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Volunteer Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Volunteer Attorney provides legal services and supports litigation to protect clients' civil rights. Possible Functions Volunteer Attorneys may engage in a wide range of advocacy activities such ...

Staff Attorney

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$65 - $95/hr

Support and guide CPLP volunteers through their representation. * Perform detailed tracking of cases and data for reporting purposes. * Represent clients as a lawyer for CPLP. * Represent clients in ...

$59 - $102/hr

The attorney will work with the Volunteer Lawyers Program ("VLP"). VLP recruits from the private bar to provide pro bono legal services to indigent clients in the areas of family, consumer, housing ...

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Volunteer Attorney information

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$8

$19

$33

How much do volunteer attorney jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer attorney in the United States is $19.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a volunteer attorney?

Volunteer Attorneys are licensed lawyers who provide their legal services for free or at a reduced cost to individuals, nonprofits, or communities in need. They often work with legal aid organizations, pro bono programs, or community initiatives to help those who cannot afford traditional legal representation. Their work can include offering legal advice, representing clients in court, or assisting with paperwork and legal education. By volunteering, these attorneys help bridge the justice gap and ensure more equitable access to legal support.

What are the typical responsibilities of a volunteer attorney, and how do they differ from those of a full-time staff attorney?

Volunteer Attorneys often handle a range of tasks such as providing pro bono legal advice, assisting with client intake, preparing legal documents, and representing clients at hearings or clinics. Unlike full-time staff attorneys, Volunteer Attorneys typically work part-time or on a project basis, focusing on specific cases or legal clinics according to their availability. They collaborate closely with staff attorneys, paralegals, and community organizations, often receiving guidance and training to ensure consistency in legal services. This flexible arrangement allows volunteers to contribute meaningfully while balancing other professional or personal commitments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a volunteer attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Volunteer Attorney, a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, active bar membership, and strong legal research and writing skills are essential. Familiarity with case management systems, legal databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and experience with document preparation tools are typically required. Excellent communication, empathy, and a commitment to public service help build trust and effectively support underserved clients. These skills and qualities are crucial for providing accurate legal assistance and making a positive impact in communities with limited access to legal resources.

What is the difference between Volunteer Attorney vs Staff Attorney?

AspectVolunteer AttorneyStaff Attorney
CredentialsLaw degree, bar admission, no salary requirementLaw degree, bar admission, paid position
Work EnvironmentNonprofit, legal aid, community serviceLaw firm, corporate legal department, nonprofit
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, legal aid organizationsLaw firms, government agencies, corporations

Volunteer Attorneys typically work in nonprofit or legal aid settings, offering free legal services without compensation. Staff Attorneys are paid employees working in law firms, government, or corporate legal departments. Both roles require a law degree and bar admission, but Volunteer Attorneys focus on community service, while Staff Attorneys are salaried professionals in formal legal roles.

What cities are hiring for Volunteer Attorney jobs?

Cities with the most Volunteer Attorney job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Attorney jobs?

The most popular types of Attorney jobs are:

What states have the most Volunteer Attorney jobs?

States with the most job openings for Volunteer Attorney jobs include:

Infographic showing various Volunteer Attorney job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,804 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

DRNY is pleased to welcome experienced Volunteer Attorneys to provide legal advocacy for people with disabilities. The Volunteer Attorney provides legal services and supports litigation to protect clients’ civil rights.


Possible Functions

Volunteer Attorneys may engage in a wide range of advocacy activities such as:

  • Provide legal, administrative, and other appropriate means of support to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities;
  • Investigate allegations of abuse and neglect and draft investigative reports;
  • Monitor service providers for abuse, neglect, and compliance with federal and state laws and draft monitoring reports;
  • Analyze new and existing cases as well as other matters to determine if they present systemic issues; which may be appropriate for DRNY to address, and, with the Director or their designee, formulate strategies for their prevention, reduction, or elimination;
  • Consult with professionals such as attorneys, physicians, psychologists, therapists, educators, and others to identify options and barriers for individuals and groups;
  • Support DRNY projects, project teams, and initiatives that foster self-determination and self-advocacy, and coalition building;
  • Participate in committees, task forces, and other organization-wide groups;
  • Conduct and participate in training and outreach activities;
  • Maintain accurate, confidential files;
  • Maintain accurate time records and client records, including accurate use of the client tracking database for DRNY to meet its programmatic and fiscal responsibilities, and to obtain prevailing party attorney fees when appropriate;
  • Timely open and close case files regarding client matters;
  • Travel throughout New York State and outside of New York State as agreed;
  • Perform related tasks consistent with skills, abilities;
  • Other assignments as mutually agreed.

Qualifications

  • Be a member in good standing of the New York State Bar;
  • Interest and commitment to public interest law;
  • Ability to work efficiently, independently, and collaboratively as part of a team;
  • Excellent communication skills;
  • Relationship-building skills;
  • Strong organizational skills;
  • Strong problem-solving skills;
  • Demonstrated professionalism and ethical judgment;
  • Multilingual skills preferred;
  • Ability to work with diverse groups of individuals.

Preferred Experience

  • Public interest, civil rights, or disability law experience;
  • Litigation and administrative hearing experience;
  • Experience working with diverse populations.
  • NYS Driver's license preferred.

Working Conditions

The Volunteer Attorney usually performs work remotely or in an office environment. The mission of the organization may sometimes take a Volunteer Attorney to non-standard workplaces. The Volunteer Attorney may be invited to travel to various events.

The position is unpaid.

To view more about our organization, check out our YouTube videos highlighting DRNY’s mission in advocating for the civil rights of individuals with disabilities. Please visit our DRNY YouTube Channel and review our DRNY Press Releases.