Pro Bono Attorney

Pro bono attorneys are vital to advancing access to justice for individuals who cannot afford legal representation. By donating their time and expertise, attorneys help bridge the justice gap, providing critical legal support to those in need. LSNV invites attorneys to join our mission by taking on pro bono cases or participating in advice clinics. Together, we can make a lasting impact on our community.

“Equal justice under the law is not merely a caption on the face of the Supreme Court building. It is perhaps the most inspiring ideal of our society. . ..  It is fundamental that justice should be the same, in substance and availability, without regard to economic status.”

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Lewis Powell

Attorney Volunteer Opportunities

For more information, please contact the Pro Bono Team at [email protected].

Bankruptcy & Debtors’ Rights

Bankruptcy Referrals: Bankruptcy is a frequently requested service at LSNV, but we only have resources to represent individuals facing the most dire financial circumstances.  LSNV needs volunteer attorneys to represent clients in Chapter 7 bankruptcies.  These cases tend to be routine, no asset cases.  Our panel of volunteer bankruptcy attorneys also serve as a referral source for fee-generating over-income applicants or Chapter 13 cases.        

Income Tax Disputes: LSNV’s Low Income Tax Clinic assists taxpayers in resolving issues with the IRS at every point in the tax process, from responding to a simple request for more information to litigating in the Tax Court and other federal courts.  We also help taxpayers resolve collections issues such as liens, levies, penalties, and large tax balances.  Our LITC staff offers volunteer attorneys training and mentoring on all aspects of the IRS “Fresh Start” program, including how to prepare and navigate the popular Offer in Compromise program.        

Fairfax Consumer Protection Clinics:

LSNV collaborates with the Northern Virginia Pro Bono Law Center (NVPBLC) to operate the Consumer Protection Clinic. Volunteer attorneys can receive free CLE training in exchange for committing to two appointment dates. Client consultations are held every other Wednesday and can be conducted remotely from the attorney’s office.

Pro bono attorneys are also encouraged to represent clients in court for meritorious cases. LSNV staff attorneys are available to provide guidance and support throughout the process. For more information, please contact Arlene Beckerman, Esq., at NVPBLC to get involved, [email protected].      

Domestic Violence

Attorney of the Day program: Volunteer attorneys represent protective order petitioners in family abuse matters in Fairfax. A free CLE training is available in exchange for an agreement to sign up to assist clients on specific upcoming dates. Volunteers represent clients in meritorious matters in the J&DR court. LSNV staff is available for mentoring in the case. Volunteers may also take protective orders in other Northern Virginia jurisdictions.

Employment

Employment Clinics: LSNV also partners with the NVPBLC to run an employment clinic which takes places every other Thursday. Volunteer attorneys can meet with clients remotely from their offices. LSNV staff provide training and mentoring. For more information, please contact Arlene Beckerman, Esq., at NVPBLC to get involved, [email protected]

Elder Law

Wills Clinic: Volunteer attorneys create simple personal declarative documents such as a will, power of attorney and/or medical directive during a 2-3 hour appointment.

Family Law

Uncontested Divorce: Volunteer attorneys are asked to handle uncontested divorce cases on behalf of LSNV applicants.  A free CLE training is available in exchange for an agreement to take cases. LSNV pre-screens cases to make sure that custody, support, and property issues are either resolved and/or not at issue.

Housing Law

LSNV has several pro bono opportunities to assist tenants in Fairfax County who are facing eviction.

Housing Clinic: LSNV partners with the Northern Virginia Pro Bono Law Center (NVPBLC) to run a housing law clinic in which a pro bono attorney provides advice and sometimes further legal assistance to two (2) tenants during a virtual clinic on Tuesdays.

In Court Representation: LSNV refers individual eviction cases to partner firms and attorneys for representation in court.

A free housing law CLE training is available for interested attorneys who want to participate in the housing clinic or be on our housing pro bono referral list.  For more information, please email [email protected].

Veterans Law Pro Bono Project

Volunteer attorneys represent former military servicemembers in discharge upgrade cases and VA disability compensation claims.

Other Opportunities

LSNV offers a variety of other volunteer opportunities including criminal record expungement and uncontested guardianship.