CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR LAW STUDENTS
- Parole Project’s Frederick Douglass Project for Justice – The Parole Project is excited to announce that it has partnered with the Frederick Douglass Project for Justice for a new flagship prison visitation program that brings together everyday Americans and incarcerated people at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center in St. Gabriel, Louisiana to recognize the humanity in each other. Check out PILS’ Parole Project’s Frederick Douglass Project for Justice Page for more information on how to get involved!
- Family Law Self-Help Desk – Every Tuesday & Thursday from 10-12 p.m. or 12-2 p.m. – SIGN UP HERE! This opportunity is open to 1Ls-3Ls! Learn more about this opportunity on our Family Law Self-Help Desk Page (linked). They have two shifts every Tuesday & Thursday: (1) 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and (2) 12 p.m. – 2p.m. If you have any questions, please reach out to Peach Hadley (krawls7@lsu.edu). DATES ARE AVAILABLE TO SIGN UP UNTIL THE END OF 2023.
- New Orleans Pro Bono Project (NO PBP) (Ongoing Opportunity) Pro Bono Project helps low-income families, individuals, and the elderly in need gain access to lawyers who can help them resolve civil legal issues. These issues range from family law matters like divorces, custody agreements, name changes, and adoptions; to property questions related to successions and estate planning, proof of title, contractor litigation, and consumer complaints; to debt issues, and much more. Learn more about how to volunteer for pro bono work in the NO PBP page (linked).
- Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS) (Ongoing Opportunity) SLLS provides pro bono opportunities to law students. Learn more about this opportunity and how to get involved on our Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS) Page (linked).
- BRBA Ask-A-Lawyer – Dates & Times TBA – This pro bono opportunity is open to 1Ls! Practice your interview skills, work with local attorneys, and give back to your community. Learn more about this opportunity on our BRBA Ask-A-Lawyer Page (linked). If you have any questions, please reach out to Peach Hadley (krawls7@lsu.edu).
- LSBA Free Legal Answers -Days & Times for Spring Semester TBA – The Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) launched LA.FreeLegalAnswers.org, a new website that connects low-income individuals with attorneys. Through the website, attorney volunteers can log in whenever and wherever they like to anonymously respond to legal questions submitted by individuals who could not otherwise afford to consult an attorney. If you have any questions, please reach out to Peach Hadley (krawls7@lsu.edu).
For general information on the various pro bono opportunities, please email our Pro Bono Chair, Peach Hadley (krawls7@lsu.edu), or Pro Bono Vice Chair, Matthew Broussard (mbro369@lsu.edu).
Through partnerships with various local organizations, PILS offers students opportunities to advocate for disadvantaged citizens in our community while gaining practical legal experience. The opportunities are diverse. In the past, students have performed intake services at free legal advice clinics, worked with local attorneys on pro bono cases, and traveled to areas devastated by hurricanes to disseminate legal information. In addition to planned activities, PILS educates its members on career opportunities in the public interest area within the Baton Rouge area and throughout the United States. Check out the links below and our sponsored programs in the drop-down menu for ways you too can become a part of the pro bono community!