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Federal Government Pro Bono Program Volunteer Guide: Atlanta

Dear Colleagues:

Welcome to the Federal Government Pro Bono Program! Thank you for your interest in using your legal skills to better your community and fulfill your professional duties through pro bono activities. We hope we can help you find an appropriate opportunity with which to get involved.

This Pro Bono Volunteer Guide provides easy access to information about the rules governing federal employees’ engagement in pro bono activities, as well as descriptions of numerous local legal services organizations that regularly offer pro bono opportunities that are generally appropriate for federal government attorneys and legal staff, in that they are generally free of conflicts of interest and offer substantial resources that will help you to succeed. Because each federal agency has its own regulations and procedures, it is important that you discuss any pro bono project with your agency’s pro bono coordinator or ethics officer before starting to volunteer. Many agencies have a specific pro bono policy that can guide you through these rules and any approval procedures that may be required.

Throughout the year, our program offers events and activities to assist you, including trainings to prepare you to volunteer, opportunities where federal attorneys and legal staff members can volunteer together, and information sessions on various topics relevant to pro bono practice. If you would like to get involved in the development of these ideas or have questions about pro bono activities generally, please contact the Federal Government Pro Bono Program at probono@usdoj.gov.

For decades, federal government attorneys and legal staff have been active in outside pro bono work. We look forward to working with you to carry on this powerful tradition of volunteering our legal skills. 

Sincerely,


Pro Bono Program Manager
Federal Government Pro Bono Program

Frequently Asked Questions about Engaging in Pro Bono Activities as a Federal Government Employee

Get answers to some of the frequently asked questions about federal government attorneys and legal staff doing pro bono work. Find information on definitions and limitations, use of positions and agency resources, conflicts of interest, and more.

Go to FAQ

Legal Services Organizations

The following legal services organizations have been screened by the Federal Government Pro Bono Program and have been determined to offer pro bono opportunities that are generally appropriate for federal government attorneys and legal staff.

  • Individual volunteers are still responsible for seeking approval to participate from their agencies, including any necessary review for conflicts of interest.
  • Employees should remember that they are prohibited from acting as an agent or attorney for any person before any agency, department, or court in any matter in which the United States has a direct and substantial interest.
  • Employees also should understand that they are acting in their individual capacities and not as representatives of their agencies and should act accordingly in all pro bono work.
  • Federal government attorneys may not ask support staff colleagues to assist them with their pro bono matters. If you are a federal government attorney and would like to request assistance, or are a support staff member interested in assisting with pro bono matters, contact the Federal Government Pro Bono Program at probono@usdoj.gov.
  • The Federal Government Pro Bono Program does not endorse or recommend any of the organizations listed and is not responsible for the content of the organizations’ linked websites.

Atlanta Legal Aid Society

Since 1924, Atlanta Legal Aid Society has offered free civil legal aid for low income people across metro Atlanta. With five neighborhood offices, three offices in Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta hospitals, three county courthouse projects, a variety of self-help clinics, and countless community education programs, Legal Aid lawyers and volunteers reach tens of thousands of people annually. More than 20,000 cases are represented by our staff of 85+ attorneys and 650+ volunteers every year. More opportunities like the ones below are list on our website at https://www.legalaidprobono.org/projects and in its calendar.

PLACE: 54 Ellis St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 (Main Office)

BAR MEMBERSHIP: Georgia bar membership is generally required, with the exception of non-attorneys in the Enhanced Services Project.

MALPRACTICE INSURANCE: Atlanta Legal Aid Society offers malpractice insurance to volunteer attorneys.

