By Michael Wendlberger
As we approach the holiday season, it’s a poignant reminder of the importance of connection and family. While many of us will gather with loved ones and create cherished memories, there are children in our community facing the holidays alone—sitting in Child Haven, separated from their families and feeling voiceless. These children are part of our Children’s Attorneys Project (CAP).
Attorneys are the only people authorized, by statute, to give a voice to these children. Just a few hours of your time can provide these children with a voice and the support they desperately need. Reflect on the words of a former foster youth, who said his attorney saved him and got him out of the system. This former foster child is now an attorney, giving children a voice in our community.
The Legal Aid Center has an impressive team of 33 CAP attorneys who represented nearly 7,000 children last year. However, conflicts sometimes arise, leaving children without legal representation. That is where you can step in and make a critical difference. Without pro bono attorneys, like you, these children will not have a voice.
With the convenience of most hearings on Zoom, volunteering has never been easier. Judges prioritize pro bono cases, and our dedicated team is ready to assist with coverage whenever needed. This ensures that your experience is fulfilling and impactful, without being a burden on your schedule.
In addition to CAP cases, there is a growing need for pro bono support in family law, consumer fraud, guardianship, immigration, federal, and appellate cases; oral argument is guaranteed in appellate and federal matters. If time is tight, our telephonic Ask-a-Lawyer program lets you quickly assist individuals in need—providing much-needed guidance without extensive time commitments.
The Legal Aid Center provides mentors, malpractice insurance, sample pleadings, and free CLEs. Volunteers receive CLE credit for time spent on a pro bono matter; earning up to four CLE credits per year.
The need is urgent, and the opportunity to make a difference is at your fingertips. Volunteer today and give the gift of your time—because every child deserves a voice.
About the author
Michael Wendlberger is the Director of the Pro Bono Project at Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada (LACSN). The Pro Bono Project pairs volunteer attorneys with screened clients in the areas of family, consumer, landlord tenant, civil rights, immigration, bankruptcy, and other areas of law. Interested attorneys can learn more and take a case listed at https://www.lacsnprobono.org/.
About the article
© 2024 Clark County Bar Association (CCBA). All rights reserved. No reproduction of any portion of this issue is allowed without written permission from the publisher. Editorial policy available upon request.
This article was originally published in the Communiqué (Dec. 2024), the official publication of the Clark County Bar Association. See https://clarkcountybar.org/about/member-benefits/communique-2024/communique-dec-2024/.
The articles and advertisements appearing in Communiqué magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the CCBA, the CCBA Publications Committee, the editorial board, or the other authors. All legal and other issues discussed are not for the purpose of answering specific legal questions. Attorneys and others are strongly advised to independently research all issues.