RAPPAPORT CENTER FOR LAW & PUBLIC SERVICE
PRO BONO PROGRAM

Pro Bono at Suffolk University Law School

Suffolk University Law School is committed to the principle that members of the legal community and those aspiring to enter the legal profession have an obligation to assist in providing legal services to persons of limited means, and to individuals, groups or causes that are under-represented in the legal system.  Through our voluntary Pro Bono Program, Suffolk University Law School seeks to foster in every member of the law school community - including faculty, administrators, staff and law students - a moral and professional obligation to ensure access to justice for all members of the community.

In furtherance of this principle, Suffolk University Law School challenges all incoming law students to complete at least 50 hours of law-related volunteer work before they graduate.  By participating in Suffolk’s Pro Bono Program, students have the opportunity to give back to the community by helping underserved clients or groups and participating in work to improve the law, while also gaining practical experience and building a network of professional contacts. 

For more information about Suffolk's Pro Bono Program, see the Pro Bono Program Handbook.

Student forms are also available for download by clicking on the following links:

Pro Bono Student Pledge

Pro Bono Student Acknowledgement of Professional Responsibility

Pro Bono Partners Program - Student Registration Form

Pro Bono Student Work Log

AIDS Action Committee - Seeking Law Student Volunteers

AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts provides a wide range of services to individuals living with HIV and AIDS, including legal representation to clients in a variety of civil matters such as housing, discrimination, public benefits, estate planning, and family law.  The Legal Services Department seeks an upper-level law student to work as an integral member of the legal team.  The internship offers substantial contact with HIV+ clients, most of whom are severely impoverished, assisting them with a wide range of legal issues such as housing, probate and family law, estate planning, public benefits, and consumer debt. The Legal Intern positions offer an excellent opportunity for independent client-based work, as the interns will be responsible for conducting legal clinics and screening clients on our Legal Intake Line. There are also frequent opportunities to perform legal research, participate in litigation preparation, and accompany attorneys in court.  Internships can often be tailored toward particular areas of interest.  The Legal Department has received high ratings from past interns and works hard to mentor interns and tailor tasks to interns’ particular areas of interest.  The internship is unpaid.  Qualifications and Requirements: Strong interpersonal skills, desire to work directly with clients, and ability to work independently are a must.  Length of Internship: Spring Semester, with a possibility for continuing position in the Summer or Fall Semester.  Weekly Hours: 15+ hours.  To Apply: Please send a statement of interest and resume to Melissa Champagne MChampagne@aac.org AND Monica Villar MVillar@aac.org.

Boston Area Rape Crisis Center Legal Advocacy Program

The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) is a grassroots, non-profit organization serving the needs of survivors of sexual assault, their friends and family, and the general community.

BARCC’s Legal Advocacy Program is seeking law student volunteers to work between 10-15 hours each week for a full academic year (Fall through Spring semesters) with its Case Management Program.  BARCC Case Management Interns are expected to be part of the legal advocacy team. They conduct initial phone intakes and screen cases for rape related legal issues related to housing and economic stability. Interns are assigned cases to monitor and are expected to provide the necessary advocacy for their clients.  All volunteers are required to attend a 40 hour rape crisis training.  If you are interested, please contact Clare Namugga at cnamugga@barcc.org 

BARCC is also seeking a law student volunteer to assist with its Law Enforcement Curriculum Project, which involves developing curricula for a sexual assault investigator certification training, a student officer training, several veterans’ in-service trainings, and a three day advanced training.  This position offers the student volunteer the opportunity to assist with the development of curricula for municipal police throughout the state while gaining increased knowledge about sexual assault investigations.  The expected time commitment is approximately 8 hours per week during BARCC business hours (9am-5pm M-F), preferably for the full academic year.  This position requires strong research, writing, and communication skills.  For more information and to apply, contact Shelley Yen-Ewert at syenewert@barcc.org.

