The Pro Bono Project offers the unique opportunity to positively impact the lives of low-income individuals in Southern Nevada. The clients listed below have been accepted by our program and are currently on our waiting list for pro bono representation. Clients have been prescreened for financial income eligibility and their cases have been selected based on a number of factors, including the merits of their case, the availability of volunteers, and the reasonableness of the client.
Available Cases
Abuse/Neglect Cases - Children's Attorneys Project
Case Number: 2024-005014 *Pending Placement
Two siblings, a 5-year old girl and a newborn baby boy, came into the custody of CCFS due to allegations of parental drug use, improper supervision, and physical and emotional abuse. The mother reported the abuse, as her drug use compromises her ability to care for the children. At this time, these two minors are in need of an attorney to represent them. Next Hearing(s): Calendar Call on 9/3/2024 at 10:30am and Adjudicatory Trial on 9/26/2024 at 9:30am in Courtroom 11.
Case Number: 2024-005742 (Pending Placement)
Two sisters, ages 7 and 6, are now in the custody of CCFS due to inappropriate care. The sisters came into the care of their maternal grandmother after their maternal great-grandmother passed away. However, the grandmother has a history of drug use and a prior agency substantiation for inadequate supervision. The mother lives in California and also has history of drug and alcohol use. Their father is not involved with the girls’ upbringing. At this time, these two young girls need an attorney to represent them. Next Hearing(s): Plea/Disposition Hearing on 7/30/2024 at 1:30pm in Courtroom 11.
Case Number: 2024-008509 (Pending Placement)
A 10-year old triplet came into the custody of the CCFS along with his six siblings due to allegations of physical abuse, which left him scarred. The minor was initially living with his adoptive parents. Then, the adoptive mother appointed temporary guardianship to his biological father’s girlfriend—even though she knew they were inappropriate care providers. At this time, this minor boy is in need of an attorney to represent him. Next Hearing(s): Review Hearing on 12/10/2024 at 2:15pm in Courtroom 11.
Case Number: 2024-008501
DFS took custody of a 9-year-old girl and her 5-year-old sister—who has a separate case—after allegations of sexual assault by the mother’s boyfriend. The minor has endured years of abuse from her mentally-ill mother, and the removal occurred due to maternal neglect of an infant sibling resulting in death. At this time, this girl needs an attorney to represent her. Next Hearing(s): Adjudicatory Hearing Plea on 10/08/2024 at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 12.
Case Number: 2024-006173 *Urgent
Five siblings were removed from their home and are now in the custody of the Department of Family Services (DFS) due to allegations of parental substance abuse, neglect, and sexual risk. This family has an extensive history with the Agency, with all parents having multiple children removed in the past. At this time, these siblings are in need of an attorney to represent them. Next Hearing(s): Calendar Call on 10/9/2024 at 10:15 am; Trial on 10/24/2024 at 9:45 am in Courtroom 11.
Case Number: 2024-007954 – Pending Placement
Two siblings—a 2-year-old and an infant— came into DFS care due to parental neglect. The mother is recently incarcerated, and the father is believed to be incarcerated. At this time these children are in need of an attorney to represent them. Next Hearing: TBD.
Case Number: 2024-008389
DFS removed a 9-year-old boy—along with his two younger sisters, who have a separate case—due to lack of protective capacity. The parents failed to protect the children from sexual abuse perpetrated by the grandmother and her boyfriend, even though the parents knew that the grandmother was a registered sex offender. At this time, this boy needs an attorney to represent him. Next Hearing(s): 10/09/2024 at 10:45 a.m.; Permanency Planning Hearing on 3/26/25 at 10:45 am in Courtroom 11
Case Number: 2024-008396
DFS removed a 6-year-old girl and a 4-year old girl—along with their older brother, who has a separate case—due to lack of protective capacity. The parents failed to protect the children from sexual abuse perpetrated by the grandmother and her boyfriend, even though the parents knew that the grandmother was a registered sex offender. At this time, these girls need an attorney to represent them. Next Hearing(s): 10/09/2024 at 10:45 a.m.; Permanency Planning Hearing on 3/26/25 at 10:45 am in Courtroom 11
Case Number: 2024-008627 *Pending Placement
A two-year-old boy was taken away from his home by DFS due to signs of physical abuse. His mother is a minor who frequently runs away from home, leaving her son with strangers. This minor needs an attorney to represent his rights and wishes. The next court date is 8-14-24 at 10:00 am for the Plea Hearing.
