IMPORTANT NOTE:
Be safe! Get help by phone at 616-632-6000. We will return your call as promptly as possible. For the safety of the public, our patrons, volunteers, and staff, we have suspended in-person service at the courthouse 5th Floor walk-in center.

You can also find updates on our blog and many forms are now available here.
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LAC Volunteer Skills and Commitment

Objective

To assist, educate and support LAC patrons in meeting their legal needs and insure the quality and integrity of the LAC program.

Qualifications

  • Willingness and ability to learn basic law and procedure
  • Excellent listening and verbal communication skills
  • Respect for and desire to work with a diverse, vulnerable population
  • Patient, compassionate, professional and positive demeanor
  • Willingness and ability to maintain confidentiality
  • Ability to follow directions and maintain program boundaries

Responsibilities

  • Welcome patrons and assure sign in
  • Talk with patrons to understand needs and desired outcome
  • Demonstrate respect for patrons, their needs and challenges
  • Investigate pending cases using AccessKent
  • Communicate basic law, procedures and options
  • Consult and confer with staff as appropriate
  • Provide appropriate forms and resources for patrons
  • Provide guidance to patrons for the completion of forms and pleadings
  • Review, copy and assemble patron materials
  • Identify patrons who may qualify for Legal Aid or other representation
  • Provide information about and make referrals to legal and non-legal community resources to meet patron needs
  • Assist in the response to patron phone calls as requested
  • Assist with support of program and operations as requested

Volunteer Commitment

Volunteers serve a minimum of one shift, either morning (8:30 am to 1:00 pm) or afternoon (12:30 pm to 5:00 pm), one day per week (Monday through Friday. Wednesdays only have one shift.), over a minimum of two consecutive terms (January-April, May-August, September-December).