Pro-Bono Opportunities
Are You Safe
Assist victims of domestic violence by representing them during the injunction process. The project is organized by Are You Safe, a nonprofit that provides free legal and social services to domestic violence victims. Training is provided. Contact Miriam Velez Valkenburg at (813) 514-1058 or at r.u.safe.tampa@gmail.com.
Ask A Lawyer
Respond to calls from local residents seeking legal help. Volunteers appear on Fox 13's morning television show on the first Thursday of the month from 7a.m. to 9a.m. Contact HCBA (813) 221-7777
Attorney Ad Litem Program
Serve as a juvenile's representative in the absence of a parent or guardian. Volunteers are appointed as attorneys ad litem for juveniles charged with criminal offenses. No training is needed. Contact Ginger Schechter at (813) 272-6875 or via email at schechvm@fljud13.org.
Bay Area Legal Services
Provide assistance to individuals and non-profit groups with limited access to legal services. A number of programs are available, most with training.
Visit Website: https://www.bals.org/volunteer/bay-area-volunteer-lawyers-program/pro-bono-projects
Bankruptcy Court Legal Assistance Program
Assist low-income litigants in certain adversary proceedings. The project is operated by the Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District. Contact https://www.flmb.uscourts.gov/legalassistance/
Crossroads for Florida Kids
Assist homeless teens and at-risk children in dependency and delinquency proceedings. Training, mentoring, and professional liability insurance provided. Contact Rosemary Armstrong (813)873-7490 or via email at rosemary@crossroadsfloridakids.org or Allison Singer at (813)335-0766 or via email at Allison.willis.singer@gmail.com
Dependency Court: Psychiatric Services
Represent minors who have been placed in secure psychiatric programs. Review psychiatric reports to oversee progress and appropriateness of services. Attend hearings on behalf of minor every 3 months. Approximate time commitment: 9 months to 1 year. Training available.
Contact Selena Schoonover at (813)272-6172, email: schoonsl@fljud13.org
Federal Litigation Project
Provide limited one-time consultation to pro se litigants in federal court. Attorneys with expertise in general civil rights and federal employment issues are needed, but all attorneys with federal law experience are encouraged to participate. Contact Michael Matthews at (813) 225-4133 or via email at mmatthews@foley.com
Fostering Independence Program
Make a difference in the life of a child by assisting at-risk teens living in foster care. Training DVD is provided. Contact the Guardian Ad Litem program at (813) 272-6802
Guardian Ad Litem Program
Help a child. Volunteer to become an appointed guardian for a child in need. Training is provided by GAL. Contact (813)272-5110 or go to www.guardianadlitem.org/probono_train.asp.
Guardian Advocate
Assist the relatives of developmentally disabled adults to be appointed as Guardian Advocates. Volunteer attorneys may withdraw once the guardian is appointed by the court. Training is provided. Contact (813)528-3876
Judicial Bypass Program
Represent minors seeking judicial bypass for pregnancy termination. Training available.
Contact Mike Peacock, Esq by phone at (813) 769-2409or via email at mpeacock@peacocklawfirm.com
Military Liaison Committee
Provide legal assistance to military personnel. Contact Captain Timothy Goines at timothy.goines@us.af.mil or Major Sherri Orr at (813) 828-8799
Service to Soldiers
Assist a member of the United States Armed Forces with a non-military legal problem. Service members seeking assistance are at or below the rank of E5, and are either on active duty or are deploying, deployed, or have recently returned from deployment. This project is coordinated by the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Contact Amy Bandow at (813) 419-5100, extension 5108, or via email at bandowa@cooley.edu
St. Michael's Legal Center
Provide legal assistance to low income residents at Christ the King Catholic Church. Contact J. Michael Shea at mike@jmichaelshea.com
Teen Court
Serve as a judge or mentor to help first-time juvenile offenders in Teen Court, a court-sponsored diversionary program. The project is organized by the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. Contact Pam Stokes ar (813) 272-5953 or via email at
stokespl@fljud13.org.
University of South Florida Legal Aid
Assist students and graduate students with legal problems that include: landlord/tenant, consumer, DUI, traffic, and family law. Contact the Student Resource Agency at USF at (813) 974-0101
Wills for Heroes
Assist first responders with limited assets (firefighters, police officers, and paramedics) by providing will, living wills and powers of attorney. Contact Debra Smietanski at (813) 229-2300 or
dsmietanski@foley.com
