CCLN Support Volunteer (non-attorneys) & CCLN Internships (students interested in law)

CCLN Support Volunteer may have activities that include Special Projects and Office Volunteer activities. Spanish Interpreters are needed also. 

CCLN Internships have previously hosted, and welcome:

  • Law Student Internship Placements
  • Pre-Law Undergraduate Student Internship Placements
  • High School Student Work Experience Placements

 

Support Volunteers help Catholic Charities Legal Network to provide clients with representation to resolve civil legal matters in one of the following practice areas: Domestic Relations (custody/visitation), Employment, Landlord-Tenant, Will Drafting (with Advanced Healthcare Directive and/or Power of Attorney), Public Entitlements (SSI or SSDI) or Bankruptcy/Consumer Matters. A Support Volunteer will assist the CCLN to achieve positive outcomes that improve the lives of clients.   

 

 

Catholic Charities Legal Network provides pro bono civil legal services to low-income families and individuals throughout the Archdiocese of Washington. Case types, in Washington, DC and Maryland, include: landlord/tenant, family law (custody, divorce, child custody), government entitlements (SSI/SSDI), consumer debt/bankruptcy, estate planning (will drafting, advanced healthcare directives, power of attorney), employment, and record sealing.  

 

 

Duties and Responsibilities for CCLN Support Team Volunteers:

CCLN Support Team Volunteers will provide in-office administrative assistance to the Legal Staff with the following tasks as needed:

  • Assemble case files to pass on to case-handling attorneys. This includes organizing and copying the documentation and updating the case management system
  • Conduct research and write reports 
  • Assist staff in closing files (preparing closing letters, close files in database)
  • Notify clients of deadlines, court dates, etc. by mail and/or phone, and file correspondence into client files
  • Work with clients to gather case information
  • Scan files/legal documents into database

Qualifications:

  • Minimum age 18
  • Available during office hours and in-person
  • Basic computer competence (email, word processing)
  • Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
  • Fluent in spoken English
  • Spanish or French language skills strongly preferred
  • Excellent writing skills 

Desired Skills, Experience & Characteristics:

  • Appreciation of diversity and respect for those with differing backgrounds and life experiences
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Excellent organization skills

Volunteer Benefits:

  • Interact with individuals from different countries and cultures in a setting that values diversity and increases awareness of justice issues
  • Be part of a team of committed individuals that makes a concrete, lasting difference in the lives of those we serve
  • Gain knowledge of our civil laws and a deeper understanding of the systems poor people must navigate
  • Grow in organizational and office support skills

Support:

  • CCLN Volunteers are provided on-site supervision by the attorneys and staff with whom they work. They are provided individualized training in all required tasks. Attorneys create a supportive environment that welcomes questions.

Time Commitment:

  • The volunteer must work at least four hours per week, but ideally 8 hours per week
  • Available hours are Monday through Friday between 9 am-5:00 pm
  • CCLN staff will work with volunteers to identify a weekly schedule that meets the needs of the volunteer and the CCLN program

Location:

  • CCLN seeks volunteers for its offices in the following locations:
    • 924 G Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20004
  • Parking is available in the form of limited street parking and nearby garages.
  • The office is within easy walking distance of the Gallery Place -Chinatown and Metro Center metro stations.

Next Steps:  The program staff person will contract you with the next steps.