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Pro Bono services are defined as: "Pro Bono Publico" means providing or assisting to provide quality legal services in order to enhance access to justice for persons of limited means; charitable, religious, civic, community, governmental and educational organizations in matters that are designed primarily to address the legal needs of persons with limited means; or individuals, groups or organizations seeking to secure or protect civil rights, civil liberties or public rights.
Community Service is defined as:
“Community Service” is defined as volunteer activities that would not meet the definition of pro bono, as adopted by the delegates in Resolution 99F-4 and is further defined as unpaid services that are volunteered by individuals to benefit an organization, community, or its institutions that are provided through the direction of a non-profit organization as defined under the Internal Revenue Code. The definition focuses on volunteer services that improve the quality of life for community residents, or to solve particular problems related to their needs.
Wills For Heroes http://www2.mnbar.org/willsforheroes/index.asp This project is designed to provide free legal services to prepare estate planning documents for Minnesota first responders (police officers, firefighters, paramedics, etc.).
Volunteer Lawyers Network www.volunteerlawyersnetwork.org VLN is a volunteer based nonprofit providing free civil legal services to low income persons with legal clinics focusing on Family Law, Housing and General Civil, Conciliation, and Immigration Law.
Feed My Starving Children www.fmsc.org This organization provides hand packed meals designed specifically for starving children. These meals are shipped to more than 60 countries around the world. Volunteer locations are in Coon Rapids, Chanhassen and Eagan.
NFPA Military Paralegal Outreach Program http://www.paralegals.org/ The MPA has embraced participation in this program, along with the NFPA, providing support and comfort through care packages to our military paralegal counterparts serving overseas. These care packages include personal hygiene products, food, snacks, puzzles, books, magazines and games, and are sent periodically throughout the year. Hennepin County Family Court Services (FCS) Hennepin County Family Court Services (FCS) invites MPA members to volunteer. As a FCS volunteer, you will: Respond to phone calls and walk-ins and explain court procedures. Assist with preparation for mediation meetings. Monitor clients' compliance with the court conditions. Review clients' files in preparation for Early Neutral Evaluation meetings. Time commitment: One year (preferred); 4-8 hour shifts per week. Application process: Volunteer application located at (www.hennepin.mn.us),reference check, interview, background check and fingerprinting. Rewards: Creative use of professional skills, excellent traiing opportuniites, opportunities for personal and professional growth working with a diverse client population, Interested MPA members may contact the Sr. Coordinator of Volunteers and Interns directly at tatiana.przytula@co.hennepin.mn.us or 612-348-6893.
Interested in reading about wrongful convictions? The Innocence Project of Minnesota is planning to feature books about wrongful convictions on its website, along with specifics and answers to book review questions you will provide, such as surprising facts or whether the book changed your opinion. Interested MPA members are invited to select a book on the topic and indicate your interest by e-mail to: eapplebaum@ipmn.org. Ericka Applebaum is the Executive Director of Innocence Project of Minnesota. Books may be borrowed from the Innocence Project library, or you may refer to http://www.innocenceproject.org/Content/Reading_List_Books_on_the_Subject_of_Wrongful_Conviction.php for a suggested reading list on the topic.
Now, more than ever, we are needed!
Stay tuned for other upcoming events!
ProBono and Community Service Chair |