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The Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) provides a variety of legal services to low-income people throughout Maine. Volunteers from the greater community, as well as college students, provide the initial contact and serve as the vital link to program services. Volunteer attorneys throughout the state provide free or low-cost legal representation on selected cases. Other services are also available.

Description:
Legal services, including representation, are often difficult for low-income people to acquire because of their limited income. The VLP uses a telephone intake system to maximize statewide availability. Community and student volunteers are responsible for answering the calls and interviewing the callers regarding their legal concerns. Legal supervision and direction are provided to each volunteer with every call. The primary focus is on family law, bankruptcy, disability, consumer debt and unemployment matters. The variety of services available include provision of self-help written materials, referrals to a variety of appropriate agencies, to our own Family Law Helpline for self-help assistance and to attorneys for free or low-cost representation.

History:
The VLP, administratively run by Pine Tree Legal Assistance, began operation in 1983. It has relied extensively on volunteer efforts, with a small paid staff to insure the operational running of the program. The Volunteer Lawyers Project is nationally recognized as a leader in the delivery of pro bono (free or low-cost) services.

Contact person: Lin Martin-Hunt, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: 1-207-828-2300

Address:

P.O. Box 547 88 Federal St. Portland, ME 04112

Web Site: http://www.vlp.org

Directions:

Follow Congress St. past the Portland Public Library, Monument Square and City Hall heading toward the Eastern Prom. After the Franklin St. Arterial intersection, take first right onto Hampshire St. (RiteAid and McDonalds on corner)and then first left onto. . . (more)

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