Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities

The Indianapolis Bar Association provides volunteer opportunities to its members both in the form of general community service and the IndyBar's various Pro Bono programs.

We are proud of the efforts made by IndyBar pro bono volunteers. Click here to view the 2011 IndyBar Pro Bono Annual Report.

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Ask a Lawyer: Attorneys are needed to assist the public with legal guidance during the Spring 2011 Ask A Lawyer program. Ask A Lawyer, the IBA's popular face-to-face free legal advice program, will be held on Tuesday, April 12, 2011. Attorneys volunteer for one of two shifts (2 to 4 p.m. or 4 to 6 p.m.) at sites throughout the Indianapolis area. To volunteer, contact Caren Chopp at cchopp@indybar.org.

Making a Difference: IndyBar Pro Bono Programs

Throughout its history, the IndyBar and its members have played a significant role in the provision of pro bono legal services in Indianapolis. Many provide pro bono legal services because they believe they have a personal and moral obligation to use their skills to benefit the less fortunate. Since the passage of Rule 6.5 of the Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct and the goal of 50 hours of pro bono service each year, the IndyBar has worked to serve its members and the community by making becoming a volunteer easier and providing the support necessary to make volunteering an enjoyable experience.

Get involved: Contact Caren Chopp for more information or to get involved in any of the pro bono programs listed below.

Marion County Superior Court and Civil Federal Court Projects: True representation. Add your name to the Web-based database that judges access to assign litigants a volunteer in State Court for family law, GAL or witness assistance cases or in Federal Court to assist in mediation or for the Local Rule 4.6 Panel.

Hospice Program: Help put fears to rest by answering legal questions and resolving issues faced by terminal patients in the last days of their lives. Limited time commitment.

Low Asset Will Program: Draft wills and advance directives for low-income families most in need. Held January through March annually. Limited time commitment.

School and Education Advocacy: Help low income families address their children's special education needs. Assignments are 90 days or less.

Juvenile Delinquent Guardian Ad Litem: Advocate for a child who might not have an adult looking out for his/her best long-term interests. Assignments are typically 90 days or less.

Homeless Project: Well into its second decade of success, this program sends teams of 2 to local shelters every 3 weeks to counsel residents and help them address their issues. 2 hours per quarter.

Ask A Lawyer: Don't have much time, but want to lend a hand? This 2 hour legal advice program may be right for you. Next offered Tuesday, October 12, 2010, in various Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library branches and Indianapolis Public Schools. Advice only.

Legal Line: Held once a month, our attorney volunteers give the public legal advice over the phone from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Advice only.