For Community Members and Students
The Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project has a small staff, and we depend on the valuable help of our community volunteers, who are essential to fulfilling our mission.
The list below highlights the many opportunities for community members and students to become key players in delivering legal services to those in need.
Client Intake
Interviewers
Client Intake Interviewers connect with those submitting requests for legal help through our online forms to complete an intake interview. These volunteers screen potential clients to determine eligibility and gather information about the client’s situation. They provide information about other resources to those we cannot serve.
Intake Line
Interviewers
Intake Interviewers on our Client Intake Line serve as the first point of contact for potential clients calling our Intake Line by conducting interviews, determining eligibility and key details related to legal matters, learning whether and how the VLP can offer assistance, and providing a critical link to needed services.
Domestic Violence Panel Interviewers
Domestic Violence Panel Interviewers attend the Protection From Abuse docket and assist potential clients by determining their eligibility for assistance that day and connecting them with VLP volunteer attorneys. VLP has panels in Portland, Lewiston, and soon in Biddeford courts.
Courthouse Assistance Project Interviewers
These volunteers interview individuals seeking legal help through our in-court Courthouse Assistance Project for family law matters, held in Lewiston District Court two Wednesdays each month.
Special Projects and Administrative Help
Volunteers also assist staff with various special projects and administrative tasks, including data entry, website development, social media, trainings, publications, research and writing, among others.
Volunteer Application
If you are interested in volunteering for VLP or learning more about these opportunities, please complete the application provided at this link. We will contact you as soon as we can.
Internships and Fellowships for Law and Undergraduate Students
VLP hosts a number of law student and undergraduate interns each year. For more information, please click here.
