Pro Bono Requirement

To obtain a law degree, a student must perform a minimum of 20 hours of pro bono legal work during their second or third year of law school. Pro bono legal work is defined as "work on behalf of indigent individuals or other uncompensated legal work in conjunction with an individual lawyer, law firm or organization on behalf of a disadvantaged minority, the victims of racial, sexual, other forms of discrimination, those denied human and civil rights, or other work on behalf of the public interest. Work on behalf of the public interest means legal work that is designed to present a position on behalf of the public at large on matters of public interest . . . ."

The pro bono requirement must be completed at least 30 days prior to graduation. The Office of Student Advancement is responsible for determining whether a student has satisfied the pro bono requirement. Current students should log in to Canvas (my.fsu.edu), and visit the Student Advancement page under "Courses" to view the mandatory Pro Bono Orientation that covers all aspects of this requirement, and to access the forms necessary to obtain appropriate credit, located under the Pro Bono link. 

Pre-Approved Pro Bono Sites

Children & Family

Department of Children and Families, Children’s Legal Services

Students assist attorneys with both individual cases and policy issues affecting the Florida system. Work may include research and writing, policy work, and case preparation in the areas of administrative law, disability law, domestic violence, family law, institutionalized rights, labor/employment, poverty law, public benefits, and youth/child issues.

Contact

Jennifer Maes, Director of Recruiting
2383 Phillips Rd.
Tallahassee, FL 32308
T: 813.351.9271

Guardian Ad Litem Program (Second Judicial Circuit)

Students assist attorneys in all aspects of pending cases. Students’ desire to assist abused and neglected children in the judicial system must be very strong. Students may investigate disputed custody cases and make recommendations to the court for disposition in child’s best interest as trained guardian ad litems.

Contact

Deborah Moore, Circuit Director
1920 Thomasville Road, Suite 208
Tallahassee, FL 32303
T: 850.606.1213
https://gal2.org

Institute for Family Violence Studies, FSU School of Social Work

Students learn about supervised visitation on a national level. The Clearinghouse is part of the FSU Institute for Family Violence Studies in the School of Social Work located in the University Center. The mission of the Clearinghouse is to serve as a resource on supervised visitation and related family law issues by providing technical and legal assistance to the judiciary, providers, and other referring agencies. Legal research is required. 

Contact

Karen Oehme, Project Director 
C2309 University Center 
Tallahassee, FL 32306 
T: 850.644.6303
http://familyvio.csw.fsu.edu/

Legal Aid Foundation of The Tallahassee Bar Association

The Legal Aid Foundation provides free or low-cost legal assistance to low-income Florida/Second Circuit residents, with a civil case, who cannot afford an attorney. Students may assist pro bono lawyer volunteers with cases or participate in our Pro Se program, in which clients receive help with approved Florida Supreme Court forms.

Contact

Lauren Stafford, Executive Director
301 S. Monroe Street, Suite 108
Tallahassee, FL 32301
T: 850.702.5010
http://www.legalaidtallahassee.org

Legal Services of North Florida

Students provide legal help for various civil issues. Opportunities include and are not limited to: case and records management, client interviews, legal research and writing, outreach services, community legal education and clinic advocacy and substantive legal training. Areas of law with special focus include, children’s legal issues, probate and estates, expungement, tax law and case in controversy issues, nonprofit/small business, disaster relief and recovery, domestic violence, human trafficking and veteran’s issues.

Contact

Collen Mullen
2119 Delta Blvd
Tallahassee, FL 32303
T: 850.701.3347
www.lsnf.org/
Register at www.bit.ly/lawstudentvolunteer

Public Interest Law Center

Students provide legal research. Timing may allow for other possibilities. Focus is on children’s issues including: juvenile justice, social security, disability, legislative advocacy, and policy analysis.

Contact

Carl Baum
FSU College of Law
Tallahassee, FL 32306
T: 850.644.9928

Teen Court (Leon County)

Program Director Teen Court is a ‘real’ sentencing hearing for first time misdemeanor and third degree felony juvenile offenders. Students will assist the teen attorneys with the preparation of their case strategy and will also serve as juror observers.