Case Number: 2024-008258 *Pending Placement
This client is a 2-month-old baby girl who tested positive for methamphetamine, Fentanyl and opiates at birth. Her mother, who also tested positive, expressed to the hospital staff that she used drugs throughout the entirety of her pregnancy. This baby needs an attorney to represent her rights and wishes. The next hearing(s): Plea Hearing on 8-07-24 at 11:00 am.
Case Number: 2024-009871
Two sisters, an 18-year-old and 15-year-old, came into custody of The Department of Family Services (DFS) with their sibling group consisting of five other children. The children were removed due to allegations against the natural mother and stepfather posing both physical risk and injury to the subject minors. DFS notes ongoing concerns of domestic violence taking place in the family’s residence. The two sisters have since been placed with their natural father across state lines. At this time, the two sisters require an attorney to represent their legal wishes and rights as to permanency, placement, visitation, and to ensure appropriate services are in place. The next hearing is a Disposition Hearing on 10/15/2024 at 10:00 a.m., Courtroom 6.
Case Number: 2024-010412
A two-week old girl is currently in custody of the Department of Family Services (DFS) due to concerns of physical risk and inadequate shelter. DFS has identified that the child’s mother has severe mental health concerns as well as general cognitive delays. Consequently, the child’s mother demonstrates a lack of awareness of proper child rearing and is unable to ensure the safety and well-being of the child. The mother’s older child has been removed from the mother due to similar causes in a previously closed case. The two-week old is in need of an attorney to represent her legal wishes and rights as to permanency, placement, visitation, and to ensure appropriate services are in place. The next hearing is to be determined and will take place in Courtroom 13.
Case Number: 2024-010340
A 17-year-old girl came into custody of the Department of Family Services due to maternal abandonment. The mother’s extensive history of drug abuse as well as her constant vacillation between incarceration and houselessness renders her unable to substantively care for the child. Disagreement over the subject minor’s behavior has led to her temporary caregiver refusing to continue performing essential duties related to the child’s well-being. Subject minor has a concurrent yet unrelated delinquency case. This child requires an attorney to represent her legal wishes and rights as to permanency, placement, visitation, and to ensure appropriate services are in place. The next hearing is to be determined and will take place in Courtroom 12.
Case Number: 2024-010566
A sibling group containing five children– ages 14, 12, 6, 2 and 1 month– came into custody of the Department of Family Services (DFS) due to reports of physical risk. DFS was alerted to the situation when the 1-month old was born substance-dependent upon the mother’s delivery. The mother is reported to have untreated mental health concerns and a history of unsuccessful drug rehabilitation attempts at various facilities. The natural father of the 2-year-old and 1-month-old struggles similarly with substance abuse, resulting in impulsive behavior and poor emotional regulation. The remaining children in the sibling group have differing paternal backgrounds with little to no contact with their natural fathers due to various circumstances. These children require an attorney to represent their legal wishes and rights as to permanency, placement, visitation, and to ensure appropriate services are in place. The next hearing is an Adjudicatory Hearing Plea on October 8th, 2024 in Courtroom 12.
Case Number: 2024-010881
A twelve-year old girl is in the custody of the Department of Family Services (DFS) due to sustained reports of the subject minor’s father being unable to provide adequate shelter as well as reports of continuous neglectful treatment. DFS monitored the situation as the father struggled with unstable housing and a lack of financial resources. Ultimately, the child was removed as the father was found possessing and distributing drugs to other individuals in the vicinity of his temporary residence. The father has a prior case with DFS involving allegations of physical risk. The older sibling is being represented separately in the same matter. The next hearings are a Status Check Hearing on October 3rd, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. and a Permanency Planning Hearing on October 24th,2024 at 2:30 p.m., both occurring in Courtroom 12.
