Pro Bono Program
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Pro Bono Program helps people without attorneys by offering free legal help for chosen cases. It also gives law students and new attorneys a chance to gain real experience and helps the court handle these appeals fairly and efficiently.
Overview
Cases in the program are carefully reviewed ahead of time by a staff attorney or a panel of judges. Only cases that raise new legal questions, are more complex than usual, or need more briefing or argument are chosen.
Each district in the circuit has a pro bono coordinator who keeps a list of volunteer attorneys and helps match them to cases. The court also has a coordinator who works with the districts to find attorneys for each selected appeal.
If you are representing yourself
If you’re handling your own appeal and want the court to appoint an attorney to help you, you must first file your appeal in the Ninth Circuit. After your appeal is filed, you can ask the court to appoint an attorney by submitting a motion to the Clerk of Court.
If you are an attorney
If you’d like to volunteer for the pro bono program, start by reviewing the Pro Bono Handbook. Then, complete the attorney sign-up form and send it to the district coordinator in your area.
Resources
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The Immigration Outline is a tool to assist attorneys in analyzing petitions for review.
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The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) trains attorneys, paralegals, and community-based advocates who work with immigrants around the country. [link]
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Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers includes non-profit organizations and attorneys who provide at least 50 hours of free legal help each year at the immigration court where they are listed. It also includes referral services that connect people in immigration court with pro bono attorneys.