Volunteer Lawyers Program
Making a Difference, Together.
About the Volunteer Lawyers Program
Since 1991, the Alabama State Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program (VLP) has been dedicated to serving individuals and families across Alabama who are facing civil legal issues but cannot afford an attorney. We assist eligible clients with a wide range of legal matters and are committed to expanding access to justice throughout our state.
Our clients include Alabama residents from low-income households who qualify based on income and the nature of their civil legal needs. The heart of our program is our generous network of volunteer attorneys who donate their time, experience, and compassion to serve others. Whether you’re able to take one case a year or several, your contribution makes a meaningful difference. We welcome attorneys from all practice areas and experience levels and offer flexible opportunities to get involved.
History
The Alabama State Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program (VLP) was created in 1990 by the Alabama State Bar Board of Bar Commissioners to provide an organized vehicle through which attorneys can volunteer their services on a pro bono basis in civil matters to indigent citizens in their community. The VLP began its operation in 1991 and has delivered free legal services to low income residents of Alabama for more than 25 years. The VLP helps low-income citizens whom other programs often cannot serve.
The Alabama State Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program is funded by: Alabama Law Foundation, Alabama State Bar, Alabama Civil Justice Foundation, Legal Services Alabama and the generosity of the legal community.
Interested in Volunteering?
Learn more about how you can join the VLP and make a lasting impact.
Volunteer Lawyers Can Help With
Adoption, Guardianship, and Name Changes
Bankrupcy (Chapter 7) and Collection Defense
Child Support Modification
Contracts, Warranties, and Small Claims Disputes
Defending Certain Civil Lawsuits
Divorce and Separation
Landlord-Tenant Disputes and Pre-Foreclosures
Deed Preparation
Tax Questions or Problems
Wills, Probate, Power of Attorney, and Living Wills
Cases We Do Not Take
Unfortunately, we are not able to help with the following kinds of cases:
Criminal Matters
Claims for Money (Personal Injury / Malpractice)
All Fee-Generating Matters
Employment Disputes
Workers’ Compensation Claims
EEOC/Discrimination Cases
Meet the Staff
Hilaire Armstrong
Volunteer Lawyers Program Director
hilaire.armstrong@alabar.org
Jordan Gilmore
Intake Specialist
jordan.gilmore@alabar.org
Michael Granger
VLP Coordinator
michael.granger@alabar.org
Pro Bono Month
The statewide pro bono celebration is scheduled for the month of October each year. Sponsored by the Alabama State Bar, the celebration is a coordinated statewide effort to showcase the great difference that pro bono lawyers make to the state, its system of justice, its communities, and most of all to the clients they serve. The month is also dedicated to the quest for more pro bono volunteers to meet the ever-growing legal needs of this country’s most vulnerable citizens.