Contact

Jessica Goodman-Taylor, Program Director
301 S Monroe Street, Suite 225
Tallahassee, FL 32301
T: 850.606.4468
Teen Court Website

Civil/Human Rights

Alternative Spring Break

Each year, a group of students from FSU College of Law is selected to travel to a farmworker community in Apopka, Florida. The students work alongside the Farmworkers Association of Florida and have the opportunity to learn about the environmental, legal, and cultural issues that migrant workers face. Students receive education on the U.S. immigration system and policies that are currently in place, such as the legal requirements for obtaining a work visa. In addition to learning about these issues through the Farmworkers Association of Florida, students work directly with migrant workers to gain a better understanding of the issues they face. Students can learn about labor trafficking from area experts and survivors. Jeannie Economos with the Farmworker Association of Florida serves as the “tour guide” for the trip—she is a leading expert and advocate on farmworker rights. Her energy is infectious, and she provides the students with a top-notch, hands-on learning experience that always serves as one of the highlights of their law school career.

Contact

Carl Baum
FSU College of Law
Tallahassee, FL 32306
T: 850.644.9928
PILC Website

Center for the Advancement of Human Rights

The Center has the mandate of facilitating the development of human rights-related courses throughout the university, of establishing human rights field placements for FSU students, and of supporting nongovernmental organizations ("NGOs") throughout the world that engage in human rights work.

Contact

Vania Aguilar, Assistant Director 
426 West Jefferson Street 
Tallahassee, FL 32301 
T: 850.644.4550 
www.cahr.fsu.edu

Equality Florida

Equality Florida is the state’s largest civil rights organization dedicated to advancing equality for Florida’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. Law students will assist Public Policy Director Jon Harris Maurer with legal and policy research to address critical issues for the LGBT community. Student responsibilities may include supporting active or anticipated litigation, researching and writing regarding state and local legislation or ordinances, and analyzing recent developments on legal issues important to the LGBT population.  The volume and nature of work fluctuates throughout the year, with particular need for support tied to Florida’s legislative session.   

Contact

Jon Harris Mauer, Public Policy Director
201 E. Park Ave. Ste. 200
Tallahassee, FL 32301
T: 850.681.0980
www.eqfl.org/

First Amendment Foundation

Students have the opportunity to work with attorneys in providing information on First Amendment/Sunshine Law to the public via the toll-free hotline and by assisting with legal research and educational publications for the First Amendment Foundation.
 

Contact

Bobby Block, Executive Director
317 East Park Ave., Lower Level
Tallahassee, FL 32301
info@floridafaf.org
www.floridafaf.org

Florida State Conference of the NAACP

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is an African-American civil rights organization in the United States, formed in 1909. Its mission is "to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination."

Contact

David Honig, Esq., Chief Counsel for the FSC NAACP
5554 Highway A1A Unit 301
Vero Beach, FL 32963
T: 202.669.4533
http://www.naacp.org/ 

 

FSU Title IX Office

Volunteers will be engaged in a variety of projects, to include: reviewing DOE/OCR Letters of Findings and Resolution Agreements with other Universities, as well as the revised sexual misconduct policies of the universities; producing memorandum and spreadsheet summary of agreements; and researching use of Restorative Justice to address campus sexual assault.

Contact

Tricia Buchholz, Title IX Director
408 Westcott
222 Copeland St. 
Tallahassee, FL 32306
T: 850.645.2741
http://titleix.fsu.edu

 

Consumer

Legal Aid Foundation of The Tallahassee Bar Association

The Legal Aid Foundation provides free or low-cost legal assistance to low-income Florida/Second Circuit residents, with a civil case, who cannot afford an attorney. Students may assist pro bono lawyer volunteers with cases or participate in our Pro Se program, in which clients receive help with approved Florida Supreme Court forms.

Contact

Lauren Stafford, Executive Director
301 S. Monroe Street, Suite 108
Tallahassee, FL 32301
T: 850.702.5010
http://www.legalaidtallahassee.org

Legal Services of North Florida

Students provide legal help for various civil issues. Opportunities include and are not limited to: case and records management, client interviews, legal research and writing, outreach services, community legal education and clinic advocacy and substantive legal training. Areas of law with special focus include, children’s legal issues, probate and estates, expungement, tax law and case in controversy issues, nonprofit/small business, disaster relief and recovery, domestic violence, human trafficking and veteran’s issues.

Contact

Collen Mullen
2119 Delta Blvd
Tallahassee, FL 32303
T: 850.701.3347
www.lsnf.org/
Register at www.bit.ly/lawstudentvolunteer

Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc.

