The Pro Se/Pro Bono Two Step: Pro Bono Opportunities and How You Can Make a Difference E D M A R K S, E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R, N M L A D I N A A F E K, D I R E C T O R, V O L U N T E E R A T T O R N E Y P R O G R A M A J A B R O O K S, P R O B O N O C O O R D I N A T O R, V O L U N T E E R A T T O R N E Y P R O G R A M
What is the VOLUNTEER ATTORNEY PROGRAM? The Volunteer Attorney Program is a program of New Mexico Legal Aid. Our mission is to expand and support an active statewide network of volunteer attorneys, paralegals, and law students to meet the civil justice needs of low-income New Mexicans in all communities throughout the state.
What is the VOLUNTEER ATTORNEY PROGRAM? The VAP works closely with the State Bar of New Mexico, the New Mexico Supreme Court s Commission on Access to Justice, local Judicial District Pro Bono Committees, the UNM School of Law, private bar partners, courts and other legal services providers to plan and coordinate the delivery of high-quality pro bono legal services through direct representation, individual client counseling, community legal fairs and other innovative strategies.
What is the VOLUNTEER ATTORNEY PROGRAM? As the number of New Mexicans facing poverty increases, so does the demand for legal assistance for clients who have serious legal issues but who cannot afford to pay an attorney. Pro bono attorneys are essential in meeting this need and bridging the justice gap. The Volunteer Attorney Program gives those in need ACCESS to the pro bono assistance they require.
Why we need PRO BONO ATTORNEYS Gideon v. Wainwright, 372. U.S. 335 (1963) Guarantees the right to counsel in criminal cases for defendants who are unable to pay for an attorney. No Gideon for civil cases!
Why we need PRO BONO ATTORNEYS 20.4% of New Mexicans live in poverty (2013 Census data). New Mexico has the 2 nd highest poverty rate in the nation. (Thank you Mississippi!) Poverty is more prevalent in rural communities. 35% of total population in McKinley County lives in poverty.
Why we need PRO BONO ATTORNEYS What does 125% of the Federal Poverty Guideline Mean?
Factors that Lead to Contribute to Exacerbate Perpetuate The Pro Bono CLIENT POVERTY
The Pro Bono CLIENT LOW-INCOME CLIENTS often also deal with: Unemployment Disability Physical illness Mental illness Single parenthood Lack of transportation Drug or alcohol abuse Domestic violence Homelessness Other legal issues
REPRESENTATION of the Pro Bono Client Limited Scope Representation Unbundled Services Discrete Task Representation ABA Model Rule 1.2 New Mexico Rules of Professional Conduct New Mexico Rules of Civil Procedure
REPRESENTATION of the Pro Bono Client Practical Issues for Pro Bono Attorneys: Conflict of interest Cultural concerns Geographic divide Technology gap
What do our ATTORNEYS do? New Mexico has an aspirational goal for all attorneys to provide 50 hours of pro bono service each year, or in the alternative to make financial contributions that support legal services for low-income New Mexicans.
What do our ATTORNEYS do? We encourage attorneys to handle at least two pro bono matters for low-income clients totaling at least 20 hours per year through the Volunteer Attorney Program. There are additional opportunities for attorneys to fulfill these hours through participation in legal fairs, pro se clinics, a veterans clinic at the Albuquerque VA, and Pro Bono month celebrations.
What do our ATTORNEYS do?
What do our ATTORNEYS do?
What do we give our ATTORNEYS? The VAP offers a number of incentives to attorneys that handle pro bono matters. We currently offer free CLEs for pro bono attorneys, and attorneys that accept cases are covered by New Mexico Legal Aid s malpractice insurance. We also provide access to research tools, office space, mentors and cocounseling opportunities.
Ways to VOLUNTEER Direct Representation Legal Fairs/Clinics Pro Bono Month - October Special Projects Teach a CLE Mentor
PRO BONO MONTH The American Bar Association designates a week at the end of October as National Celebrate Pro Bono week. In New Mexico, the local Judicial District Pro Bono Committees have extended this celebration to span the entire month of October. These Pro Bono Committees are hosting a number of pro bono events across the state, including free legal fairs, clinics, recognition luncheons, Continuing Legal Education classes and more! To learn more about New Mexico s pro bono events, please go to www.newmexicolegalaid.org or speak with Dina Afek or Aja Brooks.
PRO BONO INNOVATION GRANT
PRO BONO INNOVATION GRANT KEY PARTNERS: State Bar of New Mexico NM Commission on Access to Justice UNM School of Law Local Judicial District pro bono committees throughout the state, and more than a dozen other legal services provider agencies funded by the Civil Legal Services Commission
How you can HELP Fill out a Volunteer Attorney Application Form and become part of the Pro Bono movement in New Mexico!!!