Case Number: 2024-005125
A newborn 5-month-old infant came into CCFS (Clark County Family Services) custody due to reports of repeated risks to the child’s physical safety. CCFS was alerted to the situation due to an emergent hospitalization of the subject infant stemming from neglect and a lack of resources. The mother and father, both currently unhoused and lacking substantive employment, have a series of mental disabilities that resulted in extensive involvement from CCFS. Four other children have been removed from the parents in a separate, active case. At this time, this infant is in need of an attorney to represent his wishes and legal rights as to permanency, placement, visitation and to ensure appropriate services are in place. The next hearing is a Review Hearing on October 8th, 2024 at 2:15 p.m. in Courtroom 11.
Case Number: 2024-010601
A sibling group of three brothers, aged 3-years, 2-years and 1-year old, came into CCFS custody due to reports of physical risk. The subject minors are regularly exposed to domestic violence between the parents. CCFS was alerted to the situation after LVMPD responded to a domestic violence episode where the mother wounded the paternal caregiver with a deadly weapon. The subject minors lack the capability to identify present danger; moreover, neither the mother nor the father take protective measures for the children when these incidents occur. At this time, these young children are in need of an attorney to represent them. The next hearing is an Adjudicatory Hearing Plea on October 8th, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. in Courtroom 12.
Case Number: 2024-011204
A 14-year-old boy has come into custody of CCFS (Clark County Family Services) due to multiple allegations of sexual molestation, abuse and neglect by multiple individuals, all of whom affiliated with the parents, towards both him and his older sibling. The subject minor reports sexual abuse by the father’s former roommate on several occasions. The parents display a repeated lack of motivation to implement interventional measures to protect the children and are unwilling to collaborate with CCFS in communicative efforts. The subject minor’s older sibling is in the same case under different representation; however, this young boy is in need of an attorney to represent his wishes and legal rights as to permanency, placement, visitation and to ensure appropriate services are in place. The next hearing is a Permanency Planning Hearing on March 19th, 2025 in Courtroom 11.
Case Number: 2024-010593
A 2-month-old is in custody of Clark County Family Services (CCFS) due to persistent parental drug abuse and neglectful conditions. The child’s mother displays consistent patterns of drug dependency, which initially resulted in the child being substance-exposed upon delivery. The mother continually fails to participate in rehabilitative services. Both the mother and father lack the resources necessary to provide the child with a suitable home environment. At this time, this infant needs an attorney to represent his wishes and legal rights as to permanency, placement, and visitation and to ensure appropriate services are in place. The next hearing is a Disposition Hearing on October 8th, 2024 at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 10.
Case Number: 2024-010392
A 9-month-old infant is currently in the custody of Clark County Family Services (CCFS) on account of child endangerment. The mother’s mental health concerns, exacerbated by repeated drug use, leads to hallucinations, impaired judgement, and imagined threats of harm. The most recent episode resulted in her unexpectedly absconding with her children and traveling on foot carrying a non-functional firearm, exposed to unsafe conditions, for what is predicted to have been the entirety of the day. The child has an older sibling in a separate, open case resulting from the same incident. This child, however, is in need of an attorney to represent her wishes and legal rights. The next hearing is to be determined and will take place in Courtroom 10.
Case Number: 2024-011089
Three siblings, a two-year-old and a twin pair of one-month-old infants, came into the custody of CCFS due to parental drug abuse. Both parents have an extensive history of drug abuse and difficulty in maintaining sobriety. They both lack motivation to discontinue drug use despite the apparent detriment this usage poses to their ability to care for their children. Currently, the twin infants are in the NICU suffering from withdrawal symptoms, including tremors and difficulty sleeping. These three siblings have eight older siblings in closed cases, seven of which are no longer in the parent’s care. The next hearing is an Adjudicatory Plea Hearing on October 15th, 2024 in Courtroom 12.
