On July 16 at the Idaho Law Foundation Luncheon, attorney Abbey Schulz spoke on how volunteering for the Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program (“IVLP”) had a positive impact on her. It is typical to think about the impact on clients when an attorney provides pro bono services, but we don’t often consider the benefits to the attorney. Volunteering can result in improved well-being, increased self-confidence and a sense of purpose. It connects people to their communities, broadens perspectives, and can even lead to new passions.   

Attorneys volunteering through IVLP provide free legal advice and review documents for low-income Idahoans at our Lawyer in the Library clinics. They also give advice and counsel over the phone during our telephone clinics. Some attorneys even take on full representation cases. The clients that receive assistance are unable to afford to pay for legal services and most live in households with annual incomes at or below 125 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.

We continue to have success thanks to our volunteers. However, we are on track this year to receive over 6,000 applications for legal services. Most of those applications are requests associated with family law, housing, and consumer issues. Unless we have more attorneys volunteer, fewer than 20 percent of those needing legal services will receive them. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit the Idaho Law Foundation website or contact me directly.[1]

Justice Uncorked

Access to Justice Idaho raises funds to support IVLP, Idaho Legal Aid Services, and Disability Rights Idaho—the three principal providers of civil legal services for low-income and vulnerable Idahoans. This year, the campaign is holding its first Justice Uncorked event. The event will be held on September 18, 2025, at Split Rail Winery. The evening will feature live music, a silent auction, dinner and wine. Tickets can be purchased on the Idaho Law Foundation’s website.[2]

Pro Bono Week

            Save the date for the 2025 National Celebration of Pro bono: October 19^th to 25^th! Every October, the American Bar Association (“ABA”) holds a week-long celebration for pro bono. Pro Bono Week is an opportunity to show appreciation for the remarkable pro bono work being done by volunteer lawyers and legal professionals.

            According to the ABA, pro bono work is a professional responsibility and an individual ethical commitment of each lawyer. Numerous organizations nationwide are celebrating pro bono week through outdoor events, video contests, and social media campaigns.

Here in Idaho, we plan to kick off the week on October 20th with a free CLE titled “Family Law Basics,” followed by a happy hour reception. The rest of the week will involve numerous legal clinics where attorneys can volunteer for one to two hours to help those in need. 

Staff Updates

In July, IVLP welcomed Amanda Olsen to our team. Amanda comes to us with years of experience in non-profit organizations and with a passion for helping those in need. Originally from Alaska, Amanda obtained her B.A. in communication science, cum laude, from Northwest Nazarene University with additional studies from Chapman University. Amanda has a growing interest in the legal field and has seamlessly transitioned into the IVLP Case Coordinator position. Amanda will act as a liaison between our volunteer attorneys and potential clients and will coordinate our telephone legal clinics. Additionally, Amanda will staff our Lawyer in the Library in person clinics.

In August, the IVLP Intake Coordinator, Yzabella Eggers left to pursue law school. Yzabella played an essential role in developing our Lawyer in the Library Clinics and in maintaining a productive working relationship with the Idaho Military Legal Alliance. Yzabella will be attending the University of Idaho College of Law at the Boise campus, and we look forward to having her return to IVLP as a volunteer attorney when she graduates.

Jennifer May Schindele is the Director of the Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program. After spending over sixteen years practicing family law, Jennifer joined IVLP. Jennifer earned an English degree at the University of Idaho and completed law school at the University of Idaho College of Law. Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family, playing soccer, and exploring Idaho’s outdoors.

[1] Contact Jennifer at jschindele@isb.idaho.gov or at (208) 334-4500.

[2] https://ilf.idaho.gov/accesstojustice/justice-uncorked-event/.