Nwla Pro Bono Project - Shreveport, LA

Volunteer Legal Advocacy via the NWLA Pro Bono Project

In many civil disputes, having an experienced attorney by your side is essential to securing a fair resolution. However, for low-income and indigent individuals in Northwest Louisiana, the cost of private counsel is often out of reach. The Northwest Louisiana Pro Bono Project (NWLA Pro Bono Project), operated under the Shreveport Bar Foundation, bridges this critical gap. By recruiting local private practice attorneys who generously volunteer their time and skills, the project delivers free civil legal services to those in need. If you are struggling with a legal problem and are searching for a way to find a lawyer or request pro bono assistance, this organization provides a vital pathway to equal justice.

Comprehensive Civil Legal Assistance Areas

The NWLA Pro Bono Project handles civil, non-fee-generating legal cases. Because their resources are focused on civil matters that directly affect household stability, health, and safety, they do not handle criminal cases. Instead, their volunteer lawyers specialize in a variety of civil fields, including:

• Divorce and Child Custody: Navigating family disputes is highly complex. Volunteer divorce lawyers assist with simple divorce petitions, custody arrangements, and child support, helping stabilize families in transition.
• Bankruptcy and Debt Relief: For individuals facing overwhelming financial crisis, filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy or seeking debt relief can offer a fresh start. Volunteer attorneys guide clients through the paperwork and court proceedings.
• Estate Planning and Wills: Protecting your family's future is vital. The project provides free assistance with basic wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, ensuring peace of mind for elderly and disabled residents.
• Real Estate and Housing Disputes: Volunteer advocates assist with housing-related issues, helping preserve shelter and defend tenant rights in landlord-tenant disputes.

Qualifying for Pro Bono Services and Clinics

To qualify for free legal help from the Northwest Louisiana Pro Bono Project, applicants must meet the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. If you need an attorney but cannot afford one, you can contact Acadiana Legal Service Corporation to undergo the initial screening process. Additionally, the project is widely recognized for its monthly Ask-a-Lawyer clinics, held on the third Monday of each month, where local residents can receive free legal advice from a volunteer lawyer without an appointment. They also host an annual Day of Giving on Martin Luther King Day, assisting veterans and residents with essential medical powers of attorney and living wills.

Physical Address and Intake Information

The Northwest Louisiana Pro Bono Project is headquartered at the Shreveport Bar Center, located at 625 Texas St, Suite 100, Shreveport, LA 71101. The office operates Monday through Thursday, with volunteer attorneys handling cases across Caddo and Bossier Parishes. If you are facing a civil issue and require legal aid, reaching out to the project can connect you with compassionate, skilled legal professionals who are dedicated to serving their community.