Pro Bono Cases

(Updated 4/10/2024) 

ANDVSA has a grant that allows us to offer low bono contracts for domestic violence and sexual assault-related family law cases!  Please note that these funds are limited and any of these cases may instead be taken pro bono.  For more information, please contact Katy Soden at ksoden@andvsa.org.

LOW BONO OPPORTUNITIES

1. “Disabled mom on her own.” Kenai divorce/custody. Trial call 9/4/24; trial week 9/16/24.  Client seeks help with divorce/custody.  1 child.  DV includes hitting, breaking things.  Client has long-term DVPO in place and OP has conviction for violating PO.  Client has severe medical issues but has supportive witnesses regarding her ability to care for child. Property includes business, house, land, retirement, vehicles. OP has counsel. ANDVSA can offer $130/hour up to 50 hours for this case.   
2. “Alaska: a literal breath of fresh air.” Kenai divorce/custody. Case not yet filed.  Client seeks help with divorce/custody. Client and kids recently relocated to AK.  DV includes assault, threats with weapon, threats to harm animals.  OP has a criminal conviction in another state. Out of state property includes house, debt.  Client has pulmonary disabilities and mental health issues but is thriving in Alaska.  ANDVSA can offer $130/hour up to 50 hours for this case.
3. “Sexual abuse of stepchild.” Kodiak custody. Status hearing 4/10/24.  Client seeks help with custody case involving 1 child.  Some DV to client.  OP has pending felony criminal charges for sexual abuse of minor to stepchild.  GAL has been appointed in the case. ANDVSA can offer $130/hour up to 50 hours for this case.
4. “Extensive DV.” Kenai divorce/custody. Pretrial conference 5/23/24. Client seeks help with divorce/custody.  2 kids (1 adopted stepchild, 1 mutual).  Client has a long-term DVPO in place.  OP has conviction for DV.  Extensive DV including assault, threats. Property includes house, cars.  OP has counsel.  ANDVSA can offer $130/hour up to 50 hours for this case.
5. “Quick turn for the worse.” Juneau divorce/PO. Long-term DVPO hearing 5/28/24; divorce complaint filed but not yet served.  Client seeks help with divorce/PO case.  No mutual kids.  DV includes assault, sexual assault.  OP has pending criminal charges.  Short term marriage with some property.  ANDVSA can offer a flat fee contract for this case at a generous rate. 

PRO BONO OPPORTUNITIES

1. “Scary driver.” Anchorage custody case. Trial setting conference 5/14/24. Client seeks help with custody.  1 child.  DV includes reckless endangerment while driving, abuse to pets. 

Any questions and/or interest in the above cases, please contact Katy Soden @ 907-297-2791 or ksoden@andvsa.org.

(Updated 6/6/2023)

Project: Prisoner Rights Guide research. Alaska incarcerates thousands of people every year. The Alaska ACLU has a prisoner rights guide to provide information regarding issues including how to advocate for medical care, decent prison conditions and food, how to vote, and much more. The ACLU of Alaska is looking for pro bono assistance with legal research to update the guide.  

Sexual Assault Negligence and Prisoner’s Rights Case. State prisoner rights case involving a claim of sexual assault when he was held in pretrial detention, and then after sentencing, was transferred to another facility where he was sexually assaulted. Client needs pro bono representation for civil suit.

Any questions and/or interest in the above cases, please contact Ruth Botstein @ 907-263-2007 or rbotstein@acluak.org.

Landlord/Tenant Hotline

Are you looking for a new pro bono opportunity? Become a Landlord/Tenant Helpline Attorney! Shifts are available Mondays-Thursdays from 6-8 pm. Work your shift from anywhere with calls conveniently forwarded to your phone. Volunteers answer questions from tenants and landlords about their legal rights and responsibilities. Calls last an average of 20 minutes. Training and support are available to all volunteers. Email hparker@alsc-law.org  or dcoons@alsc-law.org to sign up today.

(Updated 2/18/2021)

Current Volunteer Opportunities

3:17-cv-00036-SLG; Powell v. Goslin, et al.

Federal prisoner civil rights case alleging inadequate health care by Department of Corrections staff regarding treatment of prisoner’s shoulder injury and staph infection. A pro bono attorney would be helpful in navigating discovery, motions practice, any possible settlement conferences, and trial.

3:18-cv-00211-RRB; Wagoner v. Dahlstrom, et al.

Federal prisoner civil rights case alleging that the Department of Corrections has refused to provide Wagoner with medical and mental health care for gender dysphoria and gender dysphoria related injuries. A pro bono attorney would be helpful in drafting an amended complaint, navigating discovery, motions practice, any possible settlement conferences, and trial.

3:19-cv-151-RRB; Hernandez v. Lord, et al.

Federal prisoner civil rights case alleging inadequate health care by Department of Corrections staff regarding treatment of prisoner’s leg injury.  A pro bono attorney would be helpful in drafting an amended complaint, navigating discovery, motions practice, any possible settlement conferences, and trial.

3:19-cv-307-TMB; Kone v. Brown, et al.

Federal prisoner civil rights case alleging racial discrimination, employment discrimination, and First Amendment violations by prison staff.  A pro bono attorney is primarily needed for the assistance of drafting an amended complaint and motions practice.  Additional assistance would be helpful for navigating discovery, any possible settlement conferences, and trial.

3:20-cv-100-SLG; Davis v. Glades, et al.

Federal prisoner civil rights case alleging inadequate health care by Department of Corrections staff regarding treatment of prisoner’s heart condition. Additional assistance would be helpful for navigating discovery, any possible settlement conferences, and trial.

3:20-cv-110-JMK; Elliot v. Carlon, et al.

Federal prisoner civil rights case alleging exposure to environmental fumes while in confinement. Additional assistance would be helpful for navigating discovery, any possible settlement conferences, and trial.

3:20-cv-121-SLG; Harris v. Lyou, et al.

Federal prisoner civil rights case alleging disability discrimination, deficient hygiene and sanitation conditions, and inadequate health care by Department of Corrections staff regarding treatment of prisoner’s chronic conditions. Additional assistance would be helpful for navigating discovery, any possible settlement conferences, and trial.

3:20-cv-227-JMK; Burns v. Miranda

Federal prisoner civil rights case alleging a First Amendment claim of retaliation.  Additional assistance would be helpful for navigating discovery, any possible settlement conferences, and trial.

3:20-cv-245-SLG; Jobe v. State of Alaska Department of Corrections

Federal prisoner civil rights case alleging inadequate health care by Department of Corrections staff.  Additional assistance would be helpful for navigating discovery, any possible settlement conferences, and trial.

3:20-cv-294-SLG; Joseph v. Department of Corrections

Federal prisoner civil rights case alleging a First Amendment claim of retaliation.  Additional assistance would be helpful for navigating discovery, any possible settlement conferences, and trial.

If interested, please contact Natalie Wicklund, Pro Se Law Clerk, United States District Court, District of Alaska at  (907) 677-6135 or natalie_wicklund@akd.uscourts.gov