Pro Bono Cases

(Updated 11/06/2024) 

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. “Unbundled opportunity.” Anchorage custody modification hearing. No date set yet; parties still briefing.  Client seeks help with custody modification hearing.  2 kids.  OP has filed motion to modify custody and visitation; client has cross-moved.  Recent DV includes assault and sexual assault.  Client concerned re OP steroid use. OP has counsel. ANDVSA can offer $130/hour up to 50 hours for this case.
   
   
2. “Scary mental health episodes.” Anchorage divorce/custody. Case recently filed; interim custody hearing 2/14/25. Client seeks help with divorce and custody.  1 child.  OP experiences severe mental health issues and violence. OP has pending criminal charge for violating protective order.  Property includes real property, substantial debt.  ANDVSA can offer $130/hour up to 50 hours for this case.
   
   
3. “Rising tensions.” Anchorage custody/DVPO. Long-term DVPO hearing 11/22/24.  Client seeks help with custody and DVPO case, where client is respondent.  1 child.  DV to client includes assault.  Concerns re OP abusive discipline to young child.  Client has pending criminal charges following a reactive incident.  OP has counsel.  ANDVSA can offer $130/hour up to 50 hours for this case.
   
   
4. “Abuse exacerbated by drinking.” Tlingit & Haida custody/property division. Case not yet filed.  Client seeks help filing custody case in tribal court, or possibly state court.  1 child.  OP has serious substance abuse issues.  DV includes throwing things, lots of yelling and verbal abuse; client has long-term tribal protective order in place already. Parties also need to divide trailer purchased together during relationship.  ANDVSA can offer a flat fee contract calculated at the generous rate of $175/hour for this case. 
   

   PRO BONO OPPORTUNITIES

5. “Righting a wrong.” Anchorage divorce. Motion not yet filed.  Client seeks help filing Rule 60(b) motion to reopen default divorce. No kids. Client and her children are now homeless following eviction by OP and need financial support. DV included assault, serious control and isolation, and harm to client’s immigration status.  Client is an immigrant and Limited English Proficient speaker.  OP has counsel.  ANDVSA will provide on-demand language interpreter services.

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 asmith@alsc-law.org or janderson@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