Since 2009, Pro Bono Week has been a national celebration of pro bono service. Legal organizations across America participate to recognize the need for legal services and to thank those who give their time to provide it.

The Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program (“IVLP”) celebrated this year by hosting a free CLE in partnership with Idaho Legal Aid Services on eviction defense. Cassandra Cooper and Cory Christensen presented the CLE. Development and housing costs in Idaho continue to displace many residents. The CLE provided information on the eviction process and prepared attorneys to assist in their practices or as volunteers. This CLE is available on demand for free to any attorney interested in volunteering.[i]

In addition to IVLP’s regular legal clinics, during Pro Bono Week IVLP joined with the Association of Corporate Counsel (“ACC”), Mountain West Chapter, to offer a legal clinic at the Boise Public Library.  These clinics provide an opportunity for attorneys to step outside of their practice areas in a supported environment and assist those in need. IVLP appreciates the ACC for offering their time and expertise providing guidance to self-represented litigants trying to navigate the court system.

To close out Pro Bono Week, IVLP hosted a simple estate clinic together with Rachel Murphy and Shaila Buckley. In early 2024, Rachel and Shaila approached IVLP with an idea for quarterly clinics for low-income and at-risk individuals, providing clients with signed and notarized copies of a will and power of attorney. These clinics have been a tremendous success. IVLP is thrilled to partner with these attorneys to bring this vulnerable population peace of mind.

IVLP would like to thank the Idaho Military Legal Alliance and Idaho Trial Lawyers Association Street Law Clinics and their volunteers for providing their clinics during Pro Bono Week and throughout the year.

With over 5,000 requests for legal service in a year, IVLP recognizes that the need for service far exceeds the number of available volunteers. Thank you to the attorneys who volunteered in 2024, whether it was by giving time to our clinics, working on on-going cases, or agreeing to take a new case. Your efforts are appreciated and truly make a difference in the lives of Idahoans who would otherwise be without legal assistance.

As we begin this new year, we would like to invite attorneys who have not worked with us before to join our community of volunteers. Your skills are unique, and we are happy to work with you to meet your pro bono aspirations, whether that be the 50 hours a year encouraged by Rule 6.1, or just 50 minutes per month offering advice on how to navigate the complex legal system. When you provide pro bono work through IVLP, your time will be recognized as valuable, and you will be helping those in the greatest need.

Let’s work together in 2025 to close the justice gap in Idaho and provide low income and at-risk individuals and families with equal access to justice!

[i] https://isb.fastcle.com/store/seminar/seminar.php?seminar=204673.