News Alert

A growing number of law firms are deferring the start dates for their incoming associates, and some firms are encouraging these deferred associates to secure a public interest placement. The Public Interest Clearinghouse is collaborating with both law firms and legal services programs in California to ensure that the placements meet the needs of the associates, firms, programs, and most of all, clients in need. For the most up-to-date information about this time-sensitive topic, please visit the CaliforniaProBono.org News and Library sections for alerts on nationwide efforts, statewide efforts, surveys and other pertinent information.

Interested in doing pro bono?

Welcome to CaliforniaProBono.org, dedicated to supporting pro bono legal services statewide. This site is also the statewide gateway to regional pro bono sites:

• probono.net/bayarea offers a wealth of information about pro bono opportunities, volunteer resources, and trainings in the SF/Bay Area. It is hosted by the Volunter Legal Services Program (VLSP) of the Bar Association of San Francisco.
  
• Pro Bono for Law Students provides additional information and resources about pro bono work, including why students should perform pro bono.
• Pro Bono for Rural Californians provides information about how you can support under-resourced rural legal aid.
  

About this site

CaliforniaProBono.org offers three primary tools through which volunteers can locate and connect with pro bono programs at legal services providers across California

The Pro Bono Programs Guide is a listing of over 100 pro bono programs at California legal services nonprofits. The Programs Guide provides pro bono attorneys, law students and nonlitigation volunteers with a searchable database of organizations with active pro bono programs.

The Clinics database is a great way for pro bono attorneys, students and other volunteers to quickly identify and connect with local walk-in clinics and other opportunities to volunteer.

Many California providers are eligible to list their own clinics: simply click 'add a case' in the Clinics section and fill out the required form.

The Pro Bono Calendar features upcoming events and trainings especially designed for pro bono attorneys and students; you can search the calendar by date or geographical location.

Providers: If you are a legal services provider, please visit the Programs Guide to find out how your organizations can be added to the Directory. For providers already in the directory, please review your program information and edit as appropriate. Click add event in the Calendar section to list an upcoming event or training. To list your regularly scheduled clinics: simply click 'add a case' in the Clinics section and fill out the required form. If you have any questions, please contact admin@CaliforniaProBono.org.

Looking for legal help?

LawHelpCalifornia.org is a comprehensive, detailed, and accurate referral database of free and low-cost legal services in California, as well as a library of legal self-help resources.

Are you part of the legal services community?

CALegalAdvocates.org is the online home for the statewide legal services community with news, advocacy materials, resources, a training calendar, listservs and more.

Site Partners

Public Interest Clearinghouse exists to bridge the "justice gap" and improve the administration of justice for our state's most vulnerable people. As the hub of statewide coordination to increase access to justice, PIC cultivates partnerships between legal aid organizations, law schools and students, private attorneys, the State Bar, the Courts and others, to proactively devise strategies to address gaps in the delivery of legal aid.

Legal Aid Association of California is the statewide membership coalition of legal services organizations in California. LAAC provides key support to the legal aid community through relevant and affordable trainings, statewide coordination efforts, innovative uses of technology, and advocacy on issues of concern to legal services programs, including the tremendous need for additional funding.

Pro Bono Net is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing access to justice through innovative uses of technology and increased volunteer lawyer participation.

Contact

Have questions or feedback about the site? We'd love to hear about it!

E-mail support at admin@CaliforniaProBono.org.