Each year, thousands of our Philadelphia neighbors face daunting legal challenges that impact basic needs and central relationships on their own and without legal counsel – all because they do not have the resources to hire an attorney.
Since 1981, VIP has connected tens of thousands of Philadelphians with volunteer attorneys who provide pro bono/no cost legal services to prevent homelessness, stabilize families, preserve income, and promote community economic development.
We offer volunteer opportunities for:
You don’t need years of experience or specialized knowledge to help: our team will match you with a case that suits your experience, availability, and preferences.
In late 2018, Harvard Law School’s Access to Justice Lab published the results of its rigorous, multi-year evaluation of VIP’s volunteer model, which focused on divorce cases. The authors had this to say:
Philadelphia VIP’s divorce representation program was effective, spectacularly so. The program made a difference in its participants’ lives. There is little more to say.