Volunteer Lawyers Project

The mission of the Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project is to increase access to justicein Maine through volunteer engagement. To achieve this end, the VLP acts as a nexus, connecting pro bono attorneys and individuals with civil legal issues who cannot afford attorneys. Volunteers are involved in every stage - from intake to strategic planning.

In 1983, Pine Tree Legal Assistance (PTLA) partnered with the Maine Justice Foundation to create a project dedicated to engaging volunteers in providing civil legal aid.

Housed within PTLA for 35 years, the VLP became a separate non-profit organisation with its own board in 2017.The VLP has a small staff that recruits, trains, manages, and supports volunteers. In most VLP cases, the legal assistance is provided by pro bono attorney volunteers.
Student and community volunteers conduct intake interviews, provide legal information, organize clinics, and help develop new service projects.

The Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project is a non-profit legal aid organization that provides free legal information, assistance and representation to low income people facing civil legal issues. It relies entirely on community and attorney volunteers to provide legal services, supported by a small paid staff to insure the operational running of the program. Since it began operation in 1983, The Volunteer Lawyers Project has been a nationally recognized leader in the delivery of pro bono (free or low-cost) legal services. Approximately 70,000 low-income households experience a significant legal problem every year. Using toll free and local lines, people of low income across the state call the Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) for legal assistance. Volunteers respond to client inquiries, providing the link to attorneys who may be able to assist with limited, reduced fee or pro bono representation. Our mission is to make "justice for all" a reality in Maine by giving people the knowledge, tools and support to be equal participants in our justice system. You can be part of this team providing much needed services.