Just a heads up! When completing the annual attorney registration form, volunteers who only represent clients through Volunteer Lawyers Network and do not intend to represent private clients should state that they do not represent private clients (Step 5 of the registration form as of 2.17.2023). By selecting no, the form will not ask for malpractice insurance information.
Blog
Video: 2022 Annual Housing Law Seminar Kick-Off
Three days this spring. Three different CLE experiences, each created to support VLN volunteers doing housing work. In this 2022 Housing Law Seminar Kick-off, hear from three of the newer housing court referees in three different judicial districts about the importance of having volunteers in court and tips for practicing in housing court. Also, hear from a panel of experienced volunteers share their tips and tricks about effectively providing pro bono services to clients. Click Here to watch!
VLN Housing Program Featured in National Brief on Pro Bono
Volunteer Lawyers Network is thrilled to be included as an innovative provider in the federal Legal Services Corporation‘s latest brief.
The brief, “Effective Volunteer Partnerships: The Critical Role of Pro Bono Attorneys in Eviction Defense” by Mytrang Nguyen, Caroline Shriver, Jordan Layton and Bristow Hardin, is part of a congressionally–directed study, The Effect of State & Local Laws on Evictions, to investigate the unmet legal needs surrounding the eviction crisis in the United States.
VLN’s Housing Program is one of five highlighted by the authors that “incorporate model practices to effectively run tenant-centered pro bono eviction defense programs.”
Click here to read the full brief and learn more about this vital work.
VLN Now Hiring for Intake Coordinator!
VLN is now hiring for our Intake Coordinator Position! Click the link to see the full posting: Intake Coordinator
The Intake Coordinator oversees the operation of VLN’s client intake line and ensures that potential clients have a quality experience when applying for free legal services. Potential clients call VLN’s intake telephone line to be screened for financial eligibility and legal issue eligibility because VLN can only assist low-income clients with certain types of legal problems.
Potential clients may also apply for services online or be referred to the organization by other civil legal services providers via e-transfer. The Intake Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that all requests for legal services are responded to in a timely and consistent manner.
This is a highly collaborative position, the Intake Coordinator works closely with VLN’s intake team and legal program staff to ensure coordination regarding intake procedures, guidelines, and other intake related topics.
Park Avenue Legal Clinic will resume walk-in services!
We are excited to report that the Park Avenue Legal Clinic, hosted at the Park Avenue United Methodist Church, will be resuming on Friday, Feb. 25 from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.!
This community clinic, like all our walk-in clinics, has been on hiatus due to the COVID pandemic. It will resume on the fourth Friday of every month from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 (noon) p.m. from February through October (November’s clinic will be on Friday, Nov. 18, to accommodate the holiday break).
Masks are required for all participants. If you have any symptoms of COVID or other communicable illness, or have a known exposure to COVID, please seek legal help remotely by clicking here.
VLN is Seeking New Board Members
The VLN Board of Directors seeks committed and compassionate members of our community to help achieve VLN’s vision of a society in which everyone has access to the legal services essential for stability and well-being.
We seek people with a wide range of skills, including strategic planning and visioning, fundraising, finance, community organizing, marketing, and human resources to join the Board. Nominees do not have to be an attorney or have volunteered with VLN. Candidates who reflect the diversity of our community and our clients, including diversity in gender, race, ethnicity, age, and sexual orientation, are encouraged to apply.
Please contact Tom Walsh via email or at (612) 752-6675) if you are interested in joining the Board or know someone you think would be a good fit.
VLN Volunteer Christopher Anderson wins the 2021 Raeder Larson Public Service Award
Congratulations to outstanding volunteer Christopher Anderson on winning the 2021 Raeder Larson Public Service Award!
Christopher started volunteering with VLN as a law student, and has since taken on dozens of bankruptcy and letters to creditors cases.
“When Christopher takes a case, he immediately contacts the client and follows up with VLN,” said Chris Kramer, VLN’s Judge Nancy C. Dreher Bankruptcy Attorney. “He always works diligently with his clients to get their cases filed quickly, keeps VLN updated, and is timely in submitting closing information once the case is concluded.
“Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Christopher has increased his commitment to pro bono and to assisting VLN’s clients,” Chris continued. “He has taken more than 16% of the all the Bankruptcy cases we have had since the COVD-19 pandemic began in March 2020.”
Thank you, Christopher, for helping VLN Make Pro Bono Happen!
VLN Holiday Office Closure
Volunteer Lawyers Network will be closed from Friday, December 24 – Monday, January 3.
If you are a current client, please make sure your case coordinator has any and all information they need about your case before the break.
If you need help, please click here to fill out the online intake form or wait until Monday, January 3 at 9 a.m. to call 612-752-6677.
Have safe and joyous holidays!
VLN is hiring!
Join our Immigrant Legal Services Program as a Case Program Coordinator! Put your Spanish-English skills to work for our friends and neighbors in need of legal services.
VLN offers a flexible work environment, competitive salary and outstanding benefits. See the full description by clicking here and apply today!
Make Pro Bono Happen for… ALL!
Happy Give to the Max Day! We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our clients’ triumphant stories on social media. Here they all are again!
There is still time to #MakeProBonoHappen with a matched gift! Click here to support VLN on Minnesota’s Giving Holiday!
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