Click here to see MVL's 2009 Fiscal year end report

 "Equality of justice. Courts of justice shall be open to every person, and a speedy remedy afforded for every injury to person, property or character; and right and justice should be administered without sale, denial or delay."

~Article II, Section 6 of the Colorado Constitution.

If you'd like to volunteer to take a case please complete and fax or e-mail the MVL Volunteer     sign-up sheet (^click here^)

 

 

 

Here's how it works:

When we identify a client in need who has a case that fits within the practice and geographic areas that you tell us that you want to help with, we will send you the client's described legal issue and contact information.  The client will receive a letter with your contact information and an advisement that they must contact you to get started.  The client remains pro se and responsible for his or her case unless and until you agree to represent them.  You will interview the prospective pro bono client and perform your own conflict check and make an independent evaluation of their legal matter.  You will determine whether you will represent them.  If you cannot represent a prospective client, contact us as soon as possible so that we can try to find another attorney to assist with that matter. 

If you take a case, it is always good practice to provide the client with an engagement letter or retainer agreement describing the scope of representation and the expectations of the parties, for example. 

Once you take a client's case, you are the responsible attorney and will conduct the matter in the same manner as you would with any other private client: 

• Stay in communication with your client
• Manage the case
• Track your time
• Maintain a file for the client (If you get sick, injured, stuck in another country, or are otherwise unable to conduct your clients' cases- it's a good idea to have files that another attorney can pick up and cover for you).
• Do not abandon your client. (You will be covered under our liability insurance policy- but it is not "magic" liability insurance, just regular liability insurance.)
• If you need a more experienced attorney to help you think things through, call us and we will direct you to one of our experienced panelists. 
• At the end of your case, please contact MVL to let us know how things went. 
• Thank you!

You can also Volunteer to assist with MVL's Family Law Court Program Clinics:

If you'd like to volunteer to assist clients in a clinic, then the Family Law Court Program ("FLCP") program may be what you are looking for.  The FLCP provides attorneys, law students, and paralegals with the perfect means to meet with and help different clients every month - without taking on any new cases, avoiding a long-term or heavy time commitment, but still providing much needed legal assistance to indigent clients in divorce or custody proceedings.

For more details on The  Family Law Court Program >click here<

To assist with the FLCP

please complete the

^Click Here^

and return it to this office. 

Paralegals and law students are also welcome to volunteer for FLCP, please fill out the

and return it to this office. 

Helping MVL clients is a rewarding way to serve the needs of your community and less fortunate neighbors, while advancing the reputation of lawyers and fulfilling the admonitions of Colorado Rule of Professional Responsibility 6.1.

• Did you know that you can receive CLE credits for pro bono work?  C.R.C.P. 260.8 states that a lawyer providing uncompensated pro bono legal representation may apply for and receive one unit of general CLE credit for every five billable-equivalent hours of representation, up to a maximum of nine CLE credits in each three-year compliance period.  For more information on the ruling, click here.  To access the "Application for CLE credit for Pro bono Representation or Mentoring", click here.

(Note: You must have Adobe Reader on your computer to open sign up sheets. If you do not, go to www.adobe.com, scroll down and look for the yellow icon "Get Adobe Reader" and follow instructions.)

Click here to view a .PPT presentation about MVL.

What is the need for pro bono legal services in Colorado?

During 2007, the Colorado Access to Justice Commission held ten hearings throughout the state to assess the civil legal needs of Colorado's vulnerable populations. In March 2008, the Commission released a report regarding the findings from the hearings and the Commissions recommendations to increase legal assistance to these Coloradans.

Click here http://www.cobar.org/repository/Access%20to%20Justice/08ATJ_FULLReport.pdf to read the 2008 Colorado Access to Justice Commission Hearing FULL Report- includes Executive Summary, Report, and hearing appendices (PDF Format, 3.93 mb)

"The only thing less popular than a poor person these days is a poor person with a lawyer."
-Jon Asher
Director, Colorado Legal Services

For further information, please contact Kathleen Schoen, kschoen@cobar.org.  Do NOT e-mail to these addresses if you need legal assistance.  Your legal issue is important to us.  Call: (303)837-1313.