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New Mexico Legal Aid

Make a Difference: Why Attorneys Should Volunteer with the Volunteer Attorney Program

Volunteer with VAPHere in New Mexico, where the need for legal assistance often outpaces availability, attorneys have a unique opportunity to make a significant impact. The Volunteer Attorney Program (VAP) of New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) offers an array of meaningful statewide pro bono opportunities that allow attorneys to use their skills for the greater good. Here’s why you should consider joining this vital initiative and how you can get involved. 

Transform Lives with Your Expertise 

Volunteering with VAP isn’t just about providing legal services but transforming lives. You can make a profound difference in your community by offering your legal expertise to low-income New Mexicans. Whether you’re a seasoned attorney or new to the profession, your contribution can help ensure that justice is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. 


Benefits of Volunteering with VAP 

Malpractice Insurance: VAP provides malpractice insurance for all pro bono cases, giving you peace of mind as you assist those in need. 

Exclusive Resource Platform: Gain access to a wealth of resources, including free interactive Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses, mentoring, and peer support through the VAP Pro Bono Collaborative ECHO Program. 

Earn CLE Credits: Earn up to 9 General (Self-Study) CLE Credits per year for pro bono services rendered during VAP-sponsored Teleclinics and Legal Fairs. 

Recognition: Your efforts won’t go unnoticed. Participate in VAP’s Annual Appreciation Luncheon & Awards Ceremony, where your contributions will be celebrated. 

Interpreter Services: VAP coordinates interpreter services for non-English speaking clients, ensuring effective communication and representation. 

Ongoing Support: VAP staff will provide continuous support and follow-up throughout your assistance period, ensuring you have the help you need to make a difference. 

Pro Bono Opportunities 

Direct Representation Program: Provide full or limited-scope representation, brief service, or advice based on your expertise and preferred scope of service. This program allows you to make a direct impact on the lives of low-income clients. 

Statewide Legal Teleclinics: Offer one-time telephonic consultations to New Mexicans from the comfort of your office or home. These teleclinics, held several times per year on the third Thursdays of the month from 1:00-4:00 pm (MST), make it easy to fit pro bono work into your busy schedule. 

Legal Fairs: Volunteer at in-person legal fairs coordinated throughout the state. These events provide one-time consultations on pressing legal issues faced by pro se clients, bringing essential legal services directly to the community. 

VAP Pro Bono Collaborative ECHO – CLE Program: Join a collaborative learning platform that offers free interactive CLEs and resources. Using the ECHO model, each session includes a topic presentation by a subject matter expert and a hands-on case presentation. This program expands the knowledge and expertise of volunteer attorneys through tele-mentorship, building a community focused on the legal needs of low-income rural New Mexicans. 

How to Get Involved 

Your participation is crucial in ensuring that low-income New Mexicans receive the legal support they need. By joining VAP’s volunteer attorney pool, you will receive recurring pro bono opportunities tailored to your interests and expertise. There is no commitment to take on a specific matter – you decide which opportunities to pursue. 

Click Here to explore volunteer opportunities and begin your journey of impactful legal service with the Volunteer Attorney Program. Your contribution can make a world of difference, bringing hope and justice to those who need it most. 

Make a difference today. Join VAP and become a part of a community dedicated to ensuring justice for all New Mexicans. 

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