OPPORTUNITIES:

Remote Opportunities:

  • The Enhanced Services Project is a phone-based project where attorney and non-attorney volunteers of all experience levels help contact clients that Legal Aid attorneys have already advised to: confirm the client followed the advice; record what happened; and, if the client did not follow the advice, help the client to do so.
    • Type of Project: Remote phone calls and brief service
    • Estimated Time: Flexible, including options for shifts
    • Experience Needed: None
    • Legal Topic(s): Various, including public benefits, family law, landlord/tenant issues
    • Scope of Volunteer Involvement: Calling client to check in on client progress with advice already given. Paralegal volunteers may reiterate previously given legal advice or help a client through completing a form.
    • Training & Supervision: The project coordinator provides an initial training, conducts regular work sessions during the week with remote volunteers, and is present in the office with in-person volunteers. There are also online resources for volunteers to use.
  • The Gwinnett Family Law Class is an opportunity for an attorney to provide legal information to Gwinnett residents. Volunteer attorneys are needed to teach the class, explaining the basic procedures for filing or responding to a family law action in Georgia.
  • Type of Project: Teaching legal information class remotely
  • Estimated Time: 2 hours; either on first Wednesday of the month from 6-9 PM or the third Wednesday of the month from 1-3 PM
  • Experience Needed: None
  • Legal Topic(s): family law
  • Scope of Volunteer Involvement: Teaching one class
  • Training & Supervision: The project coordinator provides training and materials.

In-Person Opportunities:

  • In the Cobb County Eviction Clinic, volunteer attorneys give brief advice to clients with eviction-related legal issues.
    • Type of Project: Brief advice
    • Estimated Time: less than 5 hours, clinic is every Thursday and Friday with morning shifts from 9-11:30 and afternoon shifts from 1:30-4, but it will likely move to Fridays only at the end of the summer. NOTE: This opportunity takes place during business hours and may require taking annual leave to participate. Administrative leave available at some agencies may be limited to court appearances and may not apply to clinic opportunities.
    • Experience Needed: none
    • Legal Topic(s): Eviction work
    • Scope of Volunteer Involvement: Simple, one-time advice
    • Training & Supervision: Training, materials, and mentorship provided.
  • The Fulton County Tax Appeal Project helps Fulton homeowners file appeals arguing for a lower home value for the purpose of home taxes. This work keeps lower income homeowners and seniors in their homes.
    • Type of Project: Seasonal administrative hearing (typically September to February), some clinic opportunities in July
    • Estimated Time: less than 5 hours
    • Experience Needed: none
    • Legal Topic(s): Residential home tax appeals before the Fulton County Board of Equalization
    • Scope of Volunteer Involvement: Volunteers are welcome to participate in clinics on this topic, and/or represent clients at informal tax appeal hearings.
    • Training & Supervision: Training, materials, and mentorship provided.

CONTACT: Kate Gaffney, Pro Bono Director, kmgaffney@atlantalegalaid.org,, 404-614-3916, www.legalaidprobono.org

Updated: February 2025

Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (AVLF)

As the largest provider of pro bono legal services in Atlanta, Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (AVLF) leverages the collective power and resources of its professional community to advocate for low-income clients during their time of greatest need. Every year, over 5,000 Atlantans receive free, first-rate legal services from AVLF staff and volunteers. AVLF serves survivors of intimate partner abuse, children in high-conflict custody disputes, tenants in disputes with their landlords, employees denied their wages, and people who have recently lost a family member.

PLACE: 235 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1750, Atlanta, GA 30303

BAR MEMBERSHIP: Georgia bar membership is generally required (except for legal assistants in the Saturday

Lawyer Program).

MALPRACTICE INSURANCE: Malpractice insurance is provided for volunteers.

OPPORTUNITIES:

Saturday Lawyer Program: Attorneys, paralegals, and law students come together on Saturday morning to participate in AVLF’s longest running program. Volunteers conduct intake interviews with low-income Atlantans who have landlord-tenant or unpaid wage problems. If the tenant’s case has merit, volunteer attorneys may choose to take on full representation. This program currently offers one in-person clinic per month (the 1st clinic of the month), with the remaining clinics occurring virtually via Zoom. Volunteers that sign up for the in-person days are expected to be on-site from 9AM-1PM. AVLF’s team of staff attorneys and paralegals support every volunteer, from start to close. Landlord/Tenant Law experience not necessary. Volunteers will receive additional details and training the week of their shift(s). Sign-up on the Saturday Lawyer Program website at https://avlf.org/volunteer/saturday-lawyer-program/.

