A Partnership Linking Students and Legal Professionals through

Volunteer Opportunities

In the fall of 1999, the Volunteer Lawyers Program and the University of Arizona

James E. Rogers College of Law formed a partnership, VLP Advocates, to help

deliver legal services to those Pima County residents most in need of civil legal

help.  The idea behind the partnership began to take shape when law students

who serve on the University's Community Service Board began to discuss ways

in which law students could get involved in law-related community service. 

"The more legal experience you obtain during your law school

years, the more you will be in a position to market yourself to

prospective employers.  Participation in pro bono enables you

to gain relevant legal experience, explore a variety of career

paths, and network with practice lawyers.  While performing a

much needed community service, you will enhance your

professional development and ultimately become a better

lawyer."

                                                                - Melanie Kushnir

                                                                  Assistant Staff Counsel

                                                                  ABA Center for Pro Bono

To date, more than 480 law students have volunteered with the VLP.  In 2005

alone, 124 law students volunteered their time through the VLP, up from 110 in

2004 and 77 in 2003.  These law students will touch approximately 1,000 cases

this year, almost one third of the total cases handled by the VLP annually. 

Jillian

VLP gave me the opportunity to experience the law in a real life setting
away from my textbooks and the black letter law and helped me to develop
practical skills that will make be a better lawyer in the
future. Participating in the VLP program as both a student volunteer and
coordinator was one of my best law school experiences and continuously
reaffirmed for me why I went to law school, to advocate for those families
and children who need it most.