Volunteer Lawyers Project

The Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project is a non-profit legal aid organization that provides free legal information, assistance and representation to low income people facing civil legal issues. It relies entirely on community and attorney volunteers to provide legal services, supported by a small paid staff to insure the operational running of the program. Since it began operation in 1983, The Volunteer Lawyers Project has been a nationally recognized leader in the delivery of pro bono (free or low-cost) legal services.  Approximately 70,000 low-income households experience a significant legal problem every year. Using toll free and local lines, people of low income across the state call the Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) for legal assistance.  Volunteers respond to client inquiries, providing the link to attorneys who may be able to assist with limited, reduced fee or pro bono representation. Our mission is to make "justice for all" a reality in Maine by giving people the knowledge, tools and support to be equal participants in our justice system. You can be part of this team providing much needed services.

The VLP strives to maximize availability of services statewide through our toll-free Legal Hotline, staffed by community and student volunteers who are responsible for answering calls and interviewing clients regarding their legal concerns. Legal supervision and direction are provided to each volunteer with every call. The primary focus is on family law, bankruptcy, foreclosure, disability, consumer debt and unemployment matters. Eligible callers are provided with self-help written materials, referrals to a variety of appropriate agencies, to our own Family Law Helpline and Courthouse Assistance Projects or to attorneys for free or low-cost representation. Approximately 10% of VLP clients are referred to a volunteer lawyer for pro bono representation. Cases are selected for pro bono referral based on the facts of the case and the availability of volunteer lawyers in particular geographic areas or with the necessary legal expertise.