Boston Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition

Through free tax preparation, education, advocacy, and asset building strategies, the Boston Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition (Coalition) aids Boston’s low-to moderate-income communities in accessing millions in unclaimed tax refund credits and dollars.  The Coalition is a working partnership of non-profit and community based organizations, unions, educational institutions, key local businesses, and government agencies, which during the 2007 filing season brought $16.8 million in tax credits and refunds to Boston’s low-income taxpayers through free community based preparation.

The Coalition is seeking law student volunteers to serve as Specialized Tax Preparers during the 2009 tax season.  The Coalition provides services in Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Somali, Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole and Haitian Creole and bilingual volunteers are especially needed.  All new volunteers must attend an 8 hour training and take the IRS's online certification exam to become Certified Volunteer Tax Preparers.  The EITC will be holding a training for Suffolk Law Students on Saturday, January 3rd from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Suffolk Sawyer School of Management 5th floor 8 Ashburton Place Boston MA 02108.  This training will teach volunteers on all of the aspects of Volunteer Tax Preparation.  Volunteers will be taught the basics of Federal and Massachusetts tax law including Filing Status, Dependency, Tax Deductions and Tax Credits (including the Earned Income Tax Credit).  Volunteers will also receive hands-on training on using Taxwise, the tax preparation software used at all Coalition tax sites.  In addition, volunteers will be taught taxpayer interview techniques and quality control procedures, as well as learn the various resources that will be available to them while volunteering.  After attending the training, new volunteers will be eligible to take the IRS certification test. Breakfast and Lunch will be served to those that attend.  To attend this training, you must sign up online at: http://www.cityofboston.gov/bra/eitc/ (follow links to register and click on the tax preparer link to see training dates).   Interested students should contact Michelle Harper at mharper@suffolk.edu for more information.

Chelsea Retoration Corporation - Foreclosure Workout Pro Bono Project

Chelsea Restoration Corporation (CRC) is a community-based nonprofit agency that has been an integral part of the preservation and revitalization of Chelsea neighborhoods for almost 29 years.  Since 2007, CRC has been assisting homeowners with foreclosure prevention in the communities of Chelsea and Revere.   CRC and Suffolk Law School are launching a pro bono project to assist homeowners with negotiation and review of Loan Modification Agreements to help homeowners avoid foreclosure.   Student volunteers will work under the supervision of Professor Richard Perlmutter to negotiate work-out agreements on behalf of homeowners, to carefully review all terms of the modification agreements, and to counsel homeowners on the terms and requirements of the modifications.  Volunteers may be needed for on-site service at CRC, however most of the pro bono work can be completed at Suffolk and during flexible hours.  This opportunity is limited to upper-level students, and is ideal for students interested in transactional work and who have an interest or background in mortgages, conveyances, or creditors’ rights.  If you would like to apply for this project, please send your resume to Michelle Harper at mharper@suffolk.edu.  This project will begin in January 2009.

Criminal Justice Research Opportunity with The Spangenberg Group

The Spangenberg Group (TSG) is a nationally and internationally recognized criminal justice research and consulting firm that specializes in indigent defense services.  Since 1985, TSG has been under contract with the American Bar Association's (ABA) Bar Information Program, which provides support and technical assistance to individuals and organizations working to improve their jurisdictions' indigent defense systems. As the ABA's sole provider of technical assistance relating to indigent defense systems, TSG has worked with judges, bar associations, state and local governments, legislative bodies and public defender organizations in every state across the country.    TSG is seeking an upper-level law student volunteer to assist with the agency’s evaluation of public defender/assigned counsel offices in a variety of jurisdictions across the nation.  Specifically, a law student is needed to provide research as needed on each jurisdiction and summarize findings in memoranda.  Strong research and writing skills are necessary.  Interested students should contact Michelle Harper at mharper@suffolk.edu.

