Have you ever found yourself wanting to help those in need of low-cost or free representation, but you’re not really sure how to start? Do you worry about stepping into an area of law you do not practice in, or taking on more of a role or time commitment than you anticipated? These are all thoughts that have gone through my mind – and have even left me hesitant to become involved. I’m not afraid to admit I was wrong.
I was wrong because I failed to appreciate this simple fact: Regardless of whether you are familiar with the area of law, the court, or the proper procedure, we are in infinitely better positions as lawyers to figure it out than non-lawyers trying to do so on what could be one of their most difficult days. If you have ever thought about giving your time to a pro bono matter, I encourage you, just take the leap.
603 Legal Aid and New Hampshire Legal Assistance are the first and perhaps only lines of defense for low-income individuals in need of representation involving our most basic needs – personal safety, maintaining housing, and obtaining critical benefits, among others. Through their amazing staff and generous volunteers, these organizations offer guidance and a voice to people who would otherwise navigate what can be confusing – and maybe even scary – times on their own.
I recognize that not everyone can take on full-fledged pro bono cases, although I encourage you to do so if you can. Sometimes forgotten in our busy practices are the many opportunities for small but incredibly impactful contributions that we can make with a few hours of time and our most basic legal skills – reading statutory language and advocating for our client.
One example is 603 Legal Aid’s criminal annulment program. This program helps individuals remove qualified nonviolent criminal convictions from their records pursuant to New Hampshire RSA 651:5. Annullable convictions may be keeping individuals from obtaining a job, a professional license, or housing. The process, while technical, is not difficult. It involves collecting required information, making sure all the statutorily required boxes are checked, and shepherding the petition through the process in court. It is precisely the type of actions we take every day as lawyers, regardless of our practice area.
Even more helpful, volunteers receive a complete package of documentation already reviewed by lawyers at 603 Legal Aid to ensure that annulment is in fact available. With all the information in hand and a minor time commitment, you could have a massive role in making someone’s life better.
The DOVE program is another fantastic way to get involved and make a meaningful difference in just a few short hours. 603 Legal Aid’s website indicates that 90 percent of the thousands of victims of domestic violence and stalking that seek protection for themselves and their children do so without legal counsel. For many, the mere attempt to navigate the system or appear alone in front of their abuser in court is enough to choose not to move forward. DOVE seeks to change that.
Through its volunteers, DOVE offers legal representation at final domestic violence and stalking restraining order hearings. In 2023, they handled 274 cases. As of July this year, DOVE has already handled more than 250 cases. The program needs our help to deal with this increase in requests, especially in the mid to northern parts of the state.
Volunteering is easy. DOVE lawyers receive training and mentorship, in addition to malpractice insurance, interpreter services, and reimbursement for any service fees and litigation expenses. I can personally speak to the large network of experienced DOVE volunteers always ready to provide guidance and offer support, and even the opportunity to shadow a few cases.
When a request for representation is submitted, DOVE gets to work on finding an available volunteer from its roster – but don’t worry, if the timing isn’t right, you can always pass and wait for the next opportunity. And there is no requirement on the number of cases taken per year – you take a case only if it works for you.
If you’ve ever had any interest in becoming a DOVE volunteer, I encourage you to do so. Family law experience is not required. Volunteers come from all practice areas, with the current roster consisting of IP lawyers, environmental lawyers, and business lawyers, to name just a few.
As luck would have it, the DOVE program’s free annual training is coming up on Friday, October 18, at the Bar Center. This training includes lunch and 30 minutes of ethics credits, and features Debbie Riddle, a national speaker on stalking awareness and prevention, as well as many other great speakers. I hope to see you there.
Taking the leap into pro bono work is more than just a professional responsibility – it’s a chance to use your skills to make a profound impact on someone’s life. Whether it’s helping clear someone’s record so they can pursue new opportunities or standing by a victim of domestic violence in their moment of greatest need, the difference you can make is immeasurable.
Initiatives like the DOVE and criminal annulment programs remind us that the legal expertise we sometimes take for granted can be transformative for those facing overwhelming challenges. The support is there, the resources are ready, and the need is greater than ever.
New Hampshire Bar News, September Issue | President’s Perspective
