Whether you’re looking to meet fellow attorneys, grow professionally, or support the community, volunteering with the BRBF is a great place to start.
Ask-A-Lawyer
The Pro Bono Project provides walk-in legal clinics two to three times a month at several locations throughout the greater Baton Rouge area. Volunteers provide legal advice at various social service agencies including Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Charles R. Kelly Center, the East Baton Rouge Parish Branch Libraries and in surrounding parishes. Times and locations of these events vary.
Self Help Resource Center
The Self Help Resource Center (SHRC) for the East Baton Rouge Family Court serves self-represented litigants with specific Family Court matters (103 divorce, custody, and modifications of child support only) by appointment. Walk-ins may be assisted if time permits. The SHRC is located on the 4th Floor of the 19th Judicial District Courthouse, and operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Volunteer attorneys and law students assist pro se litigants with court-approved forms and information for filing. Volunteer attorneys offer notarization, but do not provide legal advice. The Self Help Resource Center volunteer sign-up is open to attorneys in all areas of practice.
Pro Bono Cases
Our volunteers provide legal assistance to low-income clients and agree to accept a minimum of two cases per year. Cases are available in the areas of consumer finance, bankruptcy, education, employment, family law, health, housing, juvenile, SSI, wills and small successions. Volunteers may also serve on our pro bono volunteer panel exclusively as conflicts attorneys for clients accepted directly through the Baton Rouge Bar Foundation when an adverse party is represented by Southeast Louisiana Legal Services Corporation.
Accepting pro bono cases also provides opportunities for reduced fee Continuing Legal Education. Mentors are available to assist you and malpractice insurance is provided by the Pro Bono Project.
Legal Service Hotline
The Legal Advice Hotline connects members of the community with volunteer attorneys who can provide brief legal counsel and guidance by phone. When an individual submits an intake request, their information is reviewed and forwarded to a volunteer attorney. The volunteer then contacts the individual by phone to discuss their legal question and provide appropriate counsel and advice.
If the individual’s circumstances and legal issue meet the eligibility requirements for additional assistance, they may be referred to Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS) for further support.