By: Tiffany Costley
Assistant County Attorney
Johnson County
It can be hard to make time to volunteer for pro bono work once we get into our professional routines. Throw kids and family schedules in the mix and it becomes almost impossible. If you still find yourself wanting to give back to your local community despite a packed schedule, I have some low commitment suggestions for pro bono service. IndyBar hosts their “Ask a Lawyer” advice only legal line at the IndyBar HQ the second Tuesday of each month (except December) from 6 to 8 p.m. Dinner is provided, and it is a great way to meet and network with other lawyers practicing in the area. Attorneys answer basic legal questions from community members, mainly on how to navigate legal proceedings where the most common questions asked deal with landlord tenant issues and family or employment law. Signup information can be found here: https://www.indybar.org/?pg=VolunteerOpportunities.
If you have more time on the weekend and are interested in the same type of legal advice questions but in a mentoring role, the IU Student Outreach clinic located at 3125 E. 10th St. in downtown Indianapolis offers attorneys the chance to supervise IU McKinney law students every Saturday anytime from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The law students tackle intake and issue spotting under attorney supervision for underserved community members facing legal concerns. Volunteer attorneys can serve in person or virtually via Zoom. Attorneys can sign up by emailing the student volunteer coordinator at: iusoclegal@gmail.com.
Both opportunities are a sign-up “as needed” and “when available” basis and do not require a standing commitment or actual legal representation. These opportunities are great for attorneys wanting to get some pro bono hours without committing to an entire caseload. Most community members seeking legal advice simply want to be heard and find out where to even begin addressing their particular issue. Attorneys do not need to practice in specific legal areas to participate and a copy of the IndyBar publication, Commonly Asked Questions about Indiana Law, is provided for all volunteers. Signing up is easy and both events offer the chance to connect with other legal professionals while assisting people in need. I look forward to seeing new faces giving back this year!
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