- NAVIGATE TO...
Volunteer Lawyers Project
VLP Offers Pro Bono Assistance
The Legal Aid Society and the Cincinnati Bar Association co-founded the Volunteer Lawyers for the Poor Foundation in 1982. The role of the VLPF was to provide oversight and raise funds for a new pro bono effort: the Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) whose goal was to encourage volunteer participation by private attorneys to help meet the growing need for legal services for low-income families and individuals.
The VLP is the official pro bono program of seven local bar associations in Southwest Ohio. When private attorneys join the VLP, they agree to take two cases a year to assist low-income clients pro bono. Over 600 attorneys have signed up with the VLP. Each year, they handle over 1300 cases pro bono for the VLP and Legal Aid.
The VLP is led by Legal Aid of Greater Cincinnati Managing Attorney Elizabeth Zak. She and Pro Bono Coordinator, Rhonda Tucker, work closely to match the referred cases with Volunteer Attorneys. Legal Aid staff conducts intake screening of applicants and refer eligible clients to volunteer attorneys. Legal Aid attorneys provide back-up to volunteer attorneys on substantive matters. Legal Aid paralegal staff also provides support for the VLP’s Divorce and Wills Clinics.
For more about the VLP: http://vlpcincinnati.org/
The Volunteer Lawyers for the Poor Foundation is pleased to announce its 2017 Volunteer Lawyer of the Year to B. Scott Boster, a partner at Ulmer & Berne LLP. Scott has taken pro bono VLP cases for over 30 years. His dedication to helping clients and his long-term commitment to the VLP’s mission are inspiring.
Congratulations to B. Scott Boster!
Paul J. (P.J.) Minnillo was named 2016 Volunteer Lawyer of the Year by the Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP). He began accepting VLP cases when he joined the Ohio bar and has taken 55 cases since 1995. Paul’s dedication to helping clients is inspiring. The VLP is pleased to name Paul J. Minnillo our 2016 Volunteer Lawyer of the Year.
Congratulations to P.J. Minnillo!