TRLS is a local non-profit corporation funded for the sole purpose of providing free legal services to low income, eligible clients in twelve counties in North Central Florida. TRLS mission is to provide free quality legal services to the poor, abused, disabled and elderly and to empower and educate them through preventative legal education. Areas of legal service include Consumer Protection, Housing Preservation, Public Benefits, Family Law, and Community Education and Economic Development. While help in any of TRLS offices is acceptable, preference will be given to students interested in assisting with the Equal Justice Works project. Student volunteers can expect to help staff advice clinics under supervision of an attorney, analyze and discuss legal problems of the poor, and help in community outreach programs.

Contact

1000 NE 16th Ave, Building I
Gainesville, FL 32601
T: 352.372.0519 

3225 University Blvd. S Suite 220
Jacksonville, FL 32216
T: 904.394.7450

334 NW Lake City Ave.
Lake City, FL 32055
T: 386.752.5960
volunteer@trls.org 
http://www.trls.org/

Criminal

Capital Habeas Unit of the Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of Florida

Students in the Capital Habeas Unit (“CHU”) of the Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of Florida will assist the attorneys and investigative professionals in obtaining federal post-conviction relief for individuals who have been convicted of a capital crime in Florida. Responsibilities include assisting attorneys, investigators, and mitigation specialists with all aspects of legal and factual development and case preparation. Tasks include researching and writing on capital litigation issues, participating in case strategy sessions, requesting records and documents, drafting legal memoranda, compiling detailed chronologies of information, examining, analyzing, and researching records and issues, and participating in witness and client interviews alongside investigative professionals and attorneys. Students will also have opportunities to help draft filings or portions of filings for petitions of writ of habeas corpus, appellate briefs, or petitions for writs of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court and write memoranda on specific legal issues, including topics such as ineffective assistance of counsel, timeliness issues in federal court, or Florida law specific issues.

Contact

Linda McDermott
227 N. Bronough St. Suite 4200
Tallahassee, FL 32301
T: 850.322.2172
fln.fd.org

Office of the Public Defender, Second Judicial Circuit

Law students will have exposure to a variety of legal environments and processes necessary in representing clients in the criminal legal system. Legal interns are assigned cases and work side by side with their supervising attorney on probable cause review, client consultation, case law research, investigations, communication with the state attorney, and trial preparation.

Contact

Jessica J. Yeary, Public Defender
301 S. Monroe Street, Suite 401
Tallahassee, FL 32301
T:850.606.1000
http://www.flpd2.com/

Office of the Staff Attorneys, Second Judicial Circuit

Students will be supervised by Staff Attorneys, assisting with both civil and criminal legal research for the circuit judges. Judges may request to be assigned a student for short and longer term research project assignments. Assignments vary depending on the needs of the circuit judge. All pro bono students must submit to a criminal background check.

Contact

Aline Logan
301 S. Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
T: 850.606.4324
https://2ndcircuit.leoncountyfl.gov/

Teen Court (Leon County)

Program Director Teen Court is a ‘real’ sentencing hearing for first time misdemeanor and third degree felony juvenile offenders. Students will assist the teen attorneys with the preparation of their case strategy and will also serve as juror observers.

Contact

Jessica Goodman-Taylor, Program Director
301 S Monroe Street, Suite 225
Tallahassee, FL 32301
T: 850.606.4468
Teen Court Website

Disability

Disability Rights Florida

Students work on individual cases accepted by the center and prepare them for administrative hearings. Work may also include researching, drafting pleadings, and answering discovery requests.

Contact

Alison DeBelder
2473 Care Dr. Suite 200
Tallahassee, FL 32308
T: 850.488.9071 ext. 9723
http://www.disabilityrightsflorida.org/

North Florida Office of the Public Guardian, Inc.

The Office of Public Guardian, Inc., (OPG) serves adults with mental and/or physical disabilities as their court-appointed legal guardian when they are incapable of managing some or all of their affairs. The OPG provides quality public assistance in the form of guardianship services to vulnerable adults adjudicated incapacitated who have no family, friends, or resources to obtain a private guardian.

