 hours

Pro bono attorneys will help caretakers establish guardianship over adults who have a medical condition that renders them unable to make decisions about their health and safety. This work will provide continuity of care for the ward. This project requires that all pro bono attorneys complete a 4 hour Guardianship and Ad Litem CLE that will be provided by HVL. HVL mentors will provide a kick-off CLE, sample forms, templates, and office hours.

Project Type: Litigation (Note: all cases are uncontested)

Project For: Attorneys

Skills to be Used/Developed: Client advice and counseling, client interviewing, document drafting, substantive knowledge, cultural competency, court hearing

Duration: Approximately 20 hours over 4-6 months

Pro bono attorneys will assist individuals with advancing or initiating family law cases through HVL’s Remote Family Law Clinics, held twice a month in partnership with the Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library.

At one clinic, pro bono attorneys will consult via Zoom with self-represented litigants who have already filed a divorce or custody case but need help moving their case forward. Volunteers will draft key motions, such as motions for default judgment or temporary orders, to support the litigant’s next steps.

At the second clinic, volunteers will meet with individuals who need to file their case. Following the consultation, pro bono attorneys will draft the original petition, service request, and pauper’s oath if applicable.

This project provides limited scope assistance based on the “attorney for a day” model used in New York and California. HVL will provide volunteers with training materials, sample forms, templates, and staff attorney support during and after the clinics.

Sign up to volunteer here.

Pro bono attorneys will assist lawful permanent residents (green-card holders) complete the necessary documentation to file for Naturalization, the process of becoming a U.S. citizen. 

This project is clinic based and cases can be completed over few hours in one day.

Sign up to volunteer here. 

Pro bono attorneys will help clients gain access to their right to an expunction. This pro bono record clearing work will remove barriers to employment, housing and higher education. Pro bono attorneys will draft documents, file documents with the court, and coordinate with court staff and government agencies. HVL mentors will provide recorded CLE training and resources.

Project Type: Transactional, Litigation

Project For: Attorneys; Summer Associates

Skills to be Used/Developed: Client advice and counseling, client interviewing, document drafting, substantive knowledge, possible court hearing

Duration: 10 hours

Interested in volunteering for a pro bono project?

Contact HVL's Pro Bono Team