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How can I participate?
First of all, thank you. In order to become a pro bono panel member
as an attorney, you must be an active member of the Alaska Bar Association,
or a member of an out-of-state Bar Association practicing law in that
particular state. Paralegals, Physicians, Court Reporters, and Accountants
are encouraged to sign up as well. You can call our office (800) 478-9431,
or fill the online "sign up form" located in our website (www.alsc-law.org).
We will ask you to provide some contact information and the type of
areas of law you practice or would be interesting in working with.
What type of pro bono work can I do?
There are several things you can do! You can represent clients in court,
mediate, offer one-time consultations, be an instructor at a legal clinic,
mentor other attorneys, co-counsel a major case, or revise and update
content for our Lawhelp.org website.
What type of cases do you refer to panel members?
The program only refers civil matters and they are varied.
Do you make reimbursements?
We will reimburse panel members for their accrued out-of-pocket expenses
such as: copies, long distance, faxing, filing fees etc, when representing
a client. Expenses larger than $200 need to be pre-approved. We do not
reimburse for secretarial and paralegal work. Filing fees in Alaska
State Courts are waived when you show the proper documentation. In addition,
we can arrange for paralegal work and free depositions when available.
Can I represent a client in an area of law that I am not familiar
with?
Absolutely, for some cases we offer co-counseling with one of ALSC's
staff attorneys. For other cases we can find a mentor for you from our
panel.
Can I do pro bono work if I work for the Attorney General's Office?
Yes! However, you need to refer to the Attorney General's memo on pro
bono work.
I have a client who seems to qualify for pro bono work, what should
I do?
Your client will need to be screened for eligibility under ALSC's guidelines.
Please ask your client to contact us.
Can I appeal on behalf of my pro bono client?
We generally do not cover costs for most appeals and federal litigation.
The Executive Director of ALSC must approve all appeals. Please contact
our office.
My case has been completed, what should I do?
Please fill in, sign and return the Case Status/Final Disposition form
found in your referral packet. You may also find a copy of that form
here in our website.
How are pro bono hours calculated?
Hours are credited once a case has been completed, or after a consultation.
When we receive the Final Disposition form we will enter the total amount
of hours (regardless of the date when the case was first accepted) into
our database. Your hours will count for the year on which you submitted
your form.
I have donated more than 400 hours, how do I go about getting my
bar fees reduced?
Please contact the Alaska Bar Association at 272-7469
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