Volunteer Opportunities at MPLAS
Volunteers are welcome at Marion-Polk Legal Aid Service, Inc. There are several volunteer programs available:
Volunteer Lawyer Project
Volunteer Lawyer Project (VLP)
The Volunteer Lawyer Project began in 1987 to give local attorneys, most in private practice, an opportunity to volunteer their services to legal aid eligible clients. Clients come through MPLAS' regular intake screening process and are referred to attorney volunteers after they are evaluated by the VLP Coordinator.
Attorneys who provide at least 40 hours of pro bono service per year qualify for a certificate for a free CLE program or free publications from the Oregon State Bar. MPLAS provides backup expertise in various poverty law issues, which enables new attorneys to gain valuable experience and/or mentoring by more experienced attorneys. Experienced attorneys receive the same help and support if they choose a case in a new area of law. All attorneys also know that the clients they represent have been carefully screened.
There is always a need for attorney volunteers. MPLAS is able to help only a small portion of eligible clients in Marion and Polk counties. Help from the private bar is necessary and appreciated. Attorneys can volunteer by: 1) calling VLP Coordinator Kelly Noor at (503) 581-5265, ext. 25; 2) emailing Kelly at kelly@mplas.org; or 3) watching for periodic mailings to the Marion and Polk County bars asking for volunteers.
WUPILP Fellowships
The Willamette University Public Interest Law Project (WUPILP) raises money during the academic year to provide fellowships for students to work in public interest and governmental law offices as summer law clerks. Law students at Willamette can apply for these fellowships through WUPILP at Willamette University. Contact WUPILP first, and then contact Michael Keeney at (503) 581-5265, ext. 17 or by email at michael@mplas.org at MPLAS for assistance.
Externship Program
Students at Willamette University College of Law can also get credit for working a term at MPLAS. Please contact Jennifer Wright of the Legal Clinic at (503) 370-6140, or by email at jwright@willamette.edu for information on how to apply.
Other Opportunities
MPLAS welcomes other volunteers, too. If you are interested in volunteering in any capacity, please contact us. You can call Carla Mikkelson, (503) 581-5265, ext. 11 or email her at carla@mplas.org. Please be prepared to give us at least a resume and three references. A potential volunteer should also let us know what type of law they are interested in (e.g. family or landlord/tenant) and what they would like to achieve while they are at MPLAS.
Towards justice and dignity for all.
Por justicia y dignidad para todos.
PLEASE NOTE: Marion-Polk Legal Aid Service, Inc.
cannot give legal advice by telephone, fax or email.
