VOLUNTEERS ARE A VITAL PART OF THE SOLUTION
Attorneys and paralegals volunteer their time and talents to those in need through Snohomish County Legal Services, and even more non-attorneys volunteer to help everything run smoothly. Volunteers have the chance to make a difference in the lives of people who may otherwise have no way to secure their legal rights. We could not make this happen without you!
ATTORNEYS AND PARALEGALS
For those in the legal community, SCLS provides malpractice insurance for cases referred by our organization. We also provide free training and access to our mentorship program. Additionally, we have access to translator services that can be utilized during meetings with clients at no cost to the attorney or the client. State licensed attorneys are encouraged to provide at least thirty (30) hours of pro bono publico services per year and can be credited if provided through a Qualified Legal Service Providers (QLSP) (such as SLCS), and can receive Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits.
SCLS is proud to have Snohomish County Bar Association as one of our sponsors, and bar members are encouraged to participate in pro bono work. Snohomish County judges and commissioners support the work of SCLS and appreciate everything our volunteer attorneys do.
ATTORNEY/PARALEGAL VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
FULFILLING THE NEED AND HOW YOU CAN HELP
Volunteers who represent clients through SCLS help to overcome barriers and meet the client’s legal needs to gain self-sufficiency and stability. We strive to empower all those in need by providing information, education and assistance.
VOLUNTEER AREAS OF NEED
FAMILY LAW
Volunteers can provide assistance (pro se) with family law actions to dissolve dysfunctional marriages, establish child support and obtain spousal maintenance, guardianship and other areas of service. Volunteers taking family law cases have the opportunity to be matched with an experienced family law attorney for mentoring.
WILLS FOR SENIORS
This is a very popular area of service. Currently, our clinic is offered on a quarterly basis; however, we consistently receive requests for additional clinics at locations such as senior communities throughout the county which are more easily accessible by the seniors. In these clinics, we offer clients the ability to have documents such as Simple Wills, Power of Attorney, and Healthcare Directives to be drawn up and executed by a Notary Public so they can take with them at the conclusion of their appointment. Additionally, presentations about the process and documents are very popular. Many seniors are unaware or may be confused about the process and these informational presentations are extremely helpful. Volunteers helping with the Wills for Seniors clinic have the opportunity to be matched with an experienced Estate Planning attorney for mentoring.
HOUSING JUSTICE PROJECT
The need for help in housing disputes, other than eviction, are ever increasing, e.g., security deposit disputes over damages, needed repairs that have not been addressed and more. Volunteer attorneys with experience in housing issues are encouraged to donate their time to help tenants maintain stable housing by navigating through these challenges. The Housing Justice Project takes in students (graduate/current student/law student, and other community members). Current HJP volunteer opportunities include:
Legal Assistant: directly and indirectly work with attorneys in support of clients, may include activities such as gathering information from clients; data entry; case file management; research for case management; deliver documents to the courthouse; draft documents with guidance of attorney; working with attorneys, other administrative personnel, and/or court staff; preparation and/or participation in clinics.
Attorney: Participation in a clinic setting or SCLS offices to provide clients with consultations, counsel, advice and resources; assist clients in drafting, serving and filing responsive pleadings; negotiation with landlords or their attorneys; limited representation at unlawful detainer show cause hearings.
Internship/Externship: Assist with the Housing Justice Project program, working with attorneys, other administrative support personnel, and courthouse staff members. Intern-Externships provide a variety of tasks, activities, and experience to provide a broad spectrum of learning opportunities.
GENERAL LEGAL CLINICS
In our General Legal Clinics, we often have clientele whose legal issue is outside our areas of service or requires specific knowledge and experience. Example, there is a need for attorneys with experience in consumer creditor/debtor issues, Chapter 7 bankruptcy, and other areas.
COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS
SCLS is grateful to members of the community for their volunteer service as well. There are many opportunities to get involved, including helping with clinic and administrative duties, development and fundraising, and outreach events.
READY TO VOLUNTEER?
Fill out this form to get started
“We generally respond within 48 business hours depending on your situation. Due to volume and capacity it may take longer to receive a response. We appreciate your patience.”
DISCLAIMER: No Attorney-Client Relationship Created by Use of this Website: Neither your receipt of information from this website, nor your use of this website to contact SCLS or one of its attorneys creates an attorney-client relationship between you and SCLS. No Legal Advice Intended: The website includes information about legal issues and legal developments. Such materials are for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments. These informational materials are not intended, and should not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances. You should contact an attorney for advice on specific legal problems. Third Party Websites; As a convenience, this website may provide links to third-party websites. Such linked websites are not under the control of SCLS and SCLS assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the contents of such websites.