DALA is excited to launch a new pilot program to connect unrepresented parties with volunteer legal counsel. We invite all Massachusetts lawyers to participate – no matter your level of experience or familiarity with DALA proceedings.
This is a meaningful opportunity to support access to justice while developing your own skills. Flexible volunteer roles are available to match your interests and availability, including:
- Full-case representation
- Mentoring newer volunteers
- Answering questions via a litigant hotline
Learn more about the program and how you can get involved:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DALA’s pro bono program? When someone files an appeal and does not have a lawyer, they can request pro bono representation by submitting a financial affidavit. If they qualify, DALA will try to match them with a volunteer attorney from a list of lawyers who have signed up to participate in the program. Lawyers can choose the types of cases they want to take on and are able to select specific cases from a list of available opportunities. In addition to representing litigants directly, lawyers may also mentor other attorneys or volunteer on the helpline for a day.
In what types of cases will DALA seek counsel? DALA hears cases involving a broad array of matters, including professional licensure, public pensions, public health, and alleged violations of the wage and hour laws. This program is available for every kind of case before DALA. When you sign up, you can indicate the types of cases you are willing to take.
How do I find out about the cases that are available for pro bono counsel? Complete the Pro Bono Registration Form available on DALA’s website and mail or e-mail it to DALA, attention Pro Bono Coordinator. You will receive email announcements of cases available for the assignment of pro bono counsel. You do not incur any obligation by being on the email list, and the email list is not distributed to pro se litigants.
If you are interested in accepting representation in a matter, you will notify the Pro Bono Coordinator. If more than one attorney is interested in a matter, the Coordinator will assign the case to the first attorney who expressed interest in the case.
Do I need to be a seasoned attorney to participate in this program? No. New attorneys are strongly encouraged to participate in the program. The pro bono program is a good opportunity for attorneys to get experience while also providing legal services to those unable to pay for them. Additionally, mentorship may be available for new attorneys. However, it is important that new attorneys have adequate resources at their disposal (e.g., access to research tools).
How do I sign up to participate in the program? Complete the Pro Bono Registration Form available on DALA’s website and mail or e-mail it to DALA, attention Pro Bono Coordinator. You will receive email announcements of cases available for the assignment of pro bono counsel. You do not incur any obligation by being on the email list, and the email list is not distributed to pro se litigants.
Are there funds to compensate counsel for their costs or time? Unfortunately, DALA does not have funds available to compensate counsel for their time or expenses in a case. Counsel accepting cases under this plan understand that they are taking on the case pro bono and will have to expend their own resources. However, DALA will strive to take all measures that could help defray costs (for example, waiving the requirement to submit hard copies of pleadings or holding virtual hearings).
What if I do not have time to represent a party in a case? Does DALA have other pro bono opportunities? DALA offers two additional pro bono opportunities. Lawyers may serve as mentors for volunteer attorneys with less experience. Second, they can participate in DALA’s “Lawyer for a Day” project, which involves committing a few hours on a designated day to answer inquiries from pro se litigants.
If interested, complete the Pro Bono Registration Form available on DALA’s website and mail or e-mail it to DALA, attention Pro Bono Coordinator.