Pro Bono Cases

(Updated 9/12/2024) 

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. “Abuse to child by mother.” Fairbanks custody. Trial call 9/19; trial 10/2.  Client seeks help with custody.  DV includes sexual abuse of minor by mother and assault to client.  Client obtained long-term DVPO against mother on behalf of child; mom currently only has electronic contact.  Client is disabled.  OP has counsel.  ANDVSA can offer $130/hour up to 50 hours for this case.

2. “Steroids-fueled anger.” Anchorage custody modification. No dates set.  Client seeks help with imminent modification case.  2 kids.  OP intends to file motion to modify custody and visitation.  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.

3. “Vulnerable client.” Palmer divorce. Case recently filed; client needs to answer. Client seeks help with divorce only, no kids. Short-term marriage but parties cohabitated prior to marriage.  DV includes assault; client may have resulting TBI. OP has pending criminal charge. Property includes land, vehicle, debts.  Client experiencing homelessness and may need spousal support.  ANDVSA can offer $130/hour up to 50 hours for this case.

4. “Kids exposed to domestic violence.” Anchorage divorce/custody/DVPO. Long-term DVPO hearing 9/26/24; divorce not yet filed. Client seeks help with protective order, divorce, and custody.  4 kids. Severe DV, often in front of kids. OP has long criminal history and substance abuse issues.  Little to no property to divide. ANDVSA can offer $130/hour up to 50 hours for this case.

PRO BONO OPPORTUNITIES

1. “Harmed by his husband.” Anchorage divorce. Client seeks help with divorce only, no kids. Short-term marriage.  DV includes assault and OP has pending criminal charges for assault and violation of protective order.  Client has long-term DVPO in place. No property.  Client speaks Spanish; ANDVSA will provide on-demand interpreter services.

2. “Too many sacrifices.” Anchorage divorce. Client seeks help with divorce only, no kids.  DV includes assault, pushing.  Limited property to divide; primarily debt. 

3. “Seeking criminal defense attorney consult.” Anchorage criminal defense consult.  Client seeks brief consultation with criminal defense attorney. Details provided upon request.

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