If you’re looking to hone your legal experience, build leadership skills and add to your resume during your time in law school, there are many ways to volunteer your time remotely. Most law schools even provide academic credit for working as a virtual legal volunteer.
Whatever your motive, your involvement may provide a taste of what it’s like to research and write an actual case summary, be a part of a legal team or cause, or improve an organization’s client relationships. At the same time, you free up attorneys to devote their expertise to client outcomes.
Look upon your experience as a volunteer as a chance to promote a positive image for law students, the legal profession and the justice system. Remember that how you use your free time says a lot about who you are and what you value as a budding legal professional.
To help you make your mark, we’ve gathered a list of organizations that offer students volunteer opportunities.
ABA
Get Involved with the ABA’s Grassroots Initiative
Join a student caucus or apply to be a Law Student Liaison
National Organizations
Disability Rights Legal Center
Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts
Bilingual Opportunities
Veterans
The Military Assistance Project (Indiana)
Local and Regional Initiatives
West Coast
San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles
Midwest
East Coast
Maryland Pro Bono Resource Center
Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York
Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project
South
Texas Pro Bono Opportunity Portal
The Golden Volunteer Opportunities app is another resource that lets you search for organizations to volunteer with, customized by time, location, interests, skills and more. You can also reach out to your school’s Center for Public Service, Office of Public Interest, or the equivalent, and local associations. And don’t forget to ask your professors and upper-level students for their recommendations.