Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project

The Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) is a legal aid organization that, through a volunteer network, provides free legal information, advice, and representation on civil (noncriminal) matters to people living in Maine who have low or no income. Created in 1983, the VLP has a small staff that recruits, trains, manages, and supports volunteers to provide free legal help to people throughout the state. Attorneys may volunteer to provide limited representation through VLPs family law, workers rights, small claims clinics, Free Legal Answers Maine (www.freelegalanswers.org), the Maine Homeless Legal Project, and other programs. Attorneys also may volunteer to provide full pro bono representation. Student and community volunteers help by conducting intake interviews, providing information regarding legal resources, and organizing clinics. VLPs core service areas include family matters such as divorce and parental rights actions; protection from abuse; small claims; employment...