“You get more out of it than you give.” — Attorney Rosemary Rubin, Pro Bono Project volunteer
Attorneys, experience the power of one…
One case.
One client.
One attorney — you!
It takes just one to make an impact.
Each one of our pro bono attorneys is the difference between
- Security and violence
- Housing and homelessness
- Self-sufficiency and debt
- Hope and despair
Find more details below. And if you’re ready to make a difference, fill out the adjacent application to get started today!
SUMMIT COUNTY ATTORNEYS:
Interested in volunteering at the Summit County Pro Bono Collaborative's monthly free clinic? Click below to sign up.
Volunteer for Summit County Pro Bono Collaborative
80%
of civil legal needs of low-income Americans go un-served each year
1 in 2
applicants turned away by CLA due to lack of resources
150
approximate volunteer attorneys work on CLA cases pro bono each year
FAQs
What level of commitment am I making by volunteering?
Your level of commitment is based on your availability and comfort level. We can support you in offering everything from brief counsel and advice, to attending legal clinics for a couple hours of commitment, to full representation on cases.
How many cases do I have to take each year?
Your caseload depends on your availability. We encourage our volunteers to take at least one case each year. We have volunteers who take more than that, or who have to take a year off when they are busier with their private practice schedules. It is flexible to meet your needs.
Do I have to be actively practicing in order to volunteer?
Attorneys must be registered and in good standing with the Supreme Court of Ohio. Attorneys who are retired from private practice can register for Emeritus Pro Bono Status to reduce registration fees and continue to volunteer.
Am I covered under malpractice insurance?
CLA covers all volunteer attorneys under our malpractice insurance at no additional cost to you.
Can I get CLE credit for pro bono service – even if I just help at a clinic?
Yes. All your volunteer activities through CLA earn your CLE credits, including volunteering at a clinic. Attorneys can earn 1 CLE credit for every 6 hours of pro bono service up to 6 credit hours. We also offer free webinars and in-person training to all our volunteers, which can also help you earn your CLE hours.
Do I need to have experience in poverty law or certain substantive areas in order to volunteer?
No. We provide the training and support you need to feel confident in assisting clients. And our team of attorneys who are experts in poverty law are always available to help answer questions you may have. We are on-site at clinics to provide real-time help, and are also available to you if taking on a case for full representation.
Is there paralegal or administrative support available?
Yes. We have a team of paralegals specifically dedicated to our volunteer attorneys to help as needed. We also have standard forms and pleadings you can use, help with scheduling and filings, and administrative support.