Paralegals, administrative assistants, law students, and anyone with a passion for service can volunteer as a legal assistant. Volunteer legal assistants help with various administrative tasks such as greeting clients and organizing client files. They also sit in on client intake interviews, assisting with notetaking and case analysis. Through the Attorney-Legal Assistant Partnership initiative, legal assistants also can partner with volunteer attorneys who accept a case for full representation through AVLF’s Saturday Lawyer and Eviction Defense programs. Note: Attorneys not members of the Georgia Bar may volunteer

as legal assistants.

Eviction Defense Program: Volunteer attorneys who have prior direct experience with dispossessory court or who have completed AVLF’s specialized training represent clients at dispossessory hearings. Volunteers meet the client, arrange any required pre-hearing meetings, prepare the case, and represent the client at the dispossessory hearing. AVLF staff are available for consultation at any point and provide a referral package that includes recommended legal strategy, case law, sample motions, and more. Contact Susan Leonard to volunteer or sign-up for upcoming training.

Housing Court Assistance Center: With the help of an AVLF staff attorney, volunteer attorneys and law students provide limited advice to tenants at the walk-in free legal clinic housed in the Office of the Magistrate Clerk of Fulton County. The Housing Court Assistance Center is co-sponsored by AVLF, Georgia State University College of Law’s Center for Access to Justice, and Lawyers for Equal Justice. Volunteers help tenants complete their dispossessory Answer, offer pre- or post-litigation advice, and

help tenants understand their rights. The clinic operates from 9AM-12PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays. Sign-up on the Housing Court Assistance Center website at

https://avlf.org/volunteer/hcac/ 0or by contacting Cassandra Damas. NOTE: This opportunity takes place during business hours and may require taking annual leave to participate. Administrative leave available at some agencies may be limited to court appearances and may not apply to clinic opportunities.

Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) Program: When a family can’t afford a GAL to represent the best interests of the child in a high-conflict custody case, the Fulton County Superior Court Family Division turns to volunteer attorneys. After attending a two-day training with experts, volunteer attorneys can be appointed as GALs in these cases, with the full support and assistance of AVLF’s Safe & Stable Families Project staff. Contact Lilli Crowe to express interest in volunteering and register for an upcoming training.

CONTACT:

Susan Leonard, sleonard@avlf.org, Safe and Stable Homes Project Volunteer Engagement Manager

Cassandra Damas, cdamas@avlf.org, Housing Court Assistance Center Managing Attorney

Lilli Crowe, lcrowe@avlf.org, Safe and Stable Families Project Volunteer Engagement Manager

(404) 521-0790

https://avlf.org

Updated: February 2025

Georgia Justice Project (GJP)

Georgia Justice Project (GJP) strengthens our community by demonstrating a better way to represent and support individuals in the criminal justice system and reduce barriers to reentry. GJP promotes innovative change through direct legal representation, policy advocacy, education, and coalition building.

NOTE: All of GJP’s opportunities have criminal matters associated with them and therefore are not appropriate for DOJ employees pursuant to 5 CFR 3801.106(b)(ii). Department of Justice attorneys may not provide services that involve criminal or habeas corpus matters, whether federal, state, or local. 5 C.F.R. § 3801.106.

PLACE: 438 Edgewood Ave. SE, Atlanta, GA 30316

BAR MEMBERSHIP: Georgia bar membership is required, with the exception of volunteering with Restorative Justice.

MALPRACTICE INSURANCE: Yes, provided through Georgia Justice Project.

TRAINING: GJP offers a robust training program for volunteers. To participate in any of the criminal records opportunities, GJP offers a 2-hour CLE training approximately three times per year. GJP also provides volunteers with template pleadings and checklists to guide their work. To participate in the Restorative Justice Georgia opportunities, there are separate trainings for community members and facilitators. These trainings are offered about twice per year. Additionally, GJP has a Pro Bono team of lawyers who are happy to answer  questions or provide support as needed.

