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

  • "I was at my court hearing alone, feeling defeated and depressed until SLSLS offered their legal services and support free of charge. They were there every step of the way to help me to get back into my house and obtain a 4-year order of protection from my abuser! They have even kept in contact with me weeks later to make sure my children and I are okay and to offer resources."

  • “SLSLS was a breath of fresh air for me in a very dark time.”

  • “I was afraid, up until I met my lawyer. I was in a financially and physically abusive relationship and was ignorant as to what an order of protection even was. SLSLS gave me the knowledge and courage to finally standup to my abuser.”

  • “I was unaware of how necessary it actually was to have an attorney. I am so thankful for SLSLS because they went above and beyond to hear my story and to help me get my safety back.”

  • “I am very grateful for the help from SLSLS’s volunteer attorneys. They were both so very supportive, respectful, and great at their jobs. Thank you so much for all the help.”

  • “Within a short time of being referred to SLSLS, I had an attorney calling me to let me know he was there to represent me. A huge thank you to him for helping me get through one of the hardest things I’ve ever done: freeing myself from my abuser and standing up for myself.”

  • “I felt like I was rescued by the amazing representation during one of the scariest times in my life! I finally felt protected, safe, and seen by receiving this gift of peace of mind.”

  • “SLSLS was very kind and helpful at taking my information and matching me with not 1, but 2 attorneys who were both kind, smart, and supportive through 2 court dates with a winning outcome. I definitely recommend SLSLS to anyone who is a victim in need of services.”

  • “I am so grateful for the support and services of SLSLS. My attorney’s sincerity while handling my case gave me a great sense of relief and courage to overcome the anxiety and fear of facing my abuser to extend my order of protection. I appreciate such professionalism and grit!”

  • “When I reached out, I was scared and worried and exhausted by the behavior of my ex-spouse but I was also overwhelmed by the idea of trying to deal with the courts and the order of protection process on my own. You were so kind and helpful from our first telephone call. You helped me find the courage to take the next step to protect myself. You also kept checking in on me throughout the process. Additionally, the volunteer attorney who represented me was incredibly empathetic and understanding. Facing an abuser in court is scary. Having a skilled, compassionate attorney with me throughout the process made it feel less overwhelming. I am so grateful for the SLSLS program and the wonderful professionals that volunteer their time to help people like me.”

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

  • 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

  • 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