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Welcome to Connecticut Pro Bono – the official Pro Bono web site of Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut

Pro Bono attorneys play an essential role in the delivery of justice to low income people living in Connecticut. This web site contains features which will:

• Provide information about becoming a Pro Bono volunteer for Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut
• Give you details on the support, recognition and training for Pro Bono attorneys
• Provide information about Pro Bono cases and opportunities

PRO BONO VOLUNTEERS FOR STATEWIDE LEGAL SERVICES: Most Pro Bono cases are placed through Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut (SLS). SLS is a legal aid hotline which provides intake, advice and referral services to low income people. When you register for the program SLS will contact you directly and you will have the opportunity to choose a case in your geographic and interest area. Volunteer opportunities range from accepting a case for full representation to assisting in non litigation programs.

To register for the program, click here

SLS PRO BONO STAFF TO ASSIST YOU:

• Maria Huertas places cases with attorneys who practice in Hartford, Windham, Tolland and Putnam counties. You can contact her at (860) 344-8096, ext. 3013.
• John Bozzi places cases with attorneys who practice in New Haven, Middlesex, Fairfield, New London and Litchfield counties. His direct phone number is (860) 344-8096, ext. 3040.
• Bonnie Roswig can give you information about pro bono opportunities for attorneys who wish to do Pro Bono work during non business hours or who wish to participate in pro bono programs for corporate or transactional attorneys. Her phone number is (860) 344-8096, ext. 3002.

SUPPORT, RECOGNITION AND TRAINING: Attorneys and Paralegals who take cases from SLS are given support, recognition and training through the CBA.

• Support: Malpractice insurance is offered to cover any Pro Bono case which is accepted through Statewide Legal Services.
• Mentors: Experienced attorneys are available for support and mentoring assistance on cases.
• Training: A free training series is offered to all volunteers through the Connecticut Pro Bono Network. Also, if you accept three pro bono cases or if you do twenty-five hours of pro bono work during a calendar year you will receive a voucher to attend a CLE class of your choosing offered by the CBA.
• Recognition: All Pro Bono volunteers are named in the CBA annual honor roll which appears in a special edition of the Connecticut Lawyer and is featured at the CBA Annual Meeting. The Connecticut Lawyer also features Pro Bono attorneys in the Connecticut Pro Bono Network Newsletter which appears in the Connecticut Lawyer.
• Connecticut Bar Association – Connecticut Pro Bono Network: The Connecticut Pro Bono Network coordinates Pro Bono work in the state. For information about the program visit the Connecticut Bar Association web site.
  

INFORMATION ABOUT PRO BONO CASES AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES: Most Pro Bono cases are in the areas of housing, family, consumer and disability law. For examples see Types of Cases.

Other Pro Bono Opportunities: Statewide Legal Service provides Pro Bono opportunities for attorneys who would like to assist but who cannot take a case for full representation. These Pro Bono options usually occur during the evening hours and can be staffed by attorneys who do not have a litigation background. Statewide Legal Services provides training and support to attorneys who participate in these programs. These Pro Bono opportunities include:

1. Security Deposit Clinic: Attorneys assist clients to complete pro se Small Claims Court complaints which seek the return of wrongfully withheld security deposits.

2. Family Law Clinics: Attorneys assist clients to complete Family Court forms so that they can proceed pro se in Family Court.

3. Evening Hotline: Volunteer Attorneys conduct telephone interviews with Statewide Legal Services Hotline callers who need assistance with Consumer Law cases.

If you wish further information about assisting with these types of programs, please contact Bonnie Roswig at (860)344-8096 ext. 3002