Contact

1425 E. Piedmont Dr. Suite 201-B 
Tallahassee, FL 32308 
T: 850.487.4609
http://northfloridaopg.org

Office of the Public & Professional Guardians

The Office of Public & Professional Guardians (OPPG), housed within the Department of Elder Affairs, appoints local public guardian offices as directed by statute to provide guardianship services to persons who do not have adequate income or assets to afford a private guardian and there is no willing family or friend to serve. The OPPG, which contracts with 17 local Offices of Public Guardianship throughout Florida, is also responsible for the registration and education of professional guardians. Since 2016, the program has expanded its responsibilities to include regulating approximately more than 550 professional guardians statewide, which includes investigating, and if deemed appropriate, the discipline of guardians in violation of law.

Contact

Bridget McKay
4040 Esplanade Way 
Tallahassee, FL 32399 
T: 850.414.2095
https://elderaffairs.org/

Environmental

1000 Friends of Florida

Since 1986, 1000 Friends of Florida’s experienced staff has partnered with citizens, community and state leaders, conservation and business groups, and others to promote a more sustainable future for one of the fastest growing states in the nation.

Contact

Jane West
308 N. Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32301 
T: 850.222.6277 
T: 904.671.4008
http://www.1000friendsofflorida.org/ 

Apalachicola Riverkeeper

The Apalachicola Riverkeeper engages in multiple law-based projects to protect the Apalachicola Bay and River. They provide opportunities for students to conduct legal research on pertinent issues, retrieve and review agency files, attend substantive meetings with stakeholders, agency representatives, and other organizations, and attend public hearings and meetings of local governments.

Contact

Georgia Ackerman, Executive Director/Riverkeeper
Scipio Creek Marina
301 Market St.
Apalachicola, FL 32320 
T: 850.653.8936
http://apalachicolariverkeeper.org/

Big Bend Coastal Conservancy

The Big Bend Coastal Conservancy (BBCC) is a conservation program spanning the coastal zones of Gulf, Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson, Taylor and Dixie Counties in the panhandle of North Florida. We have been active since 2009, and formalized this non-profit conservation program on June 8, 2010 on World Ocean Day. Our region has unique natural and cultural resources vital to the local economy and our way of life. Conserving these unique coastal and marine areas is important because of the extreme diversity and because of the ecological importance. The Big Bend Coastal Conservancy recognizes the importance of promoting the region for sustainable enjoyment, improving the public’s education through recreational opportunities and sustaining the integrity of our fisheries and coastal habitats.

Contact

Dr. Renee Murray, Coordinator 
PO Box 12702 
Tallahassee, FL 32317-2702 
T: 850.228.4114
BigBendCoastalConservancy@gmail.com 
http://bigbendcoastalconservancy.org/

Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County, Legal Department

A small Legal Department (3 attorneys) gives the legal interns a varied experience, mainly in environmental and administrative law, but with some small exposure to contract law, labor law, and property law. As a local environmental regulatory agency with various State delegations (and indirectly Federal delegations), interns get exposure and experience not only in local government regulatory processes, but also State and Federal environmental regulations. 

Primary responsibilities include legal research; drafting of memoranda; drafting of motions/pleadings; and analysis and review of settlement documents. Other responsibilities, depending on attorneys’ current assignments, may involve attending strategy sessions, staff meetings, Commission meetings, negotiations, public hearings, etc.; participating in rulemaking meetings and drafting rules; attending field inspections; attending legal proceedings; reviewing contracts for goods and services; and analyzing environmental and administrative bills proposed by the Florida Legislature.  

Contact

Rick Muratti, Volunteer Coordinator 
3629 Queen Palm Dr. 
Tampa, FL 33619 
T: 813.627.2600 ext. 1058 

Executive Office of the Governor

During state legislative session (in the spring) students will track bills filed during the legislative session, perform bill analysis for these bills, research and report on legislative history for statuses related to proposed bills, research and report on litigation associated with proposed bills, attend and report on committee and stakeholder meetings for these bills, brief unit staff on bills and provide recommendations, accompany unit staff to other policy meetings in order to increase the student’s experience with and exposure to this work environment, and complete other assigned research tasks for issues relevant to the unit.

Outside of state legislative session (in the summer and fall) students will perform special research projects based on anticipated or proposed legislation for the following session, analyze and report on proposed agency rulemaking, research issues associated with potential or existing litigation, analyze and report on propped agency litigation in consideration of legislative history, associated litigation, and other matters; brief unit staff and provide recommendations, attend and report on meetings with stakeholders on agency matters and legislative concepts, attend and report on committees during fall legislative committee weeks, follow and report on federal legislative developments and participate in regular communications with DC office.