Foreclosure Taskforce Pro Bono Opportunity - Seeking Student Canvassers

The Harvard Legal Aid Bureau (HLAB), the Legal Services Center (LSC), and City Life have formed a coalition to address the foreclosure crisis. Through legal action and community mobilization, the Foreclosure Taskforce seeks to make it more costly and difficult for banks to evict the tenants in foreclosed properties, and in so doing pressure the banks to change their current policy of evicting everyone. To increase the number of people who stay in their homes until being evicted through court process (thus increasing the costs to banks), the Foreclosure Taskforce is organizing a group of volunteers to canvass neighborhoods and speak with tenants in person about their legal rights and option to refuse "cash-for-keys" move-out agreements (banks use these agreements to pressure tenants to leave quickly and at low cost). Suffolk Law School is partnering with the Foreclosure Taskforce by adopting a neighborhood in Chelsea for student volunteers to canvass each week. The Housing & Consumer Protection Clinic will also be taking some of the post-foreclosure eviction cases to help in the effort.  If you would like to volunteer for this opportunity, contact Michelle Harper at mharper@suffolk.edu.

Legal Advocacy and Resource Center - Hotline Volunteers Needed

The Legal Advocacy Resource Center (LARC) is seeking student volunteers to answer hotline calls from low-income Massachusetts residents seeking information and assistance in the areas of bankruptcy, foreclosure and social security.  Volunteers will be trained to handle calls on a particular issue or the entire range of issues handled by the hotline, depending on the volunteer’s background, interest and availability.  Volunteering on the hotline is a great way to learn about legal issues, while working directly with clients.  LARC provides training, materials and ongoing supervision.  A minimum commitment of 4 hours per week for a full semester is required.  For additional information and to apply, email resume and cover letter to Dan Biagiotti, Managing Attorney, Legal Advocacy and Resource Center, 197 Friend Street, Boston, MA 02114, at DBiagiotti@gbls.org.

Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee

The Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee, appointed by the Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court, consists of fourteen judges and lawyers knowledgeable and experienced in mental health law. The work of the Legal Advisors Committee is carried out by a small staff of lawyers who seek to make full use of the law to ensure that the rights of persons who are or may be regarded as mentally disabled are recognized and protected.  The legal staff of the Committee provides legal referral, information and advice to individuals, lawyers, mental health professionals and the general public. The Committee promotes understanding of new developments in mental health law, housing law, family law and disability civil rights law through its topical resource publications and articles in legal journals.

The Committee is seeking law student volunteers to field calls that come through the Committee’s intake line.  Specific responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, conducting phone intakes with callers and providing information and referrals related to the following areas of law: access to and appropriateness of state agency services; consumer law and debt collection; domestic relations; education & special education; employment discrimination; guardianship; health care; housing; mental health facilities; rights in the community; and rights of DYS-involved youth.

A minimum commitment of 6-8 hours per week for at least 3 months is required.  Hours will be split between 2 days, and one of the days must be on Monday, Wednesday or Friday (hours worked can be anytime between 8 am-6 pm).  This opportunity is open to students of all levels. For more information and to apply, send cover letter and resume to Lauren Roy, lroy@mhlac.org, or Abigail Selter, aselter@mhlac.org, Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee, 399 Washington Street, 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02108.

MetroWest Legal Services - Bankruptcy Pro Bono Project

MetroWest Legal Services (formerly South Middlesex Legal Services) provides legal advocacy and representation to protect and advance the rights of the poor, elderly, disabled and other disenfranchised people in its service area.  MWLS is seeking a law student volunteer to assist a pro bono bankruptcy attorney with his case load.  Responsibilities of the student volunteer will include: meeting with the attorney and his clients, reviewing and organizing financial information, preparing bankruptcy petitions, and attending 341 creditor’s meetings with the pro bono attorney.  The anticipated time commitment for this project is 6 to 10 hours per week for the semester, preferably on Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays (with flexibility to work Wednesdays and Fridays once familiar with the necessary bankruptcy software). All work must be performed on-site at MWLS’ office located in Framingham, MA.  For more information and to volunteer, contact Cheryl Palmieri, Pro Bono Coordinator/Attorney at cpalmieri@mwlegal.org or 508-620-1830. 

