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
Read more 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 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 stand up 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 one, but two attorneys who were both kind, smart, and supportive through two 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!
3xStudies 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
Volunteer Opportunities
All SLSLS volunteers will receive training about domestic violence and handling order of protection cases. All available opportunities are listed below.
Legal Representation in Order of Protection Cases
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.