Clients must meet income guidelines to qualify for all programs. By completing an application you are applying for services provided by both organizations, Legal Services of North Dakota (LSND) and the Volunteer Lawyers Program of the State Bar Association of North Dakota (SBAND).
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A lawyer who participates in the program as a committee member, peer counselor, or program staff has qualified immunity from disciplinary complaints for conduct in the course of the lawyer 's official duties as a participant in the program. Explanatory Note.
The Committee shall be comprised of three members, including one lay member, appointed by the Board of Governors of the State Bar Association and three members, including one lay member, appointed by the Chief Justice.
The North Dakota Lawyer Assistance Program (“LAP”) was created in 2004, pursuant to ND Supreme Court Administrative Rule 49. The program’s purpose is “to prevent and alleviate problems that adversely affect a lawyer’s performance.”#N#LAP is operated by a six-member Lawyer Assistance Committee (“the Committee”). Members serve three-year terms, and are appointed by the State Bar Board of Governors and the Chief Justice. ”#N#Confidentiality is the hallmark of the program - information, including communications with committee members, the affected lawyer, program staff and treatment professionals may not be disclosed without consent of the lawyer, except when disclosure is necessary to prevent the commission of an act likely to result in imminent bodily harm.
The State Board of Law Examiners can refer applicants or a lawyer may self-refer. When a referral is received, a Committee member meets with the lawyer to conduct an intake evaluation and screening to determine whether LAP participation is appropriate under the circumstances.
Recovery from any impairing condition brings a new freedom and a new happiness. For many lawyers, this means searching for ways to make their recovery experience, as much as possible, a part of their entire life, including their professional life.
Volunteers are asked to submit an application and to provide some overview information about their own recovery experience and any training they may have received. As part of the application process, potential volunteers are required to sign a confidentiality agreement.
Yes. The LAP provides an annual training for volunteers in early November at our annual weekend conference. Each conference is fully paid for by the State Bar (covering the costs of your hotel stay and meals) and offers CLE credit.
Yes. Appointment as a LAP volunteer brings with it the confidentiality requirement and privilege embodied in Rule 1.6 of the Revised Rules of Professional Conduct.
Volunteers are asked first and foremost to share their experience, strength and hope with other lawyers who may be currently suffering from a similar but unresolved or untreated condition. This sharing can occur in several ways and through different avenues. LAP volunteers are asked to attend the LAP lawyer support group in their area.
Under the LAP’s rules of operation, all calls for assistance to volunteers are routed through LAP Staff (either the Director or a Clinical Coordinator). LAP clinical staff are trained to evaluate and assess mental health problems and addictions and LAP staff direct the day-to-day operations of the program.
Sometimes our volunteers are very open about the fact they are LAP volunteers. It may be that you are the “go to” person in your district or local bar when lawyers have concerns about a colleague. If you receive a call about a lawyer in distress, it is imperative that you first call the LAP and let us know of the report you received.
The Attorney General's office enforces the state's consumer fraud laws in connection with the sale or advertisement of merchandise. The AG's Consumer Protection Division can be reached at 701-328-3404. There is also the North Dakota Legal Self Help Center, 701-328-1852, NDSelfHelp@nd.courts.gov.
In order to qualify for indigent defense services provided by the Commission, the party has to show the court that he or she is indigent. To do this, the party will fill out an application form with the party's financial information, and give it to the local clerk of court.
That attorney will be contacting you; however, feel free to call the attorney. You should make sure to keep your attorney up to date on your contact information such as cell phone number, correct address, and email address. The attorney cannot help you if he/she cannot find you.
No, the attorney will be assigned to you by the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents. We try to assign the same attorney in a case where a client had an attorney in a previous matter related to the present case, but the client cannot choose who they desire to represent them.
San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, Inc. provides free civil legal services to disadvantaged families, seniors, persons with disabilities, persons living with HIV/AIDS, and domestic violence survivors in San Diego County. If you live in San Diego County and are a low-income individual, you may be eligible for legal assistance. Because SDVLP provides legal advice, SDVLP can generally assist only one party to a case.
Because SDVLP provides legal advice, SDVLP can generally assist only one party to a case. If you receive financial assistance under one or more of the following programs, you meet the income eligibility criteria for SDVLP's free legal services:
To provide equal access to the justice system by serving as a bridge between indigent and other disadvantaged people in San Diego County and the volunteer lawyers and others who are willing to donate their time and resources.
That all people in San Diego County enjoy equal justice and access to legal services without regard to economic status.
Help us provide much-needed legal assistance to vulnerable, low-income San Diegans.
SDVLP relies upon volunteers like you. Whether you are a law firm, lawyer, law student or paralegal, you have the ability to change a life. Any amount of time you can give makes a difference.
A gift to San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, Inc. is an investment in the community. SDVLP assists more than 5,000 low-income individuals yearly with needed legal assistance by coordinating over 3,000 volunteer attorneys in the San Diego County area.