Case Number: 2024-011243
A one-month-old baby girl is currently in CCFS (Clark County Family Services) custody due to parental drug abuse and inadequate supervision on part of the mother. The mother’s current incarcerated status renders her incapable of providing a sustainable environment suitable for her child’s safety. A history of drug abuse has resulted in the infant being substance-dependent upon delivery. Currently, this baby girl is in the NICU experiencing withdrawal symptoms and needs an attorney to represent her wishes and legal rights. The next hearing will take place on October 15th, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. in Courtroom 12.
Case Number: 2020-008675
A sibling group of five, ages 11, 10, 9, 5, and 2 years old, is in the custody of CCFS (Clark County Family Services) due to allegations of parental neglect and inadequate supervision. This particular removal was initiated upon reports of the children remaining unsupervised in a hotel room for a prolonged period of time. Both parents have an extensive history of departmental intervention for alleged physical abuse, drug-exposure, and educational neglect. Persisting housing instability places the children at-risk. Additionally, there is an ongoing investigation of drug abuse in the children’s environment. The next hearing is on November 12th, 2024 at 2:15 p.m. in Courtroom 11.
Case Number: 2024-011872
An 18-year-old boy was removed from his parents by Clark County Family Services (CCFS) due to allegations of sexual assault, domestic violence, and substance abuse against the parents. The removal was conducted in response to a report from the subject minor’s younger sister indicating a sexual assault perpetrated by the father. The siblings, removed under the same case, have conflicting accounts of the allegation and require respective representation to voice their perspectives. This 18-year-old boy needs an attorney to represent his wishes and legal rights as to permanency, placement, visitation and to ensure appropriate services are in place. The next hearing is on January 8th, 2025 at 10:15 a.m. in Courtroom 11.
Case Number: 2024-011372
A sibling group consisting of five children ages 9,7,7, 6, and 2 years old, is in custody of CCFS (Clark County Family Services) due to reports of inadequate supervision and shelter against the parents. These children have been placed at risk of danger due to exposure to unsafe environments caused by the parent’s unhoused status. At points, the children were unhoused and residing with their parents at a local park. The most recent incident, which altered CCFS to the situation, was caused by the mother placing the children with a non-guardian upon her eviction. The parents have had multiple encounters with CCFS stemming from similar concerns. These children require an attorney to represent their wishes and legal rights as to permanency, placement, visitation and to ensure appropriate services are in place. The next hearing is on October 16th, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. in Courtroom 13.
Case Number: 2024-011563
An 11-month-old infant girl came into custody of Clark County Family Services (CCFS) due to allegations of parental neglect, improper supervision, and potential domestic violence. The mother is currently incarcerated and frequently demonstrates non-compliance with the rules surrounding her incarcerated status, including a recent attempted escape from the facility. The mother displays consistent apathy toward the infant and lacks motivation to participate in caretaking responsibilities. This baby girl needs an attorney to represent her wishes and legal rights. The next hearing is on October 15th, 2024 at 11:00 am in Courtroom 12.
Case Number: 2024-008456 *Urgent
A 9-year-old child has been removed from parental custody and placed into the care of Clark County Family Services (CCFS) due to reports of physical abuse in the household. The removal was prompted by a specific incident stemming from the discovery of severe injuries to the subject minor’s younger sibling. The child’s two siblings are appearing in the same case under different representation; however, this child is in need of an attorney to represent his wishes and legal rights as to permanency, placement, visitation and to ensure appropriate services are in place. The next hearing is scheduled for January 8th, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. in Courtroom 9.
Case Number: 2024-011854
A sibling group consisting of three children, a 5-year-old, 3-year-old and 1-year-old, came into Clark County Family Services (CCFS) custody due to repeated reports of parental neglect and domestic violence. The parents engage in violent behaviors that threaten the safety of these three children, including an incident where the children were present during an exchange that resulted in the father being shot with a firearm. These children need an attorney to represent their legal wishes and rights as to permanency, placement, visitation, and to ensure appropriate services are in place. The next hearing is to be determined by Judge Forsberg in Courtroom 10.
