Partners in Pro Bono

Over 100,000 Nevadans need legal representation but cannot afford it, with family law being the area of greatest demand. While many attorneys are willing to provide pro bono services, their demanding workloads often present barriers. Meanwhile, law students seek opportunities to gain practical experience while making a meaningful difference in their communities.

How the Program Works 

The Partners in Pro Bono program addresses these challenges by connecting pre-screened cases from the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada with willing attorneys and eager law students. Cases include:

• Family law (divorce and child custody)
• Wrongful wage garnishment
• Automobile fraud
• Deceptive trade practices
• Consumer fraud
• Real estate scams/equity skimming
• Predatory lending

Benefits to Participants 

Law students are matched with experienced attorneys practicing in their area of interest. The relationship between a Pro Bono Attorney-Mentor and law student partner is a partnership, a one-on-one learning experience between an experienced attorney and a law student. The law student partner should be treated as a junior professional partner and is not an administrative assistant or paralegal. Pro Bono Attorney-Mentors agree to incorporate their law student partner into all aspects of the case and in developing a client relationship. Under the attorney's mentorship, students participate in all aspects of case management—from initial client interviews and demand letters to potential litigation.

Attorneys receive pre-screened cases and the satisfaction of fulfilling their professional responsibility while mentoring the next generation of legal professionals.

Program Structure 

Participants commit to two program events each semester:

1. An orientation at the beginning that introduces partners and outlines program goals and expectations
2. A "Case Review" session and reception later in the spring to evaluate progress on cases and mentorship goals

Through this program, law students gain invaluable practical experience in legal analysis, client interviews, document preparation, and potentially courtroom advocacy.

Get Involved 

• For attorneys wanting to volunteer with the program, please contact the Pro Bono Project or call 702-386-1422
• To view current available cases, check out the Available Cases page on the LACSN website