How
does it work? - Benefits - Time - How to volunteer
Current volunteers
How Does The Program Work?
All of the clients are first screened by either a legal services program
or an area agency on aging to determine their eligibility for assistance.
Once eligibility has been determined, the intake program sends the
client information to the AVLE Director for referral to a private attorney
in the client’s county of residence or county where the legal
matter exists. Both the client and the volunteer attorney receive written
confirmation of the referral.
The volunteer attorney will also receive open and closed case reports
in order to keep the AVLE staff abreast of case progress. The AVLE
staff will monitor each case until closure by requesting case updates.
Volunteer attorneys are not responsible for the payment of court costs.
If the client is unable to pay the court costs, the AVLE staff will
provide information and forms for filing in forma pauperis. In addition,
free malpractice insurance is provided on all AVLE program cases.
How Will Volunteering Benefit You?
Volunteers have the opportunity to attend, for free or at a
substantially reduced rate, MCLE training sessions, primarily
sponsored by the Legal Services programs.
Volunteers receive a free 400-page Poverty Law Practice Manual, plus
all updates.
Volunteers may decline federal appointments by taking advantage of Local
Federal Rule 34.
Volunteers have access to national support centers such as theNational
Senior Citizens Law Center and the National Consumer Law Center.
Volunteers get the personal satisfaction of helping the elderly protect
their legal rights.
How Much Time Does It Take?
AVLE volunteers are asked to accept only three cases a year, always
with prior approval.
Call the AVLE Director, Catherine Edwards, toll-free at 1-800-999-AVLE (2853).
Please join us in helping the disenfranchised elderly defend their legal rights. Just a few hours of your time each year will help them preserve their dignity.