Middlesex DA's Office Domestic Violence Unit

The Middlesex District Attorney's Office Domestic Violence Unit investigates and prosecutes domestic violence cases and works with local police, community partners, and victim service organizations to engage in domestic violence prevention and intervention efforts. The Chief of the DV Unit is seeking student volunteers to work directly with her in the Middlesex Superior Court in Woburn, MA on research projects, motion drafting, and case investigation and preparation. Students are also needed in district courts in Waltham, Malden, Somerville, and Lowell to assist with DV victim meeting coordination, witness interviews or other case investigation and preparation. Both placements offer students invaluable court observation opportunities and first-hand experience in the District Attorney’s office. Interested students should email a cover letter and resume to Suzanne Kontz, Chief of the Domestic Violence Unit, at Suzanne.Kontz@state.ma.us.

Senior Partners for Justice Family Court Pro Bono Program

Senior Partners for Justice Family Court Pro Bono program places students in Suffolk, Middlesex and Norfolk Probate and Family Courts to work with courthouse staff on projects such as assisting unrepresented litigants.  Students must commit one full day or two half days (preferably mornings) to this internship for a full semester.  This is a terrific opportunity for students of all levels, particularly those with an interest in family law. For more information and to register, contact Michelle Harper at mharper@suffolk.edu.

Shelter Legal Services Foundation

Shelter Legal Services is a non-profit organization offering free legal advice and representation to homeless and low-income individuals in the Boston area. SLSF serves over 400 clients per year at legal clinics located in homeless shelters and service centers, including the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Government Center. Law students volunteer at these legal clinics during the school year and summer, and/or participate in a full-time internship program. Law students must attend a mandatory training program prior to volunteering. This volunteer opportunity is open to all law students, regardless of year. For more information contact Alyssa Pelletier, Shelter Legal Services Student Presiden at Suffolk, at alyssa.pelletier@gmail.com or Anna Schleelein, Veterans Program Director, at Schleelein@shelterlegalservices.org.

South Coastal Counties Legal Services, Inc.

South Coastal Counties Legal Services aids low-income individuals and families with civil legal issues such as public benefits, family law/domestic violence, public housing eligibility/evictions, bankruptcy, and elder and homeless issues.  The Family Law Unit in the Brockton office is seeking a student volunteer to assist on a short term project developing a consolidated list of resources available in the local community for victims of domestic violence.  The student volunteer will research and canvas any available programs, including one-time financial assistance for past due bills, food pantries, mental health providers for support, housing programs and advocates, etc.  The estimated time commitment is 4 to 8 hours per week for the semester, with at least 4 of these hours performed on site in the Brockton office.  This opportunity is limited to upper-level law students.  For more information and to volunteer, contact Attorney Ellen Nelson at enelson@sccls.org.  

Street Law Clinic Project

The Street Law Clinic Project sponsored by the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild provides clinics on various legal topics for non-lawyers with the goal of empowering participants by teaching them about their legal rights.  Clinics are conducted by law students with back-up by lawyers. They take place in community centers, churches, high schools, homeless shelters, union halls, and pre-release centers. The workshops are interactive, with participants figuring out how to deal with real-life situations, and usually last about two hours.  Currently, Street Law Clinics are offered in the following areas:  Stop and Search Clinic, Tenants' Rights Clinic, Workers' Rights Clinic, and Immigration Law Clinic.  For more information and to participate in the Street Law Clinic Project call (617) 723-4330 or email the Street Law Coordinator at nlgmass-slc@igc.org.

Upcoming Clinics:

• Clinic: Stop & Search
• Where: Cambridge Cares, 17 Sellars St. Cambridge
• When:December 17th, 9 AM

Volunteer Lawyers Project

The Volunteer Lawyers Project is seeking a law student volunteer who is fluent in Spanish to assist in Boston Housing Court next semester on Thursday mornings for 3 to 4 hours each week, interviewing Spanish-speaking tenants of the Boston Housing Authority about language access issues.  If you are interested in volunteering for this project or would like more information, please contact Michelle Harper at mharper@suffolk.edu.