Case Number: 2024-011319
A 5-month-old baby boy is currently in custody of Clark County Family Services due to parental drug use and inadequate supervision. Both parents are reported to have a history of drug use which results in erratic behaviors and compromised judgment. On prior occasions, the parents were observed to have drug paraphernalia within the household where the infant resided. The mother exhibits multiple mental health concerns that are inadequately treated and impair her ability to substantively care for her child. Both parents are currently unhoused and do not have a suitable plan for acquiring the financial resources necessary to provide the infant with a suitable home environment. This infant needs an attorney to represent his legal wishes and rights, the next hearing is on October 15th, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in Courtroom 12.
Case Number: 2021-029652 *Urgent
A sibling group, ages 7, 6, 4, 3 and 2 years old, came into Clark County Family Services (CCFS) due to parental neglect. CCFS was alerted to the situation after neighbors reported noise disturbances caused by the children’s screaming. The children were found unclothed, emotionally distressed, and surrounded by hazardous materials such as rotten food, soiled diapers, chemicals, and medication. The parents left these children under the supervision of a relative who experiences mental health and substance abuse issues. Additionally, there is evidence of medical neglect as several of the children are experiencing varying degrees of dental and health concerns that have remained untreated. These children require an attorney to represent their legal wishes and rights. The next hearing is on December 12th, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 11.
Consumer Fraud
Case Number: 2024-005082 *Pending Placement
Protected person property taken under potentially fraudulent deed. The public guardian hired a handwriting expert. They need someone to represent the protected person in a quiet title action. It’s alleged the nurse tricked mom into signing a deed, then while nurse was away, the son falsified title to take it away from the nurse. It is our belief the title should revert to the mom. Discovery just started and lasts 1 year. The public guardian hired a handwriting expert and needs someone to represent the protected person in the quiet title action.
Family Law
Case Number: 2024-006453 – Pending Placement
This client needs assistance with her custody case. She and the adverse party separated in 2019 due to infidelity. They have one 6-year-old child and the client is seeking sole legal and sole physical custody.
Case Number: 2024-007901
This client needs assistance after being served divorce papers. She has a long term marriage to her husband who now has dementia, and she does not believe he was in his right mind filing for divorce. He did have some assistance with filing the divorce by his oldest son, who is not hers. There are no kids involved.
Federal Pro Bono Program
Case Number: 2023-009271
An inmate at Ely State Prison filed a civil rights complaint after he claims he assaulted by two prison officers while handcuffed and shackled in December 2020. He alleges he was choked, kicked, and repeatedly punched while they yelled racist insults at him. He suffered what he felt was a fractured cheek bone, loss of hearing, and an injury to his hand, although it took almost two years to get an x-ray done. He put in a request for medical attention after the incident but was not seen by the nurse practitioner until July 2021. The NP ordered x-rays and gave him 800 mg Ibuprofen for the pain. They did not get him in for x-rays until September 2022. After filing multiple medical kites and grievances, he filed this lawsuit. He claims deliberate indifference to serious medical need in violation of the 8th Amendment and equal protection in violation of the 14th amendment, as well as cruel and unusual punishment/excessive use of force in violation of the 8th Amendment and racial discrimination. He is seeking an attorney through the Federal Pro Bono Program. Next Deadline(s): Case Stayed until pro bono counsel is identified and formally appointed.
Case Number: 2024-000439
This client alleges that corrections officers incited other inmates to harass and attack him. He sustained injuries from the attack and now suffers from nerve damage. According to the client, the officers took his personal property away and destroyed it without the appeal process. The client needs an attorney to represent him to recover for the damages he sustained.