OPPORTUNITIES:

  • Criminal Records Monthly Clinic: On the second Friday of every month, GJP pairs volunteer attorneys with clients to assist with a record clearing issue. This is a full representation opportunity, and most cases take 12-15 hours of time. Both in-person and virtual options are available.
  • Criminal Records Intake: Every Thursday morning volunteers meet virtually for 3 hours total with 2-3 individuals who have applied to GJP for record clearing services. Volunteers review the applicant’s criminal history report and gather information on how their record has been a barrier. NOTE: This opportunity takes place during business hours and may require taking annual leave to participate. Administrative leave available at some agencies may be limited to court appearances and may not apply to clinic opportunities.
  • Pardon Clinic: Three times a year, GJP pairs volunteers with a client to assist them with an application for a general pardon. While a pardon alone does not expunge a conviction from someone’s record, a new law went into effect in 2021 that created a pathway to expungement for individuals who have received a pardon. This is a limited-scope opportunity that requires about 4 hours of time.
  • Criminal Records Appeals: Occasionally, GJP has need of volunteer attorneys to assist with appealing a decision by a lower court regarding the granting or denial of a record clearing remedy. Attorneys can assist with research, writing and oral advocacy. These matters require 10+ hours of time.
  • Restorative Justice: In the fall of 2022, GJP launched Restorative Justice Georgia which is the first restorative justice program in Georgia addressing felony-level harm committed by adults. Restorative justice is a victim-centered process that facilitates dialogue between the person responsible for a crime and the person harmed by the crime and creates a path for accountability. Volunteers can serve as either community members by offering the perspective of the impacted community in the restorative justice process, or as facilitators by co-leading the restorative justice process between a harmed party and the responsible party. These opportunities require between 5–20 hours of time.

CONTACT: Erin Donohue-Koehler, erin@gjp.org, (404) 827-0027, www.gjp.org

Updated: February 2025

Georgia Legal Services Program (GLSP)

Georgia Legal Services Program’s (“GLSP”) mission is to provide civil legal services for persons with low incomes, creating equal access to justice and opportunities out of poverty. GLSP serves clients in 154 of Georgia’s 159 counties.

PLACE: 104 Marietta Street, Suite 250, Atlanta, GA 30303

BAR MEMBERSHIP: Georgia bar membership is required to volunteer.

MALPRACTICE INSURANCE: GLSP’s malpractice insurance covers volunteer attorneys.

TRAINING/ORIENTATION/ASSISTANCE: GLSP offers training and ongoing supervision of and technical support for pro bono attorneys throughout the duration of a case.

OPPORTUNITIES:

All opportunities are available for virtual, hybrid, or in-person service. GLSP staff connects you to a client, provides you with the client’s file, training, templates, assistance with document execution, and other support you may need to ensure a quality pro bono experience.

  • Wills and Estates Signature Pro Bono Project: Assist clients by drafting and generating wills, advanced directives for healthcare, and powers of attorney to protect generational wealth, protect homeowner rights, and honor clients’ wishes.
  • Disaster Relief Legal Services Pro Bono Project: Through GLSP and the State Bar of Georgia YLD Disaster Helpline, attorneys provide basic legal advice in the wake of state or federally-declared disaster events on non-Federal facing issues, including housing and landlord-tenant disputes; insurance advice; repair contracts review; and more.* 

    NOTE: This project may relate to FEMA and/or SBA claims and appeals. GLSP will screen out any of these issues for Federal volunteers to avoid any conflict related to 18 U.S.C. 205. However, volunteers are reminded to be mindful of this potential conflict if they engage in pro bono related to disaster relief.
  • Records Restriction Signature Pro Bono Project: Attorneys review the client’s criminal record, discuss what is eligible for restriction in Georgia, and assist the client in filling out the proper forms requesting restriction. 

    NOTE: This project has criminal matters associated with it and therefore are not appropriate for DOJ employees pursuant to 5 CFR 3801.106(b)(ii). Department of Justice attorneys may not provide services that involve criminal or habeas corpus matters, whether federal, state, or local. 5 C.F.R. § 3801.106.

CONTACT: Deputy Director of Pro Bono, Cari King, cking@glsp.org, 470-577-9089

Home - Georgia Legal Services Program (glsp.org)

Updated: February 2025

*Pursuant to Rule 121 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Georgia, when invoked, the “Katrina Rule” allows for lawyers licensed in another state to provide pro bono legal services in Georgia for the duration of the FEMA-declared disaster.

Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta (PBPA)

Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta (“PBPA”) strengthens our community by engaging volunteer attorneys to provide nonprofits with business legal services. PBPA assists 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations that serve low-income or disadvantaged individuals and are unable to pay for legal services. Our clients work to improve the lives of the homeless, domestic violence survivors, at-risk youth, senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and other groups in need. On a case-by-case basis, attorneys licensed in other states may be eligible to volunteer; however, PBPA strongly prefers attorneys be licensed in Georgia.

PLACE: 999 Peachtree St., NE, Suite 2300 Atlanta, GA 30309

BAR MEMBERSHIP: Georgia bar membership is generally required to volunteer for attorney opportunities but may depend on the opportunity listed by PBPA and the partner organization. However, attorneys who are not admitted in Georgia may partner with a colleague, a law firm attorney or one of our staff attorneys in order to take a matter. For non-attorney volunteers, this is not required.

MALPRACTICE INSURANCE: PBPA’s malpractice insurance covers volunteer attorneys.

TRAINING/ORIENTATION/ASSISTANCE: A PBPA staff attorney is assigned to every matter, participates in the conference call with the volunteer attorney and client, provides support (such as forms and other resources) to volunteer lawyers as needed.

OPPORTUNITIES:

  • PBPA focuses on transactional work, such as contracts or corporate governance matters, but offers projects in a variety of legal areas including employment, intellectual property, healthcare, privacy, and tax. These opportunities shift often and are updated regularly. Current volunteer opportunities are posted at: https://pbpatl.org/for-attorneys/volunteer-opportunities. For more information about any of the volunteer opportunities or to volunteer for a project, the attorney should email volunteer@pbpatl.org.
  • To receive a monthly email from PBPA with volunteer opportunities, email volunteer@pbpatl.org. In the email, please include your contact information (including work address and phone number), the name of your agency or component, practice area, state(s) in which you are licensed to practice law, and year(s) of admittance.

CONTACT: 404-618-0900

https://pbpatl.org/; Web-based contact form is available at https://pbpatl.org/contact/

Updated: February 2025

Georgia Appleseed

For over 15 years, Georgia Appleseed has provided free legal representation and advocacy support for Georgia’s most underrepresented children and families. Georgia Appleseed keeps kids in school, in stable, healthy housing, and out of the criminal justice system. We advance justice for Georgia’s most vulnerable children by employing a three-pronged approach of direct connection, community and coalition building, and systems reform.

PLACE: 1600 Parkwood Cir. SE, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30309

BAR MEMBERSHIP: Georgia bar membership is required to volunteer for attorney opportunities. For non-attorney volunteers, this is not required.

MALPRACTICE INSURANCE: Georgia Appleseed’s malpractice insurance covers volunteer attorneys.

TRAINING/ORIENTATION/ASSISTANCE: Georgia Appleseed offers training and ongoing supervision of and technical support for pro bono volunteers throughout the duration of a case.

OPPORTUNITIES:

Remote Opportunities:

  • Legal and Policy research: Conducting legal and policy research to support various Georgia Appleseed initiatives related to housing justice and dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline. An example of a project is a nationwide policy scan. Time commitments for projects vary depending on volunteer availability, ranging from a few hours to a 20+ hours estimated time commitment.

In-Person Opportunities:

  • Direct legal representation for children in foster care facing long-term suspension or expulsion from school: Representing a child in foster care facing long-term removal from school for a behavior incident in school tribunal hearings. Representation is limited to the tribunal hearing and is not criminal in nature. Most cases resolve in less than two weeks and require between 10-15 hours of time. Georgia Appleseed receives referrals for representation and reaches out to volunteer attorneys to check availability. Cases come from all counties in the state of Georgia, but Georgia Appleseed documents volunteer attorneys’ geographic limitations for representation in advance. No experience is required, although attorneys must complete a virtual Georgia Appleseed training prior representing a child. Volunteer attorneys directly interact with children in foster care, and other legal guardians including representatives of the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS). Georgia Appleseed staff attorneys and partners are available for mentoring and support throughout representation.

CONTACT: Luci Ruiz, lruiz@gaappleseed.org, (678) 426-4640

https://gaappleseed.org/volunteer/

Updated: February 2025

Updated February 10, 2026