The BBA recognizes the importance of serving the larger community and providing legal services to those in need. We offer a number of service opportunities to allow our members to give back to the community while developing their skills in different areas of law.
Our programming offers:
- Pro bono opportunities
- Working with youth
- One time community volunteer activities
View our available public service opportunities below:
Our Projects
-
Law Day in the Schools Teach a class and help educate Boston Public School students about the legal process.
-
Housing Court Lawyer for the Day Assist unrepresented tenants and landlords on summary process (i.e. eviction) day at Boston Housing Court.
-
Summer Jobs "Mentor a high school student through this program, which places students in local firms and legal agencies in partnership with the Boston Private Industry Council” to: Introduce a Boston high school student to the legal profession though this program.
-
Veterans' Initiative Give legal advice to military personnel, veterans and their families.
-
M. Ellen Carpenter Financial Literacy This program, in partnership with the United States Bankruptcy Court, teaches high school students about the importance of making informed decisions regarding their finances.
-
BMC ADR Use your alternative dispute resolution skills to help litigants with both Pre-trial Case Conferencing and Mediation at the Boston Municipal Court ("BMC").
-
Boston Debate League Be a Judge or Mentor for the Boston Debate League, an urban debate league in the Boston Public Schools.
-
VITA Help low and moderate-income taxpayers fill out tax returns, and offer consultations on special credits.
-
Practice Area Pro Bono Projects Find an opportunity that interests you. The BBA has pro bono projects for attorneys at all levels of experience and expertise.
The Boston Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service has been helping people find the right lawyer for over 50 years. The LRS Program connects callers in need of legal assistance with qualified help from private attorneys, legal services agencies, government offices, and community programs. The BBA Lawyer Referral Service is service the only lawyer referral service in the greater Boston area that is approved by the American Bar Association. For more, click here.
Looking to participate? Click here to fill out the BBA’s Public Service Volunteer form. After completion, a member of the BBA Staff will contact you directly to discuss which of our opportunities will best suit your interests and background.
Beyond the Billable, the BBA’s public service blog, keeps you in the know about the most recent developments in the BBA’s pro bono opportunities, public service initiatives, and training programs. If you are a lawyer interested in giving back, Beyond the Billable is your one stop shop for everything public service.
The BBA's Public Service Report provides a yearly snapshot of the BBA’s involvement in the community and our efforts to promote public service within the legal field, as well as a way to acknowledge our dedicated volunteers and committee members who make the programs possible. To read the report, click here.
Public Interest Leadership Program Applications Due Friday, February 15th
The Public Interest Leadership Program (PILP) promotes civic engagement and public service by advancing the leadership role of lawyers in service to their community, their profession and the Commonwealth.
This selective program attracts a diverse group of talented, motivated attorneys who have:
- Graduated law school within the last 10 years
- Demonstrated a commitment to pro bono and public service
- Have a history of organizing bar action
For more on the program,
click here.
Public Service Oversight Committee
The BBA Public Service Oversight Committee implements the BBA Public Service Policy by:
- Vetting prospective BBA public service projects
- Reviewing ongoing projects
- Providing advice and consultation to BBA leadership
- Supporting the BBA’s mission. To see the 2012-2013 members, click here.