Here’s how you can help.
1. Take a full-representation case on a volunteer basis.
You always have the option of rejecting a case if your schedule does not permit. We hope volunteers will accept one to two cases per year. Cases are available in a variety of legal areas with a primary emphasis in family law; family law is the most needed area of representation for low-income people.
2. Provide information at Dakota County Family Court Self Help Center.
This all-volunteer staffed self-help center, allows pro se litigants with family law problems an opportunity to talk for 30 minutes with an attorney. Each session is a total of three hours, and there are several sessions each month at three locations: Apple Valley, West St. Paul, and Hastings. As a volunteer, we hope you will take at least two sessions per year.
3. Provide family law information at the Lewis House, a shelter for victims of domestic violence.
This volunteer-staffed family law advice clinic is held at the Eagan location of the Lewis House. Volunteer attorneys meet with shelter residents and visitors for 30-minute appointments to provide information on family law issues. Sessions run from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Please consider volunteering for one or two sessions.
4. Sign up to be on call to represent domestic violence victims at Order for Protection Proceedings.
Every year, more than 700 Orders for Protection are filed in Dakota County. Put your name on a list to represent domestic violence victims in these proceedings. Our office will contact you when the need arises to determine whether you are available to appear at the court hearing.
5. Let us work with you to tailor a volunteer project to your interests and needs!
Join us!
To become a member of a volunteer panel and/or to join our attorney referral service, download the following forms and return them by U.S. Mail or fax. We are excited about your interest and hope to hear from you soon.
