Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association

About Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association

The Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association (VLP) is a private non-profit organization, established in 1977, that provides free civil legal assistance to low-income residents of Greater Boston, primarily through the pro bono services of private attorneys. VLP and its partner, Senior Partners for Justice, help make access to justice possible for people who cannot afford a lawyer. Pro bono services are provided through VLP's panel of approximately 1,000 attorneys and paralegals representing all segments of the legal community- members of small, medium and large firms, solo practitioners, government attorneys, retired attorneys, corporate counsel, and law students certified under SJC Rule 3:03. The panel handles cases in a broad range of substantive areas and pro bono assistance takes many different forms. In addition to handling cases, VLP volunteers serve as Attorneys of the Day at the Boston Housing Court and Suffolk County Probate and Family Court; teach community legal education programs for low-income homeowners; provide telephone advice on probate and estate related issues; and serve as counsel to a variety of community groups. Pro bono cases are covered under VLP's malpractice insurance. Volunteer's Lawyers Project receives support from the federal Legal Services Corporation (LSC).