Case Number: 2024-000994
This client alleges an Eight Amendment violation against corrections staff for deliberate indifference to his serious medical condition and failure to provide appropriate treatment. He further alleges he has suffered and will continue to suffer harm due to the defendant’s excessive delay in treatment.
Case Number: 2024-001892
This client claims his constitutional rights were violated when jailers were indifferent to his serious medical needs while he was detained at Washoe County Detention Facility. He alleges that he was denied medical attention for a head injury, medications, and proper clothing and blankets for the winter.
Case Number: 2024-005584
Plaintiff alleges that staff at High Desert State Prison, where he is currently incarcerated, violated his First Amendment rights by opening his civil legal mail outside of his presence.
Case Number: 2023-014277
Client seeks help with a breach of contract case following a car accident. The case is currently stayed. Plaintiff is a senior citizen. The client has two insurance policies a $500,000 accident policy which included underinsured motor vehicles and an additional umbrella policy. The client believes these policies covered her during the accident and sued in the 8th Judicial Court of Nevada. The defendants removed the case to federal court based on diversity jurisdiction. After the removal, clients attorney withdrew from the matter. Client has subsequently suffered from a second motor vehicle accident resulting in additional injuries, and may need to file a second complaint or amend her current complaint. The client needs representation in the breach of contract claim.
Case Number: 2024-005196
An inmate alleges that he fell on his back after being pepper sprayed by prison staff. He claims that he informed medical of his injury and requested medical attention, but he was refused treatment for months. After a year and a half, an MRI scan showed that he had a herniated disk. This client needs an attorney to represent him.
Case Number: 2024-005296
An inmate requires assistance with his federal civil rights complaint against the state prison medical staff. He alleges that the medical staff did not help him when he was in extreme pain. This inmate needs an attorney to represent him.
Case Number: 2024-006034
This inmate alleges that the staff at the prison failed to secure him in a moving van, which was involved in a T-bone auto accident. He sustained injuries from this accident, but the staff failed to provide him immediate medical care. By the time the inmate received medical care, his spinal injury progressed to the point where he needed spinal surgery. He also did not receive any post-surgery pain medication from the surgeon, leading to more pain and suffering. At this time, this inmate needs an attorney to represent him.
Case Number: 2024-007538
Client has end stage kidney disease and has filed a 1983 claim involving adverse side effects of prescribed medication and deliberate indifference to medical treatment needs. This client needs an attorney to represent him.
Case Number: 2024-008387
This is a dispute over the guardianship, trust, and estate of plaintiff’s mother. Trust divided assets equally. Plaintiff believes she is entitled to punitive damages due to oppression and hardship caused by the original petitioner. This client needs an attorney to represent her.
Case Number: 2024-000439
This client alleges that corrections officers incited other inmates to harass and attack him. He sustained injuries from the attack and now suffers from nerve damage. According to the client, the officers took his personal property away and destroyed it without the appeal process. The client needs an attorney to represent him to recover for the damages he sustained.
Case Number: 2024-009265
After attending court, the client was standing in the CCDC holding rotunda when he was allegedly assaulted by a corrections officer, who allegedly slammed his head into the concrete while he was restrained and without provocation. He is seeking damages for deliberate indifference, intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligence.
Guardianship
Case Number: 2024-009125
Mother of proposed protected person is petitioning for guardianship due to mental health issues and a drug addiction. The children of the proposed protected person were removed by DFS. The mother is seeking guardianship to obtain psychiatric and drug rehabilitation services for the proposed protected person. The next scheduled hearing is on 9/18/2024 at 10:30am in Courtroom 10B.
Real Estate Fraud
Case Number: 2024-005082 *Pending Placement
Protected person property taken under potentially fraudulent deed. The public guardian hired a handwriting expert. They need someone to represent the protected person in a quiet title action. It’s alleged the nurse tricked mom into signing a deed, then while nurse was away, the son falsified title to take it away from the nurse. It is our belief the title should revert to the mom. Discovery just started and lasts 1 year. The public guardian hired a handwriting expert and needs someone to represent the protected person in the quiet title action.