As a volunteer at Indiana Legal Services, you can make a direct tangible impact on the lives of those in need by being a champion for the cause of justice, providing crucial legal guidance and advocating for the underprivileged. You will be able to help transform lives, protect fundamental rights and contribute to a fairer society.
You will also be able to develop your professional skills while getting a chance to network with your peers and build your professional network. ILS provides different types of pro bono opportunities including:
Clinics
Clinics are a wonderful place to begin your pro bono work. They are limited in time – a single day with set hours – and often in scope, such as drivers’ licenses or housing. There is a team approach with other, more experienced, lawyers on site to answer any questions. Clinics also operate under a modified conflicts rule (RPC 6.5) and use Limited Scope Representation Agreements which allows lawyers and clients to know exactly extent of the representation. As with all ILS projects, forms, support, and malpractice insurance are provided.
Volunteering in-house
We have an increasing number of attorneys who choose to volunteer as staff attorneys. These attorneys work along side our staff attorneys according to their interests and availability. They enjoy the collegiality and team-centered approach of day-to-day practice of law. Many of these attorneys are retired from their normal practice and want to volunteer a day or two a week to give back to the community. Others are transitioning back into the practice after some time off. Either way, volunteering as a part-time staff attorney is a great option for those who have the time and interest, and want to commit to a continuing pro bono presence.
Other attorneys enjoy the challenge of learning a new area of the law and expanding their skill sets. We offer training, support, and forms in a wide range of client needs and cases. We would be happy to talk with you about areas of the law you would like to explore.
Cases
We always have a variety of clients and cases that really need your talents as an attorney. Some lawyers prefer the convenience of taking cases in areas of law in which they already practice. This allows the attorney to get started immediately and make use of their existing skills and experience. ILS has or will soon have a case that needs your existing skills and a client whose life you could change. To get started go to: Opportunities
Inquiry form
Non-criminal, civil legal issues including public benefits such as food stamps, SSI/SSDI terminations, unemployment, land sale contracts, etc.
The application should take about 20 minutes to complete. You will need to answer questions about your income, assets, and household size. Submitting an application does NOT mean that we will accept your case. You should hear from us within about 14 days with a decision on whether we will be able to take your case.
Indiana Legal Services, Inc. (ILS) is a nonprofit law firm and the largest provider of free civil legal assistance to eligible low-income people in Indiana. ILS helps clients who are faced with legal problems that harm their ability to obtain basic needs such as food, shelter, income, medical care or personal safety. ILS also handles cases in other areas including family law where there is domestic violence, housing, consumer law, access to health care, and access to government benefits. ILS does not handle any criminal matters.