Volunteer Opportunities
Our volunteers ensure that our clients have a voice in the courtroom.
SLSLS would not be possible without the dedication and commitment of both our attorney and non-attorney volunteers.
What sets our volunteer opportunities apart is that they aren't a significant time commitment, yet they offer a deeply fulfilling way to give back to the community. Additionally, our mentorship program offers guidance for new volunteers.
By joining us, you become a beacon of hope, empowering survivors, reshaping support systems, and offering a path to safety, security, and a brighter future.
Survivor Stories
3x
Studies show that survivors represented by counsel are 3x more likely to succeed in court, and are more likely to obtain meaningful orders of protection tailored to their circumstances.
90%
90% of petitioners in St. Louis Order of Protection courts lack representation. Our volunteer attorneys provide essential support to those who might otherwise face this challenging journey alone – or even give up on it altogether.
Attorney
All SLSLS volunteers will receive training about domestic violence and handling order of protection cases. All available opportunities are listed below.
Volunteer Opportunities
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Duties
Represent intimate partner violence survivors at their order of protection hearing in the St. Louis County Courthouse.
These cases provide supervised in-court litigation experience in a short time frame.
Volunteers may sign up far in advance for a certain date, allowing busy attorneys to predict when they will need to be in court.
SLSLS’ mentorship program pairs “veteran” attorneys with “shadowing” attorneys to facilitate training and collaboration.
Executive Director Michael Burton will be present to assist as needed.
Commitment
One docket every other month.
Dockets are Monday AM/PM, Wednesday AM, and Thursday AM/PM
1-3 cases per docket.
Average time commitment per case is 6-8 hours, including preparation and court appearance.
To apply to be a volunteer attorney, contact the Director of Legal Advocacy at tali.katz@slsls.org
We rely on non-attorney volunteers who play a crucial role in assisting petitioners with the SLSLS application process.
The most dangerous time for many victims is when they attempt to leave their abusers. When abusers are served with orders of protection and realize they are losing control of their partner, they often take extreme measures to regain that control.
Our non-attorney volunteers await them at the courthouse, provide a comforting presence and practical assistance, help victims navigate the intimidating process, and connect prospective clients to critical wraparound services.
Non-Attorney
All SLSLS volunteers will receive training about victims of intimate partner violence as well as an organizational orientation from current SLSLS staff and experienced volunteers. All available opportunities are listed below.
Volunteer Opportunities
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Duties
Assist victims of intimate partner violence with the SLSLS application process.
Conduct intake interviews of prospective clients.
Commitment
Shifts of 2-4 hours in the St. Louis County Courthouse
Monday — Friday, 8:00 am — 4:00 pm
Saturday, 9:00 am — 12:00 pm
If you are interested in becoming a non-attorney volunteer, please contact us about the application process.
To apply to be a non-attorney volunteer, contact the Director of Client Services at ema.remtula@slsls.org