Volunteer with CFJ

Help us create a more just LA by using your skills and passion for pro bono work. Counsel for Justice has opportunities for volunteer attorneys to provide direct legal services, empowering people with the knowledge and support necessary to effectively understand and navigate their legal challenges.

Have a question? Send us a note here.

Volunteer Programs

Domestic Violence
Restraining Order Clinic

For over 30 years, the Domestic Violence Legal Services Project (DVP) has been assisting self-represented litigants in requesting Domestic Violence Restraining Orders at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles. We assist almost 2,000 people annually, with women comprising 80% of the people we serve.

Under the supervision of DVP staff attorneys, volunteers engage in direct assistance to survivors of domestic violence. Volunteers are trained on conducting litigant interviews and preparing DVRO requests within a trauma-informed setting.

Requirements

  • Attorneys licensed by the State Bar of California and individuals awaiting California bar exam results are encouraged to apply.

  • No specific background is necessary to volunteer. Training consists of two online sessions (scheduled monthly) and two live shadowing sessions provided by DVP.

  • Check out the Training Calendar. DVP can also schedule additional training sessions for firms that have several interested associates.

  • While not required, speaking a language in addition to English is preferred.

Time Commitment

  • Volunteers should commit to two shifts per month per quarter.

  • Shifts are scheduled Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

  • A DVP attorney reviews all work.

  • Licensed attorneys may volunteer remotely.

  • In-person volunteering is at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse. Parking validation is provided.

Questions? Please email us.

Eviction Defense
Remote Clinic

CFJ provides a remote self-help clinic for tenants coming to the Los Angeles Superior Court Self-Help Centers. Under the supervision of a CFJ attorney, volunteers work individually with litigants via WebEx to prepare answers, fee waivers, and jury demands in response to unlawful detainer complaints.

Requirements

  • The Eviction Defense Remote Clinic accepts attorneys licensed by the State Bar of California, law students, and recent law school graduates studying for the bar or awaiting bar results.

  • Prior experience is not required.

  • Training and supervision will be provided.

Time Commitment

  • Volunteers must complete two 1.5-hour trainings, totaling 3 hours, before their first shifts. 

  • Volunteers must commit to two 2-hour shifts per month, for at least 6 months, in addition to initial training.

  • Shifts are scheduled Tuesdays and Fridays, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Location
All work is done remotely with litigants who are in the Los Angeles Superior Court Self-Help Legal Access Centers.

Immigration Clinic

The Immigration Legal Assistance Project (ILAP) is a walk-in clinic located in the 300 North Los Angeles Federal Building that serves individuals worldwide with their immigration needs. Thousands of people visit the clinic annually, most of whom are low-income. ILAP offers volunteers a rewarding opportunity to help people who need quality immigration legal services.

Under the supervision of ILAP staff attorneys, volunteers have a “hands-on” experience in immigration law and procedures. Volunteers are trained to conduct client interviews and complete USCIS packages for green card applications, work permits, citizenship, travel permits, TPS, DACA, etc. Volunteers may also be asked to assist with research.

Requirements

  • ILAP accepts attorneys licensed by the State Bar of California, law students, and recent law school graduates studying for the bar or awaiting bar results.

  • Prior experience in immigration law is not required.

  • While not required, speaking a language in addition to English is preferred.

Time Commitment

  • Volunteers must commit to working 2 hours per week. We will try to accommodate individual schedules as needed.

  • Shifts are scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Location
300 N. Los Angeles Street, Room 3107
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Questions? Please email us.

Know Your Rights
Presentations in the Immigration Court

Volunteers conduct Know Your Rights presentations and consultations with family units seeking asylum, unaccompanied children seeking asylum, and SIJS who are recent arrivals in removal proceedings at their Initial Master calendar hearings.   

The program coordinator will train volunteers on court procedures, rights, and responsibilities of individuals facing removal proceedings, and issue spotting forms of relief. Volunteers will initially shadow the coordinator, who will conduct the presentations.

Requirements

  • Spanish speaking is required.

  • Court experience is not required.

Time Commitment

  • Volunteers may work during either the morning or afternoon calendar, or both.

  • Shifts are scheduled on Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

  • A commitment of one shift a month is preferred.

Location
Immigration Court
300 N. Los Angeles Street, 4th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Questions? Please email us.

Veterans' Record
Clearing Program

CFJ offers remote assistance to veterans, reservists, and active-duty personnel to help them clear criminal and traffic records to broaden access to housing and employment opportunities.

Under the supervision of a CFJ attorney, volunteers will have hands-on experience with preparing motions, declarations, and petitions to assist veterans in the process of clearing traffic records, quality of life citations, traffic-related warrants, reinstating licenses suspended because of ordinary traffic tickets, and expunging criminal convictions.

Requirements

  • The Record Clearing Program accepts attorneys licensed by the State Bar of California.

  • Prior experience is not required; training is provided, and the directing attorney supervises volunteer activities.

Time Commitment

  • Volunteers must complete a 1.5-hour substantive training and a 1-hour forms training before accepting their first assignment.

  • Templates and samples are provided, and the supervising attorney reviews all work before sending it to the veterans, who are then responsible for filing their own paperwork with the court and attending hearings.


Location

  • All work is done remotely. Trainings are done remotely or in person, as requested.

  • All volunteer activities can be completed outside of business hours.