Bankruptcy Pro Se Clinic
Attorneys sign up to provide consultations to pro se individuals going through bankruptcy. Attorneys choosing this project agree to provide 10 hours of consultations and full representation for at least 1 case assigned by the Legal Aid Society of the OCBA, Inc. on an annual basis. This project requires the attorneys to be knowledgeable in the area of bankruptcy law.
Citizen Dispute Settlement / Family Mediation
Attorneys serve as mediators for the OCBA sponsored programs of CDS and FLM. For CDS, attorneys agree to act as mediators for disputes over civil matters such as neighborhood disputes, landlord/tenant, consumer complaints, etc. For FLM, attorneys that are certified mediators help resolve disputes involving matters such as custody, timesharing, support, etc. All parties agree to the mediation, and it will only take place if no court action is pending. All mediations are virtual. Training is provided. Preference for participation in CDS is given to government attorneys and corporate counsel. If the required number of participants is not met, private practice attorneys can also sign up. Attorneys will sign up for 6-8 mediations annually.
Community Education Panel
Attorneys agree to participate in 6–8 events throughout the year, with each event running for 4-5 hours. Most events are on nights and weekends. Some events require handing out brochures and answering questions about the services of the Legal Aid Society. Other events require completing intake applications, and some require speaking on a topic that the attorney is knowledgeable about and comfortable speaking on. Training is provided. Preference for participation in this project is given to government attorneys and corporate counsel. If the required number of participants is not met, private practice attorneys can also sign up. Brochures about Legal Aid are provided. For more information, please contact Larri Thatcher at [email protected].
VITA Tax Clinic
Attorneys assist low-income taxpayers in filing their tax returns. This is an IRS program that Legal Aid participates in. Attorneys will assist in the preparation of 6–8 returns between February and April. Participation can be virtual or in-person. Training is provided through the VITA program and is required annually. Preference for participation in the tax clinic is given to government attorneys and corporate counsel. If the required number of participants is not met, private practice attorneys can also sign up.
Nonprofit Assistance Project
Attorneys assist in the legal work necessary to create a non-profit organization. Attorneys can also sign up to assist ongoing non-profits with limited legal issues surrounding drafting and revising bylaws, real estate laws, intellectual property, contracts, tax advice, and mergers. This project requires the attorneys to be knowledgeable in business law. Attorneys in this project will provide at least 20 hours of legal assistance annually.
Teen Court
Attorneys serve as advisors and trainers to teenagers conducting a court session. The court is composed of teens acting as the prosecutor, defense attorney, and jury. All sessions are virtual, and training is provided. Preference for participation in this project is given to government attorneys and corporate counsel. If the required number of participants is not met, private practice attorneys can also sign up. Attorneys will attend 6–8 sessions annually.
VALOR Project of Orange County
Attorneys conduct intake on-site at the two VA Hospitals in Orlando. There is a set schedule, and the attorneys sign up for 6–8 dates throughout the year to staff the clinic. Training is provided. Preference for participation in VALOR is given to government attorneys and corporate counsel. If the required number of participants is not met, private practice attorneys can also sign up. For more information please contact Jay Mobley, Project Coordinator, [email protected].
Virtual Housing Clinic
Attorneys will provide simple counsel and advice to tenants facing eviction. Attorneys will counsel 6–8 clients per year. All consultations can be done virtually and training is provided.
