Pro Bono Cases

(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.

(Updated 11/27/24)
Native Law Adoption Case
Alaska Legal Services Inc is seeking a pro bono attorney experienced in adoption for a client who has been a relative caregiver for two children for quite some time. The client has been denied crucial benefits to support the children due to lack of adoption and needs to be able to receive benefits the children are eligible for to maintain their wellness and home. This is a Native Law case involving more than one Tribe unopposed to the adoption(s). If you have interest in this case, please contact Autumn Smith-Amy at asmith@alsc-law.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 12/11/2024) 

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. “Rising tensions.” Anchorage custody/DVPO. Long-term DVPO hearing 2/27/25.  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.  

2. “Finally following through with ending it.” Cordova custody/domestic partnership. Case not yet filed.  Client seeks help with custody and domestic partnership case.  2 kids.  DV includes assault, criminal mischief, theft.  Client has long-term domestic violence protective order in place, which OP has violated.  Parties co-own houses, share debts, joint bank accounts.  ANDVSA can offer $130/hour up to 50 hours for this case. 

3. “Escalating DV over time.” Unalaska divorce/custody/DVPO. Long-term DVPO hearing 12/19 but likely to be continued; divorce case recently filed.  Client seeks help with custody, divorce, protection order. DV includes assault, forced sex, stalking.  Limited property to divide.  OP has counsel.  ANDVSA can offer $130/hour up to 50 hours for this case. 

PRO BONO OPPORTUNITIES

4. “Right to make threats?” Anchorage superior court appeal. No briefing deadlines set.  Client seeks help with appeal of domestic violence protective order from district court to superior court.  Client recently obtained DVPO based on harassment and threats.  Case involves First Amendment issues.  OP has counsel. 

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

Actively seeking criminal defense attorneys for the District of Alaska’s Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Panel.  The United States District Court could not fulfill its obligation under the Sixth Amendment to indigent defendants without an active CJA Panel.  The Federal Public Defender administers the CJA program and is committed to ensuring CJA Panel members receive resources and support necessary to provide effective and zealous representation.  We strive to ensure CJA Panel attorneys are appointed to sufficient cases to maintain expertise in federal criminal law and procedure.  Admission to the CJA Panel depends on meeting the minimum requirements outlined in the District’s CJA Plan, and other factors, including experience; expertise and language skills; input from references; other relevant information obtained from the application and during the review process.

Reasons to join the CJA Panel

• Improve the Criminal Justice System while gaining valuable courtroom experience.
• TRAINING, TRAINING, TRAINING – Too many opportunities to list – monthly trainings and annual Boot Camp focused on new and experienced federal practitioners.
• Connect with colleagues – receive updates, court news, and share useful information through the Listserv.
• CJA Department resources assist with locating experts and building your trial team.
• Not pro bono – you will be paid for your services promptly and efficiently.
• No need to wait fees or expense reimbursement – interim payments are encouraged.
• Alaska Federal Defenders and experienced staff available to assist and can provide excellent substantive and procedural advice.
• Mentorship program available for both mentors and mentees.
• No obligation to accept a case, but plenty of opportunities for representing those in need.

Please submit applications by January 15, 2025.  The CJA Panel Selection Committee meets annually in March.  To request an application, please contact:

Jamie McGrady, Federal Defender, District of Alaska (jamie_mcgrady@fd.org)

Monica Colbath, CJA Resource Counsel (monica_colbath@fd.org)

Sonja Belau, CJA Panel Administrator (sonja_belau@fd.org)

(Posted 11/26/24)

(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

Client seeks pro bono attorney for affirmative asylum case. Client experienced multiple violent attacks for her political opinion and membership in a particular social group. Limited English proficient (French-speaking) client. Must be filed by July 28, 2025.

Please contact Anna Taylor at anna.taylor@akijp.org or (907) 279-2457 with any questions.

(Posted 12/5/2024)