LEGAL VOLUNTEER PROGRAM . . .

Volunteer attorneys make it possible for Bet Tzedek Legal Services to fulfill its mission of equal access to justice and are the reason it has grown from a tiny storefront operation into a multi-program poverty law center. Bet Tzedek is grateful to the 400 volunteer attorneys and paralegals who donate more than 21,000 hours of volunteer time during the course of a year. In fact, Bet Tzedek's volunteers nearly double the work of our staff, contributing over 57,000 volunteer hours each year valued at $4.3 million.

Attorneys

Volunteer attorneys make a commitment on a per-case basis or on a weekly or monthly schedule. Seasoned attorneys may work from their own offices. Through Bet Tzedek, new or less experienced attorneys may acquire trial and law-and-motion training. Staff expertise and supervision are also available to new and seasoned attorneys.

Bet Tzedek participates in the California State Bar Emeritus Attorney Pro Bono program, where bar dues are waived if volunteers are eligible. All volunteer attorneys are provided with legal malpractice insurance.

Paralegals and Law Clerks

Under staff attorney supervision, our volunteer law clerk students represent clients at administrative hearings, conduct client consultations, negotiate settlements, conduct investigations, research and draft legal documents. Paralegal students may volunteer as intake assistants, who pre-screen clients for financial and case type eligibility. They will arrange appointments for eligible clients, provide information and make appropriate referrals to other legal agencies when necessary.

Volunteer law clerks and paralegals work eight hours weekly for a 12-week period during the months of September through May.

Read more about opportunities for law students >>

To volunteer, contact: volunteer@bettzedek.org

Pre-Law Students

During the academic year, Bet Tzedek orients and trains pre-law college students interested in legal careers to work as Intake Assistants. Intake Assistants pre-screen clients for financial and case type eligibility by telephone. The interns will arrange appointments for eligible clients, provide information and make appropriate referrals to other legal or social service agencies when necessary. Academic year interns work eight hours weekly for twelve weeks.

In addition, college internships are available during the summer for Intake Assistants/Legal Assistants under the direction of staff advocates. Students will have the opportunity to communicate with and advocate for potential and actual clients. Students will begin their internship with an orientation and training. By the end of the summer commitment, students will be given the opportunity to observe, then conduct in-person interviews. As LEGAL ASSISTANTS, students may conduct factual investigation and prepare correspondence and court forms under the supervision of Litigation Attorneys. Summer college interns work twenty (20) hours weekly.

To volunteer, contact: volunteer@bettzedek.org

Internships:

• ERP Law Student >>
• Debtors' Rights Clinic Law Student >>
• Law Student Clerkship >>
• Academic Undergrad Internship >>
• Self-Help Conservatorship Clinic >>
• Summer 2010 Law Clerk Brochure >>

Other Volunteers and Lay Professionals

Bet Tzedek offers a variety of other volunteer opportunities for lay professionals, students and experts. For example, Bet Tzedek offers internships and volunteer placements in accounting, marketing, general office support including data entry, reception and translating. In addition, investigators, as well as experts in medical science, librarianship, and other fields may offer their services on a case basis or on a weekly schedule.

Bet Tzedek welcomes volunteers who can commit four to eight hours weekly for 12 weeks in a variety of roles. Volunteers may gain workplace experience as well as sharpen their computer skills. It is an excellent way to develop friendships while helping the community.

Please contact volunteer@bettzedek.org to inquire about the diverse volunteer opportunities available.