We welcome attorneys with all levels and types of experience and provide trainings in our practice areas. Pro bono cases are available as well as single day and short-term assignments.

Non-attorneys provide interpretation, support screening and intake, conduct research, and provide office support. Their involvement frees attorneys to devote their legal expertise to clients.

Opportunities

Homelessness Prevention Project assists people at risk of homelessness or involuntary dislocation with legal aid to avoid eviction and obtain/retain safe, affordable housing.

Domestic Violence Advocacy Project helps survivors and their children secure legal protection from violence and abuse, safe custody and visitation, and financial stability through child/spousal support and health care.

Immigration Law Project assists asylum seekers, immigrant victims of domestic violence or crime, and children abused, abandoned or neglected by their parents.

Disability Benefits Project represents people with disabilities who have been wrongly denied SSI/SSDI benefits or had their benefits unfairly reduced or terminated.

Other Projects

Client Intake Interviews
Volunteers conduct in-person or phone intake interviews with clients, help identify key issues and prepare case summaries for supervising attorneys.

Immigration Legal Screening Clinic
Volunteer attorneys provide legal consults to clients at De Novo on the third Wednesday evening of each month, 5:30 pm to 8 pm.

Housing Court ‘Lawyer For the Day’ Clinic
Volunteers for this free walk-in clinic provide legal advice and limited representation to pro se litigants at the Eastern District Housing Court Middlesex Session in Somerville every Friday, between 8 am to 3 pm.

Support for Volunteers

De Novo offers extensive benefits and support to our volunteers, including:

• Training, ongoing supervision and long-term mentorship by staff and senior volunteers

• Professional liability insurance

• Workspace, conference rooms and private offices to meet with clients

• Interpreters to assist in your communication with clients of limited English proficiency

• Access to online research databases, opportunities for reduced fee continuing legal education programs, and sample pleadings, briefs and forms

• Consultation with De Novo’s Counseling Program staff for improved client relationships and case outcomes

Contact

If you are interested in volunteering with our Legal Program, please contact volunteer@denovo.org.