Want to know more about our Pro Bono Program? Watch the video above.
Pro Bono for Attorneys and Students
The need for pro bono legal services has never been greater. As Arkansas’ poverty population grows, so does the need for representation of their interests. About 17.2% of Arkansas citizens live at or below the poverty level, compared to 11.8% nationwide. In the Delta area, fully 25% of the population lives in poverty. Meanwhile, federal funding for legal-services programs has continued to decrease, while the State of Arkansas provides no appropriation for civil legal services. Combined with the sizable, growing population of needy residents, this lack of resources creates a perfect storm of injustice. Private attorneys can help address these problems by volunteering.
THE ETHICAL OBLIGATION
In 2005, the Arkansas Supreme Court modified Arkansas Rule of Professional Conduct Rule 6.1 to include an aspirational goal of 50 hours of pro bono service per year. The new Rule clarified the types of cases and clients that qualify as pro bono assistance. The Rule also states that in addition to providing pro bono services, attorneys should make annual donations to the state legal services providers.
RESOURCES
Many pro bono matters may be outside a private attorney’s area of expertise. The partnership provides a wealth of resources to help you develop your skills in new areas. You can feel a sense of confidence, and competence, when using the many forms, pleadings and automated documents we offer.
Attorneys
Volunteer Organization for CALS (VOCALS)
Apply below for 44 counties in Central, North, and South Arkansas, including:
Arkansas, Ashley, Bradley, Calhoun, Chicot, Clark, Cleveland, Columbia,Conway, Crawford, Dallas, Desha, Drew, Faulkner, Franklin, Garland, Grant, Hempstead, Hot Spring, Howard, Jefferson, Johnson, Lafayette, Lincoln, Little River, Logan, Lonoke, Miller, Montgomery, Nevada, Ouachita, Perry, Pike, Polk, Pope, Prairie, Pulaski, Saline, Scott, Sebastian, Sevier, Union, White, and Yell counties.
Students
Bowen Students
The pro bono program began placing credited externships with the Center for Arkansas Legal Services in 2009. Kelly Terry is the Director of the Public Service Externship Program and Pro Bono Opportunities. UALR Students should contact Professor Kelly Terry about pro bono and vounteer opportunities. Your donated time counts towards the Dean's Certificate of Public Service.
Other Students
Contact probono@arkansaslegalservices.org about additional opportunities for their own pre-law program. Internships are listed on the Careers page. If there are none, positions are full, and you should check back later.