Contact

Abigail Morgan, Judicial Appointments Coordinator
Office of the General Counsel
Executive Office of the Governor
The Capitol, 400 S. Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399
T: 850.717.9205

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Students conduct legal research and draft documents relating to environmental protection issues.

Contact

Matthew Knoll, Assistant Deputy General Counsel
3900 Commonwealth Blvd.
Tallahassee, FL 32399
T: 850.245.2204
www.dep.state.fl.us/

Pets Ad Litem

The goals of our organization are to enhance public awareness of responsible pet ownership; coordinate competent, professional assistance for state and local governments to develop a unified and cohesive team to address animal issues; provide proficient and skillful representation of the interests of animals in legal proceedings; and to protect the rights and promote the best interests of animals.

Contact

Ralph DeMeo, Founder & CEO
1983 Centre Pointe Blvd. Suite 200
Tallahassee, FL 32308
www.petsadlitem.com/

Surfrider Foundation, Florida Office

Students would be involved in researching, analyzing and drafting legislation, tracking legislation, attending public hearings and analyzing testimony, and possibly speaking in such hearings.

Contact

Evan Orellana, Regional Managers Florida & Puerto Rico
Surfrider Foundation
T: 954.675.5625
https://www.surfrider.org/

Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc.

TRLS is a local non-profit corporation funded for the sole purpose of providing free legal services to low income, eligible clients in twelve counties in North Central Florida. TRLS mission is to provide free quality legal services to the poor, abused, disabled and elderly and to empower and educate them through preventative legal education. Areas of legal service include Consumer Protection, Housing Preservation, Public Benefits, Family Law, and Community Education and Economic Development. While help in any of TRLS offices is acceptable, preference will be given to students interested in assisting with the Equal Justice Works project. Student volunteers can expect to help staff advice clinics under supervision of an attorney, analyze and discuss legal problems of the poor, and help in community outreach programs.

Contact

1000 NE 16th Ave, Building I
Gainesville, FL 32601
T: 352.372.0519 

3225 University Blvd. S Suite 220
Jacksonville, FL 32216
T: 904.394.7450

334 NW Lake City Ave.
Lake City, FL 32055
T: 386.752.5960
volunteer@trls.org 
http://www.trls.org/

Health

Housing

1000 Friends of Florida

Since 1986, 1000 Friends of Florida’s experienced staff has partnered with citizens, community and state leaders, conservation and business groups, and others to promote a more sustainable future for one of the fastest growing states in the nation.

Contact

Jane West
308 N. Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32301 
T: 850.222.6277 
T: 904.671.4008
http://www.1000friendsofflorida.org/ 

Florida Housing Coalition

The Florida Housing Coalition is a statewide nonprofit, providing training and technical assistance and policy advocacy on all aspects of affordable housing. We were formed in 1982 and now have 10 offices throughout Florida. We assist nonprofit developers of affordable housing with their development plans, as well as government entities administering housing programs. The student will assist in the development of policies, land development practices, and ordinances to further the development of mixed income housing and to promote fair housing and housing for Florida's most vulnerable populations, including people experiencing homelessness. All pro bono candidates should have a passion for working in the public interest. You will be working in a collaborative team under the direction of Attorney Pamela Jo Hatley and Attorney Jaimie Ross, Florida Housing Coalition president and CEO. To learn about the breadth of our work, visit www.flhousing.org.

Contact

Katherine Gray 
1311 N. Paul Russell Rd. Ste B-201
Tallahassee, FL 32301 
T: 850.878.4219
http://www.flhousing.org

Legal Aid Foundation of The Tallahassee Bar Association

The Legal Aid Foundation provides free or low-cost legal assistance to low-income Florida/Second Circuit residents, with a civil case, who cannot afford an attorney. Students may assist pro bono lawyer volunteers with cases or participate in our Pro Se program, in which clients receive help with approved Florida Supreme Court forms.

Contact

Lauren Stafford, Executive Director
301 S. Monroe Street, Suite 108
Tallahassee, FL 32301
T: 850.702.5010
http://www.legalaidtallahassee.org

Legal Services of North Florida

Students provide legal help for various civil issues. Opportunities include and are not limited to: case and records management, client interviews, legal research and writing, outreach services, community legal education and clinic advocacy and substantive legal training. Areas of law with special focus include, children’s legal issues, probate and estates, expungement, tax law and case in controversy issues, nonprofit/small business, disaster relief and recovery, domestic violence, human trafficking and veteran’s issues.

