Counsel for Justice
Use your legal skills to help people protect their rights.
Counsel for Justice trains and supervises volunteers to help Los Angeles residents understand their options, prepare necessary legal paperwork, and assert their rights.
Opportunities are available for attorneys, law students, recent law graduates, and paralegals. Eligibility and time commitments vary by Project. Prior experience in the relevant area of law is not required for most opportunities.
Volunteer ApplicationFind the opportunity that fits your experience and availability
Domestic Violence Restraining Order Clinic
Help survivors seeking domestic violence restraining orders. Volunteers conduct interviews, prepare declarations and court forms, and explain the restraining-order process under the supervision of CFJ attorneys.
Who can volunteer: Attorneys, law students, and recent law graduates awaiting bar results
Commitment: Two 90-minute training sessions, two shadowing sessions, followed by two three-hour shifts per month for three months
Format: In person (preferred) at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse; remote opportunities available for licensed attorneys.
Learn More About the Domestic Violence Clinic
Immigration Legal Assistance Project Clinic
Help people prepare immigration applications and supporting documents. Volunteers interview clients, assist with forms, organize information, and conduct legal research under the supervision of CFJ attorneys. Attorney volunteers may also have the opportunity to provide limited- and full-scope representation in select humanitarian cases.
Who can volunteer: Attorneys, law students, and recent law graduates awaiting bar results
Commitment: On-demand trainings and shadowing, followed by two-hour shifts per week for three months
Format: In-person at the Downtown Los Angeles Federal Building; remote opportunities available for limited- and full-scope case placements.
Learn More About the Immigration Clinic
Eviction Legal Services Project Answer Clinic
Help tenants at risk of losing their homes respond to unlawful detainer (eviction) notices. Volunteers meet remotely with tenants to assist with Answers, fee waivers, jury demands, and to provide information about the court process under the supervision of a CFJ attorney.
Who can volunteer: Attorneys, law students, recent law graduates awaiting bar results, and paralegals
Commitment: Two training sessions totaling three hours, two shadowing sessions, followed by two shifts per month for at least six months
Format: Remote via Zoom for all volunteers
Learn More About the Eviction Response Clinic
Veterans Record Clearing Clinic
Help veterans clear criminal and traffic citation records that negatively impact employment, housing, and stability. Volunteers review records, interview clients, and prepare declarations under the supervision of a CFJ attorney. Volunteers also have the opportunity to assist veterans prepare and advocate for military discharge upgrades to obtain critical benefits.
Who can volunteer: Attorneys
Commitment: One 90-minute training session followed by one three-hour Record Clearing clinic; one hour training session followed by military discharge upgrade case placement. No continuing commitment is required.
Format: Remote
Learn More About the Veterans Record Clearing ClinicHow to start volunteering
01 — Submit a volunteer application
Please fill out our brief online form and select which Project or Projects interest you. Please also submit your resume or a link to your firm’s bio page to volunteer@counselforjustice.org.
02 — Connect with CFJ
The CFJ team will review your application and contact you about eligibility, current openings, and trainings.
03 — Complete training and begin volunteering
CFJ will provide the training, materials, shadowing opportunities, and supervision required to help you make an impact!
Why volunteers work with CFJ
CFJ volunteers provide direct assistance to people facing consequential legal problems. Volunteers gain experience interviewing clients, preparing legal documents, and working in new areas of law with training and supervision from CFJ attorneys.
Contact us at volunteer@counselforjustice.org.
Contact the Volunteer Team