Your skills can change lives.
Since 1977, we’ve fought to make justice accessible for all Iowans. We help tens of thousands each year, but our resources are limited.
Many Iowans still face unfair outcomes without legal support. This often triggers a domino effect, impacting their basic needs.
Your time and skills allow us to reach more Iowans who urgently need legal help.
Why volunteer with Iowa Legal Aid?
You give more Iowans access to justice.
Many Iowans can’t afford a lawyer when they need one most. Your help means they don’t face complex legal issues alone.
You give underserved people a voice.
Your advocacy amplifies the voices of often overlooked people, restoring dignity to those facing tough times.
You give people hope for a better future.
By preventing unfair legal outcomes, you help break cycles of instability and create opportunities for people to thrive.
Opportunities For
Volunteer Attorneys
- Registering to receive referrals on behalf of eligible clients – volunteer attorneys always have the opportunity to review cases before accepting for advice or representation. Common practice areas include:
- Family law and guardianships/conservatorships
- Wills and advance directives
- Landlord/tenant and home ownership
- Assisting pro bono clients at clinics, including our Expungement Clinic and Pro Se Family law Clinics.
- Presenting, supporting, or taking part in Continuing Legal Education Seminars on poverty law issues
- Serving as an Emeritus Attorney for Iowa Legal Aid
Opportunities For Non-Attorney Volunteers
Iowa Legal Aid has only limited opportunities available for non-attorney volunteers, but we always welcome applications from individuals who are passionate about supporting our mission to bring hope, dignity, and justice to low-income Iowans. We encourage you to submit your information so we can consider you for any roles that align with your skills and our current needs.
“When I volunteered, I always felt like I was learning more than I was giving. It really woke me to the realities of our community that I wouldn’t have seen otherwise. There truly is a need for the services Iowa Legal Aid provides.”
Karen Shaff
Board Member
About Our Volunteers
Our volunteers amplify our impact. Through their generosity, we have been able to help more underserved Iowans in 2023.
volunteer attorneys registered
hours donated by volunteer attorneys
value of volunteer attorney work
FAQ
What types of cases do volunteers take on?
As a volunteer, you could assist with a variety of civil legal matters. Our primary focus areas include:
Housing Stability: Eviction, housing assistance, rentals in need of repair, housing discrimination
Income: Social Security overpayments or terminations, Medicaid, Medicare, food assistance, unemployment
Family Law: Custody, divorce, protective orders
Disaster Recovery: Dealing with insurance claims, contractor fraud, applying for government disaster benefits
Consumer Protection: Garnishment and bankruptcy
Wills and Advance Directives: Drafting documents for referrals from our Hotline for Older Iowans
You can specify your areas of interest or expertise, and we’ll match you with appropriate cases.
Do I need to be an attorney to volunteer?
You do need to be an attorney to receive case referrals from with Iowa Legal Aid, but we also have limited positions available for non-attorney volunteers.
How much time do I need to commit as a volunteer?
Time commitment for referrals varies based on the case type and scope of representation. Our clinics are discrete opportunities for volunteer attorneys to provide meaningful services without an ongoing commitment. We work to find opportunities that fit your schedule.
What training is provided for volunteers?
We provide pre-clinic training for all participating volunteers. Registered volunteer attorneys may also access free and discounted Continuing Legal Education seminars on poverty-law issues.
Can I choose the types of cases I work on as a volunteer attorney?
We match volunteers with cases that align with their interests and expertise. You can specify preferences and practice areas when you register. Volunteer attorneys always have the opportunity to review cases before accepting for advice or representation.
Do you provide legal malpractice insurance for volunteer attorneys?
We provide professional liability insurance coverage for all volunteer attorneys working on pro bono cases through our organization. This coverage protects you while you’re doing volunteer work with us, separate from your regular practice insurance.