Why should you volunteer for IELA?

"Every lawyer has a professional responsibility to assist in the provision of legal services to those unable to pay. ...A lawyer should aspire to render at least thirty (30) hours of pro bono public service per year." RPC 6.1​

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We bridge the gap to access to justice: You can help relieve fear, ease stress, empower and educate
applicants.
 

We provide a holistic approach by providing resources for other organizations that could either better assist or provide services that meet the common needs of applicants. Examples are resources for SNAP, DCS, Counseling services, and other legal aid providers.

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Health benefits:

• Health 360 =Volunteering has been shown to increase levels of serotonin in the brain. This "happy chemical" leaves you feeling calm and satisfied, helping to lower feelings of anxiety and depression.

• Volunteering provides you with a sense of purpose.

• Volunteering anywhere can provide a wonderful social network of people who share your passion, leading to decreased feelings of loneliness and isolation and increased self-confidence.

• Studies from the American Journal of Preventive Medicine have shown that volunteer work could help lower your risk for heart disease. 2 reasons: lower blood pressure and increase “good” HDL levels.

 

What does a volunteer do at IELA?

1. Forms review-IELA provides the forms

2. Phone calls from attorneys-you are provided info after we prescreen each applicant.

3. Attorneys and LLLT’s assist at free legal clinics-You assist in the area of law that you choose

4. In person appointments-in the IELA office

5. Education through videos-Videos, mentorship and hands on experience

6. We help people help themselves-Guidance, advice and information to empower 

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Our programs:

Consumer Assistance Project (CAP)

Landlord overcharge

Debt collection

Consumer fraud

And more

 

Community Legal clinics

You only have to help with what you know.

Easy to plan ahead

A great environment to learn

 

Case review legal clinic:

This is not a hearing or trial prep-Just the minimum required to move a case to the next step

You have guidance by qualified legal professionals: Experienced legal providers are available for questions

Simplified tools are available-Fortress child support calculator, free prints from a case file. Examples Parenting plan and child support worksheet

Conflict checks-you will receive the docket ahead of time

A great environment to learn

 

Rural outreach Informational sessions

General info

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How IELA can help you:

• Gain experience: Shadow with a qualified legal professional, hands on learning

• You can earn CLE credits

• You are protected by IELA's malpractice insurance

• Bridge the gap-help someone gain access to justice

• Be the firm that cares-introduce yourself

• Above all, know you are doing good work that makes a difference to the communities we serve.

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How you can help:

Volunteer-It’s your choice how often you volunteer

Monthly or bimonthly legal clinic

Short phone calls

Weekly case review or Consumer Assistance Project

Donate money or office supplies

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Click here to apply to volunteer with Inland Empire Legal Aid! We welcome attorneys, LLLT's, paralegals (with attorney supervision), students and all other legal professionals to offer their skills and time. IELA thanks you for your interest in advancing access to justice.

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Also look at our Bookable site, to sign up for individual clinics.