Contact

Collen Mullen
2119 Delta Blvd
Tallahassee, FL 32303
T: 850.701.3347
www.lsnf.org/
Register at www.bit.ly/lawstudentvolunteer

Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc.

TRLS is a local non-profit corporation funded for the sole purpose of providing free legal services to low income, eligible clients in twelve counties in North Central Florida. TRLS mission is to provide free quality legal services to the poor, abused, disabled and elderly and to empower and educate them through preventative legal education. Areas of legal service include Consumer Protection, Housing Preservation, Public Benefits, Family Law, and Community Education and Economic Development. While help in any of TRLS offices is acceptable, preference will be given to students interested in assisting with the Equal Justice Works project. Student volunteers can expect to help staff advice clinics under supervision of an attorney, analyze and discuss legal problems of the poor, and help in community outreach programs.

Contact

1000 NE 16th Ave, Building I
Gainesville, FL 32601
T: 352.372.0519 

3225 University Blvd. S Suite 220
Jacksonville, FL 32216
T: 904.394.7450

334 NW Lake City Ave.
Lake City, FL 32055
T: 386.752.5960
volunteer@trls.org 
http://www.trls.org/

Immigration

Indigent Services

Florida Legal Services

Florida Legal Services provides service delivery coordination, training, case consultation and technical assistance to all legal service providers in Florida.

Contact

Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc.

Some of the volunteer opportunities for law students include: (1) Research, case document management, and document drafting for attorneys in substantive units; (2) Family Law Clinic Assistants (complete training and volunteer for four hours in the late afternoon and evening (4:00-7:00 on a Thursday) once or twice a month); (3) Pro Bono Case Placement Assistant; (4) Pro Bono Case Administration Assistant; (5) Pro Bono Spotlight Ghostwriter for the Financial News and Daily Record (write approximately one short (400-700 words), human interest article per month, with guidance on topics and content from the Director; (6) translate Fair Housing Unit brochures or serve as interpreters for attorneys serving non-English speaking clients); (7) Ask-A-Lawyer outreach event assistants; (8) create Wills and Advance Directives documents using templates provided and under the supervision of an attorney, sign in attendees, copy document packets, serve as hosts/hostesses for volunteer hospitality area; (9) Assist pro bono attorneys with research, case document management, and document drafting. Students interesting in serving should email the Pro Bono Director and include their areas of interest, days and hours of availability, and a current resume.

Contact

Aaron Irving, Director of Pro Bono
126 West Adams
Jacksonville, FL 32202
T: 904.356.8371 ext. 363 
https://www.jaxlegalaid.org/

Legal Aid Foundation of The Tallahassee Bar Association

The Legal Aid Foundation provides free or low-cost legal assistance to low-income Florida/Second Circuit residents, with a civil case, who cannot afford an attorney. Students may assist pro bono lawyer volunteers with cases or participate in our Pro Se program, in which clients receive help with approved Florida Supreme Court forms.

Contact

Lauren Stafford, Executive Director
301 S. Monroe Street, Suite 108
Tallahassee, FL 32301
T: 850.702.5010
http://www.legalaidtallahassee.org

Legal Services of North Florida

Students provide legal help for various civil issues. Opportunities include and are not limited to: case and records management, client interviews, legal research and writing, outreach services, community legal education and clinic advocacy and substantive legal training. Areas of law with special focus include, children’s legal issues, probate and estates, expungement, tax law and case in controversy issues, nonprofit/small business, disaster relief and recovery, domestic violence, human trafficking and veteran’s issues.

Contact

Collen Mullen
2119 Delta Blvd
Tallahassee, FL 32303
T: 850.701.3347
www.lsnf.org/
Register at www.bit.ly/lawstudentvolunteer

Office of the Public Defender, Second Judicial Circuit

Law students will have exposure to a variety of legal environments and processes necessary in representing clients in the criminal legal system. Legal interns are assigned cases and work side by side with their supervising attorney on probable cause review, client consultation, case law research, investigations, communication with the state attorney, and trial preparation.

