Pro Bono Cases

(Updated 6/25/2024) 

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. “The bitter end.” Fairbanks divorce/custody/DVPO. Long-term DVPO hearing 8/28/24; divorce recently filed.  Client seeks help with divorce/custody/protective order.  2 kids with special needs. DV includes assault.  Property includes house, retirement, debts.  OP has counsel.  ANDVSA can offer $130/hour up to 50 hours for this case.
2. “Long time coming.” Cordova divorce/custody. Case recently filed; status hearing 7/16/24.  Client seeks help with divorce/custody.  2 kids.  DV includes assault, abuse from OP while drinking.  Property includes pension, house.  OP has counsel.  ANDVSA can offer $130/hour up to 50 hours for this case.
3. “Not hotly contested, for once.” Ketchikan divorce/custody. Case recently filed; client needs to answer by 6/20. Client seeks help with divorce/custody.  3 kids.  DV includes strangulation; OP has conviction for assault. Property includes house, bank accounts.  OP has counsel.  ANDVSA can offer a flat fee contract calculated at a generous rate of $175/hour for this case. 

4. “Escalating bad behavior.” Kodiak protective order. Trial setting conference 7/1/24.  Client seeks help with protective order.  DV includes coercion, harassing behaviors.  OP has counsel.  ANDVSA can offer $130/hour up to 30 hours for this case.

5. “Husband abusing client and the system.” Valdez protective order. Long-term hearing 6/24/24.  Client seeks help defending protective order husband seeking against her.  Client has not committed acts of DV against OP and OP appears to be misusing system to disadvantage client in divorce and immigration matters.  ANDVSA can offer $130/hour up to 30 hours for this case.

PRO BONO OPPORTUNITIES

1. “Safety for senior.” Fairbanks divorce. Case not yet filed.  Client seeks help with divorce. Client is elderly, disabled, not tech savvy.  DV includes assault.  Limited property including trailer and vehicles. Parties still residing in same home.
2. “Pushed too far.” Valdez protective order. Long-term hearing 6/25/24.  Client seeks protective order on behalf of self and kids.  Parties not married and do not share children.  DV includes pushing, threats to kill, threats to commit non-consensual distribution of intimate images (NDII).  OP has counsel. 

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