Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association – Boston, MA

Providing Access to Justice for Low-Income Residents Since 1977

The Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association (VLP) is a dedicated non-profit organization committed to a vital mission: ensuring that low-income individuals and families in the Greater Boston area have access to justice. 🏛️ Since our founding in 1977, we have been a crucial bridge between the private bar and residents who cannot afford a lawyer for their most critical civil legal problems. We believe that a person’s access to justice should not depend on their income. By recruiting, training, and mentoring a network of hundreds of volunteer private attorneys, we provide high-quality, pro bono (free) legal services that protect our clients’ homes, families, and livelihoods. We are a beacon of hope, empowering our clients and strengthening our community, one case at a time.

Comprehensive Pro Bono Civil Legal Services

VLP focuses on providing free legal assistance in several key areas of civil law where our clients face their most urgent needs. Through our dedicated staff and our incredible network of volunteer attorneys, we offer representation, advice, and brief services in numerous legal clinics and projects. Our goal is to achieve stability and security for our clients. ⚖️

• Divorce and Family Law Lawyers: This is our largest practice area. We provide crucial assistance to low-income clients in a wide range of family law matters, including divorce, child custody, child support, and guardianship cases. We help protect the safety and stability of families in crisis.
• Housing and Eviction Defense: We fight to prevent homelessness by representing tenants and homeowners facing eviction. We believe that safe, stable housing is a fundamental human need.
• Bankruptcy Lawyers and Debt Relief Lawyers: We help clients overwhelmed by debt find a path to a fresh start. Our volunteer attorneys guide individuals through the complexities of Chapter 7 bankruptcy, helping to eliminate crushing debt and stop creditor harassment.
• Wills, Estate Planning and Probate Lawyers: Our estate planning services help low-income individuals and seniors ensure their final wishes are honored and their families are protected. We assist with drafting simple wills, healthcare proxies, and powers of attorney.
• Immigration Lawyers: We offer assistance in certain immigration matters, helping clients navigate the complex system to achieve stability for their families.

A Partnership for Justice

VLP is a collaborative effort. We are not just a law firm; we are a community of compassionate legal professionals—attorneys, paralegals, law students, and community partners—who believe in the principle of equal justice for all. 🤝 By providing training, mentorship, and litigation support, we empower private attorneys to make a profound difference in the lives of their pro bono clients. Our work is a testament to the generosity and commitment of the Boston legal community.