Contact

Jessica J. Yeary, Public Defender
301 S. Monroe Street, Suite 401
Tallahassee, FL 32301
T:850.606.1000
http://www.flpd2.com/

Office of the Staff Attorneys, Second Judicial Circuit

Students will be supervised by Staff Attorneys, assisting with both civil and criminal legal research for the circuit judges. Judges may request to be assigned a student for short and longer term research project assignments. Assignments vary depending on the needs of the circuit judge. All pro bono students must submit to a criminal background check.

Contact

Aline Logan
301 S. Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
T: 850.606.4324
https://2ndcircuit.leoncountyfl.gov/

Public Interest Law Center

Students provide legal research. Timing may allow for other possibilities. Focus is on children’s issues including: juvenile justice, social security, disability, legislative advocacy, and policy analysis.

Contact

Carl Baum
FSU College of Law
Tallahassee, FL 32306
T: 850.644.9928

Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc.

TRLS is a local non-profit corporation funded for the sole purpose of providing free legal services to low income, eligible clients in twelve counties in North Central Florida. TRLS mission is to provide free quality legal services to the poor, abused, disabled and elderly and to empower and educate them through preventative legal education. Areas of legal service include Consumer Protection, Housing Preservation, Public Benefits, Family Law, and Community Education and Economic Development. While help in any of TRLS offices is acceptable, preference will be given to students interested in assisting with the Equal Justice Works project. Student volunteers can expect to help staff advice clinics under supervision of an attorney, analyze and discuss legal problems of the poor, and help in community outreach programs.

Contact

1000 NE 16th Ave, Building I
Gainesville, FL 32601
T: 352.372.0519 

3225 University Blvd. S Suite 220
Jacksonville, FL 32216
T: 904.394.7450

334 NW Lake City Ave.
Lake City, FL 32055
T: 386.752.5960
volunteer@trls.org 
http://www.trls.org/

Judiciary

Professionalism

The Florida Bar, Henry Latimer Center for Professionalism

The Center coordinates all projects and activities of the Supreme Court’s Commission on Professionalism and The Florida Bar’s Standing Committee on Professionalism; serves as a research, writing and teaching resource for professionalism initiatives in Florida; reviews and catalogs articles/reports/information on professionalism issues; provides resources and information on professionalism to members of the judiciary, the bar, law schools, local bar associations and other state bars; and publishes a quarterly newsletter that focuses on professionalism in the legal profession. Student-volunteers will conduct research and draft correspondence for various professionalism initiatives.

Contact

Rebecca Bandy, Director
651 East Jefferson Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-2300
T: 850.561.5646
http://www.floridabar.org

Tax

Legal Aid Foundation of The Tallahassee Bar Association

The Legal Aid Foundation provides free or low-cost legal assistance to low-income Florida/Second Circuit residents, with a civil case, who cannot afford an attorney. Students may assist pro bono lawyer volunteers with cases or participate in our Pro Se program, in which clients receive help with approved Florida Supreme Court forms.

Contact

Lauren Stafford, Executive Director
301 S. Monroe Street, Suite 108
Tallahassee, FL 32301
T: 850.702.5010
http://www.legalaidtallahassee.org

Legal Services of North Florida

Students provide legal help for various civil issues. Opportunities include and are not limited to: case and records management, client interviews, legal research and writing, outreach services, community legal education and clinic advocacy and substantive legal training. Areas of law with special focus include, children’s legal issues, probate and estates, expungement, tax law and case in controversy issues, nonprofit/small business, disaster relief and recovery, domestic violence, human trafficking and veteran’s issues.

Contact

Collen Mullen
2119 Delta Blvd
Tallahassee, FL 32303
T: 850.701.3347
www.lsnf.org/
Register at www.bit.ly/lawstudentvolunteer

United Way of the Big Bend, Inc./Volunteer Income Taxes Assistance

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) offers free tax preparation by IRS-certified volunteers at sites throughout the Big Bend from January to April each year. Volunteers should have a basic understanding of simple tax returns and be willing to make a time commitment of approximately two to four hours a week throughout the filing season. Each volunteer must complete classroom training or self-study the material and pass a test before being able to participate. The test will be given as part of the training class. For self-study, students need to ask for a set of study materials and schedule the test after completion. Classroom training occurs in January each year; self-study training can be done as well.

Contact

Samantha Sager, Impact Strategies Director
307 East 7th Avenue
Tallahassee, Florida 32303
T: 850.414.0856
www.UWBB.org