Getting Started: Volunteer with VLN!
Volunteer as an attorney!
Over 500 people volunteer with VLN yearly. Without volunteers, thousands of members of our community would have no help in accessing our justice system.
Volunteer as a non-attorney!
We have limited opportunities for paralegals, law students, and people who fluently speak more than one language.
Volunteer Opportunities Chart
To see a complete, up-to date list of volunteer opportunities, including time commitments, click the link below.
Why Volunteer with Volunteer Lawyers Network?
In short– justice depends on it. Volunteer Lawyers Network (VLN) provides free legal services to low-income Minnesotans through volunteer attorneys who are dedicated to providing access to justice for all Minnesotans. Every year, hundreds of volunteer attorneys provide thousands of legal services to clients who would otherwise have to navigate a complex legal system on their own. VLN depends on volunteers to provide lifechanging services to people in need of help.
Beyond that, Minn. Rules of Professional Conduct 6.1 creates an aspirational goal of 50 hours of pro bono work per year for all lawyers, which can be achieved through volunteering with VLN. In addition, pro bono work with VLN qualifies for up to 6 Minnesota CLE standard credits. Retired attorneys can volunteer as emeritus lawyers.
Volunteering with VLN helps develop personal and career skills as well as being an opportunity to network with like-minded attorneys with a passion for access to justice.
Lastly, we are here to help you! VLN staff and mentors are here to help you with your case, every step of the way.
What our Clients Say
“My lawyer went above and beyond […] I appreciate everything she has done for me because with her I was able to get my dream job […] and start over with a clean record. A lot of people don’t get second chances in life, but I did, and I’m so thankful that [my lawyer] took my case. […] I thank her so much because with her I’m able to live a normal life again and to do better in life. Thank you so much!”
“They were extremely helpful in helping advocate on my behalf. I was already on the right I just was not sure of all the technical terms and laws. VLN jumped right in and helped win my case and protected my housing rights.”
“The attorney literally made it possible for me to gain full custody of my grandson at a time that was imperative to his well-being.”
Levels of Volunteer Services
VLN has volunteer opportunities in most areas of civil law for all experience levels. Levels of volunteering include:
Advice Only – Advice is when a volunteer attorney provides only verbal or written legal guidance and/or their legal opinion. Volunteers provide advice only services over the phone or at in-person legal clinics located at courthouses and community partner locations.
Brief Service – Brief services are when a volunteer attorney provides more service than just advice but does not take on any on-going representation. Examples include phone calls, writing a letter, and drafting court forms. Brief services are primarily provided at courthouse and community partner clinics but also can be scheduled by phone.
Extended or Full Representation – Extended representation is when a volunteer provides services to a client over multiple days or becomes attorney of record with the court on a case. Full representation is when an attorney represents a client from start to finish on a specific matter. (Please note VLN does not assist with appellate cases.) Representation agreements should always be signed for extended or full representation work clearly delineating the boundaries of the work.
Frequently asked questions
Still have questions?
If you cannot find an answer to your question in our FAQ, please contact a Deputy Director with your questions.
