Before contacting you, VLP screens all clients for financial eligibility and legal merit. The client is not given your name until you accept the referral. It is then the client's responsibility to contact your office and arrange an appointment. A. VLP can provide assistance, including forms for some types of cases. VLP can provide co-counsel where a case might require it as well as consultative assistance from members of the volunteer panel with particular areas of expertise.
Most cases are relatively routine, but unusual ones have arisen.
VLP staff will brief you about the facts of the case they are asking you to consider. You may accept or reject for any reason. VLP staff will also tell you whether the client needs pro bono assistance, can manage a reduced fee, or other arrangements. You may decline to accept any referral due to a conflict of interest, other time commitments, or if you feel that you lack the experience to properly represent the client with his or her particular legal problem. Even once you agree to talk with a client, both you and the client still must determine whether a workable client-attorney relationship can be established.