Ways JALA Supports Pro Bono Attorneys
CLE training webinars, expert resources, and WestLaw access are some of the ways Jacksonville Area Legal Aid (JALA) supports pro bono attorneys (see below). In addition, pro bono attorneys are covered by JALA’s professional liability insurance when assisting JALA pro bono clients.
Professional Liability Insurance Coverage
JALA’s Pro bono attorneys are covered by legal services professional liability insurance when assisting JALA pro bono clients. New pro bono attorneys may also be paired with an expert resource attorney for guidance during the progress of the pro bono case.
Receiving Guidance from Expert Resource Attorneys
Pro bono attorneys provide legal guidance and serve as sounding boards for other pro bono attorneys who are representing JALA pro bono clients. The expert resource attorney is not listed as the primary advocate for the case, but rather supports the pro bono attorney advocate.
Pro bono attorneys may also receive guidance from expert resource attorneys who are ready and willing to provide direction and feedback in specific substantive areas. When a pro bono attorney has agreed to assist a client in a legal matter, the attorney may also request the contact information of an expert resource.
WestLaw Legal Research Access
Pro bono attorneys may receive WestLaw access for legal research pertaining to their JALA/NFMLP pro bono clients’ cases.
Meeting Space and Notary Services
JALA’s provides Pro bono attorneys meeting space and notary services.
Law Student Assistance
A pro bono attorney may be assigned a law student to assist with document preparation, research, general case management and foreign language translaton.
Representing Low-Income and Vulnerable Clients
This brief six-minute video gives the pro bono attorney valuable insights into the challenges of representing low-income and vulnerable clients. This downloadable brochure is also very helpful and reinforces tips and techniques presented in the video.
Substantive Area CLE Training Webinars
The goal of each of the training courses is to give the pro bono attorney the tools to represent a pro bono client in the particular substantive area of law.
Get Involved with JALA’s Pro Bono Unit
Attorneys who would like to get involved in pro bono case representation and/or would like to participate in pro bono outreach, intake, and projects are encouraged to contact Debra Talley, Pro Bono Case Placement Manager, at debra.talley@jaxlegalaid.org, 904-356-8371, ext. 362 or fill out the Attorney Interest Form below.