Use Your Skills
to Expand Access to Justice in North DakotaLegal Services of North Dakota works with attorneys across the state to connect low-income North Dakotans with meaningful legal help. Whether you are interested in taking a full case, helping with a limited-scope matter, volunteering at a clinic, or simply learning more about future opportunities, LSND can help match your interests with the needs of our clients.
Pro bono work through LSND is designed to be practical, supported, and flexible. Attorneys can share their areas of interest, preferred level of involvement, and availability. When an opportunity may be a good fit, LSND will follow up with more information so the attorney can decide whether they are able to assist.
How It Works
We know attorneys are busy. LSND’s pro bono process is intended to make volunteering straightforward while giving attorneys the information they need before accepting a matter.
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- Submit the interest form and tell us about your practice areas, licensure, location, and the types of pro bono opportunities that may interest you.
- LSND reviews your information and adds you to our pro bono attorney network.
- When a case, clinic, or project may be a good fit, LSND reaches out with more details.
- You decide whether the opportunity works for your schedule, experience, and capacity.
- If you accept, LSND provides available support, resources, and guidance throughout the process.
Submitting the form does not obligate an attorney to accept a case. It simply helps LSND understand who may be interested in future opportunities and how we can best connect attorneys with appropriate matters.
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Resources
Continuing Education
Ways Attorneys Can Help
Attorneys can support LSND clients in a variety of ways. Some attorneys may be able to take a full case, while others may prefer brief advice, limited-scope work, document review, or clinic-based opportunities. LSND’s goal is to create options that fit different schedules, practice areas, and comfort levels.
Limited-Scope Representation
Assist with a specific part of a case or legal issue, such as drafting a document, preparing for a hearing, reviewing pleadings, or providing advice on next steps.
Advice and Brief Service
Provide short consultations or practical legal guidance to eligible clients who may not need full representation.
Clinics and Community-Based Events
Volunteer at legal clinics, walk-in events, or community partner programs where clients can receive brief legal help in a structured setting. Clinics may involve short appointments, document review, issue spotting, or basic guidance on next steps.
Full Representation
Accept a referred case for more complete representation when the matter matches your experience, availability, and interest.
Training, Mentorship, and Resource Development
Help develop CLEs, templates, practice guides, or other resources that support pro bono attorneys and improve access to justice across North Dakota.
Support Provided by LSND
LSND wants attorneys to feel supported when they volunteer. Available support may vary depending on the type of matter, but LSND’s pro bono program is intended to provide structure, communication, and resources so attorneys can serve clients effectively.
Resources Available Include:
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- Malpractice coverage for eligible pro bono matters referred through LSND, subject to program guidelines.
- Case information and referral materials when LSND connects an attorney with a specific client matter.
- LSND Staff contact for questions about the pro bono process, referrals, and available resources.
- Training and CLE opportunities when available.
- Templates, limited-scope forms, and practical tools as they are developed.
- Flexibility to decline opportunities that do not fit the attorney’s schedule, practice area, or capacity.
In Partnership With
ABA Free Legal Answers is a website operated by the American Bar Association (ABA) and by an entity or entities in the state where the client lives. The purpose of the website is to increase access to advice and information about non-criminal legal matters for those who cannot afford it. There is no fee for the use of the system or for the advice and information provided by the attorney.
Why Volunteer with LSND?
Many North Dakotans face serious civil legal problems without the ability to hire an attorney. A limited amount of legal help can make a significant difference for someone facing housing instability, family safety concerns, consumer issues, barriers to benefits, or other urgent civil legal needs.
By volunteering with LSND, attorneys can use their skills to make the legal system more accessible while receiving support from an organization focused on serving low-income and vulnerable North Dakotans. Pro bono service can also help attorneys build connections, strengthen skills, and contribute to the profession’s commitment to access to justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does submitting the interest form mean I have agreed to take a case?
No. Submitting the form only tells LSND that you are interested in learning more. LSND may contact you when an opportunity matches your interests, but you can decide whether to accept.
Do I have to take a full representation case?
No. LSND is interested in building a range of opportunities, including limited-scope assistance, brief advice, clinics, and other projects.
What if I do not practice in the area of law where help is needed?
You can identify your practice areas and comfort level on the interest form. LSND can also share training or resources when available.
Is malpractice coverage available?
LSND provides malpractice coverage for eligible pro bono matters referred through LSND, subject to program guidelines. Attorneys should contact LSND with specific questions about coverage.
Can attorneys outside of North Dakota participate?
Yes. While some opportunities may require an attorney to be licensed in North Dakota, attorneys licensed in other states may still be able to participate in certain projects, clinics, trainings, or partner opportunities. For example, LSND may be able to connect attorneys with Justice North or other appropriate partners when an opportunity falls outside North Dakota practice requirements. We are happy to discuss your licensure and interests to determine the best fit.
Who should I contact with questions?
Attorneys may contact LSND’s pro bono program staff with questions about opportunities, referrals, malpractice coverage, or how to get involved.