Get Involved with JALA’s Pro Bono Unit
Established in 1937, Jacksonville Area Legal Aid (JALA) is a nonprofit law firm focused on delivering economic, social, and housing justice to low-income and at-risk individuals and families on the First Coast.
JALA's Pro Bono Unit continues to be a critical resource dedicated to closing the justice gap and ensuring that legal representation is available to all regardless of ability to pay.
Pro bono involvement offers area attorneys opportunities for professional development and personal reward. Click on the links below to learn more about JALA pro bono opportunities and resources available.
JALA Cases Awaiting Placement with a Pro Bono Attorney
There are many cases awaiting placement with private attorneys. While there are several contested litigation matters, many cases involve either minimal court intervention (e.g. uncontested matters) or no litigation at all (e.g. estate planning).
Click on the following link to review case summaries for all of JALA's current cases awaiting placement: JALA Cases
JALA Non-Case Related Pro Bono Projects
(one-day brief counsel and advice, limited case representation opportunities)
Interested in non-case related pro bono projects such as Ask-A-Lawyer and Advance Directive drafting clinics? There are many ongoing monthly opportunities for you to get involved. Simply click on the link(s) below to learn more about these opportunities and to sign up.
Dallas Graham Branch Library Ask-A-Lawyer: Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Click here to sign up: Dallas Graham Library AAL
Veterans Legal Collaborative (VLC): At the Jacksonville Outpatient Clinic, 1536 N. Jefferson Street, on the 2nd Friday of Every Month from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Click here to sign up: VLC Clinic
Orange Park Library Ask-A-Lawyer: At the Orange Park Library, 2054 Plainfield Avenue, Orange Park, from 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in July, September, and November 2024.
Click here to sign up: OP Library
Family Law Zoom Informational Clinics: Offered twice a month, this Zoom informational clinic provides general information and guidance on child support, custody/timesharing/paternity, and dissolution of marriage with and without children.
Child Support Modification & Custody/Timesharing/Paternity - 2nd Thursday of Every Month from 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce) - 4th Thursday of Every Month from 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. (without Children) and 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (with Children).
Click here to sign up or to express future interest in volunteering for this clinic: Family Law Zoom Clinic
Eviction Defense & Rental Conditions Self-Help Project (Telephonic Clinic): This telephonic clinic is held every Wednesday afternoon. One-hour appointments are set from 1:00 p.m. through 4:00 p.m. and attorneys can consult with clients from the comfort of their offices. This clinic serves a vital need for those with housing conditions. Given the ongoing housing crisis, we would like to involve more attorneys and offer additional time slots for this clinic.
Click here to sign up or to express future interest in volunteering for this clinic (we would like to grow this clinic): Eviction Defense & Conditions Clinic
Pro Se In-Person Bankruptcy Assistance Clinic: This in-person clinic is held at the Federal Courthouse from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on the 4th Wednesday of every month (**November is held on the 3rd Wednesday and December on the 2nd Wednesday).
Click here to sign up or to express future interest in volunteering for this clinic (we would like to grow this clinic): Pro Se BK Clinic
12 Under 12 Advance Directive Clinics: Several times throughout the year, JALA hosts an Advance Directive Clinic at one of our senior-citizen residential centers in Jacksonville. At these clinics, attorneys consult with clients, and draft and execute the client's Advance Directives while at the clinic. For those who do not have their own templates, JALA will provide templates and training. If you are interested in this type of clinic and would like to be considered for future clinics, please email Aaron Irving at Aaron.Irving@jaxlegalaid.org.
Duval County Courthouse Family Law In-Person Clinic: More Information to Follow.
9/11 Wills for Vets Drafting Clinic: On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, JALA, in partnership with Bank of America and McGuireWoods, LLP, will host the first Annual "Wills for Vets" event at City Hall. The event will take place between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. with attorneys assisting veterans with drafting their simple wills & advance directives from 1:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. For those who do not have their own templates, JALA will provide templates and training.
Click here to sign up: 9/11 Wills for Vets
SUPPORT FOR PRO BONO ATTORNEYS OFFERED BY JALA
CLE Courses (online and in-person)
Expert Resource Attorneys
Law Students (to assist in document prep or serve as translators, if needed)
Access to Westlaw (for pro bono case research)
Professional Liability Insurance (for legal services cases)
Meeting Space and Notary, if needed
for more information, CONTACT:
Aaron J. Irving, Esq.
Director of Pro Bono
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc.
Direct/Text: 904-405-1961
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc. is proudly supported by
