Attention, lawyers: Unchained invites you to help unchain someone from forced marriage – whether or not you have relevant law experience.
Some 200 attorneys across the U.S., including from some of the largest law firms in the world, have joined Unchained’s team of Pro Bono Lawyers to help people fleeing from forced marriages. Some have relevant legal experience; many do not. Almost all say their pro bono work for Unchained clients is the most rewarding work they’ve ever done. (Read some of their stories by clicking on their photos.)
No matrimonial law experience? Unchained offers:
- Hours of service toward exemption from mandatory pro bono assignments (in NJ) – Choose your own meaningful pro bono assignment;
- Free admission to Unchained’s CLE training course, worth CLE credits in NJ, NY, PA ($150 value);
- Experience in matrimonial law (or, occasionally, other field of law);
- Mentoring from an experienced attorney;
- Valuable networking opportunities; and
- Unchained funds for expert witnesses and other court-related fees.
Have 5+ years of matrimonial law experience? You can also:
- Mentor another attorney (counts in NJ as hours of service toward exemption from mandatory pro bono assignments)
- Present a portion of an Unchained CLE course (earns double CLE credits in NJ)
Apply now to join the Pro Bono Lawyer team!
Pro Bono Lawyer FAQs
Q. Where can I learn more about Unchained’s CLE training course, including its next scheduled date?
A. Right here!
Q. How many hours must I devote to a pro bono assignment?
A. Unchained’s clients’ cases vary widely; some last a few weeks, while others last more than a year. During that time, expect to spend an average of one or two hours per week on the matter. If you accept an Unchained client’s case, you must be committed to representing them until their legal matter is resolved.
Q. If I take Unchained’s CLE course, when will I receive my pro bono assignment?
A. Unchained will match you with a client within two years after you take the CLE course. If Unchained does not assign you a matter during those two years, you are not obligated to perform any pro bono services for Unchained or its clients.
Q. Is Unchained’s Legal Training and Mentoring Program available everywhere in the U.S.?
A. Sorry, attorneys. For now, Unchained’s Legal Training and Mentoring Program is available only in New Jersey (though the training course is worth CLE credits in New York and Pennsylvania as well).
Q. Can I limit my acceptance of assignments to a geographic region?
A. Yes, when you apply to become an Unchained pro bono lawyer, you can submit a list of counties where you are willing to accept pro bono assignments.
Q. Who will pay for filing fees, mailing costs and other expenses? Who will pay for expert witness fees, transcript fees, etc., if those become necessary?
A. Unchained will reimburse you for all reasonable filing, mailing and similar expenses that the court does not waive or order the adversary to pay. If possible (budget permitting), Unchained also will help pay for expert witness fees, transcript fees and other similar costs — provided that you try to check with Unchained before incurring any such expenses.
Q. Do I need to track the time I spend on pro bono assignments?
A. Yes, Unchained asks that you submit each month an accounting of the hours you have spent on Unchained pro bono assignments. Remember: If you donate 25 hours or more to an Unchained client in New Jersey, including by mentoring another pro bono attorney, you should be exempt from mandatory pro bono assignments in New Jersey.
Q. Do I need my own malpractice insurance? Will I be covered under Unchained’s policy?
A. Unchained prefers that you carry your own malpractice insurance, in which case you will be protected by Unchained’s malpractice insurance as a secondary policy. If you do not carry your own insurance, you will be covered by Unchained’s malpractice insurance as a primary policy.
Q. How do I join the team of Unchained pro bono attorneys?
A. Click here to submit a Pro Bono Attorney Application
Still have questions? Contact Unchained.