All of the information and resources provided on this page are intended for use by volunteer attorneys representing Federal Pro Bono Program clients through the Pro Bono Project of Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada.
If you cannot find what you are looking for or need further assistance, please contact us.
View the list of available cases
Pro Bono eFile Account Information
Odyssey Portal Account Information
How to request an Odyssey Portal Account
Odyssey Portal Account Request Form
The Federal Pro Bono Program is an incredible opportunity to fulfill your pro bono requirements while gaining federal civil litigation experience. Depending on the case, you might be able to represent your client during a jury trial in federal court. Cases in the past have included issues arising under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983 (including such issues as medical indifference, excessive force, First Amendment, and many other types of civil rights and inmate cases), Title VII employment cases, Hague Convention, intellectual property, and the Social Security Act. This is a wonderful chance to expand your area of practice, get experience in the federal system, fulfill your ethical obligation to do pro bono work, and, most importantly, have a profound impact on the life of a person in need.
Court Orders
- Amended Pro Bono General Order Establishing the Pro Bono Program – 10/18/2024 Order
- Order of Referral to Pro Bono Program
- Order of Appointment of Counsel
Volunteer Attorney Forms
Pro Se Litigant Assistance & Forms
Pro Bono Attorney Resources
- 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Section 1983 Outline
- Overview of Section 1983 Litigation, Parts I & II – Prof. Karen Blum
- Overview of Section 1983 Litigation, Part III – Prof. Karen Blum
- Overview of Section 1983 Litigation, Part IV – Prof. Karen Blum
- Section 1983 PowerPoint – Prof. Karen Blum
- Jailhouse Lawyers Handbook
Articles
- “The Federal Pro Bono Program” – Communiqué Magazine, January 2022
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Federal Pro Bono Program?
The Federal Pro Bono Program in the District of Nevada allows the court to appoint pro bono (unpaid) counsel for unrepresented, income-eligible litigants in certain civil cases. At any time during the course of a case, an assigned judge may refer the case to the program for appointment of a pro bono attorney.
The judges look at various factors before selecting the cases to be considered for pro bono counsel, including the pro se (unrepresented) litigant’s ability to obtain counsel, the merits of the case, and the type or complexity of the case. The referrals are then sent to Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada which then screen the litigant for financial eligibility.
If the litigant qualifies, the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada will attempt to find a pro bono lawyer to participate in the case. If the litigant agrees to be represented by the lawyer, the judge will order the appointment. The District of Nevada’s Amended General Order 2019-07 has more information on the program and the process.
For Attorneys
What types of cases are eligible for participation in the program?
Section 1(a) of Amended General Order 2019-07 (10/18/21 version) lists the factors a judge may consider in deciding whether a referral is warranted. Cases that have been referred since the program commenced have included cases arising under Section 1983, Title VII, Hague Convention, and the Social Security Act, as well as cases presenting constitutional issues.
What happens once a case is referred by a judge to the program?
Upon referral by a judge to the program, the case will be sent to the Pro Bono Liaison. The liaison will gather pertinent materials, including copies of all necessary filings in the case, and forward them to Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada to screen the litigant for financial eligibility and locate counsel willing to take on the pro bono representation. The current Pro Bono Liaison is Bryce Jones.
How can I participate in the program?
Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada maintains a list of attorneys who are interested in the program and wish to be notified when volunteer attorneys are needed for cases assigned to the program. All attorneys admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada may participate in the program (Motion for Admission to Practice). To be added to the volunteer list and included in the e-blast circulated to prospective volunteers, email
Are there opportunities for law students to participate in the program?
Boyd School of Law students participating in the Partners in Pro Bono Program may be paired up with an experienced pro bono attorney to work on a federal pro bono case. Interested students can contact
Is malpractice coverage provided?
Yes. Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada administers the program, which provides free attorney malpractice coverage. The coverage is primary and extends both to representation and all counsel and advice. Volunteers also benefit from being assigned an attorney mentor with federal practice experience who can provide guidance and support to help ensure quality representation.
What are the benefits of participating in the program?
- You will gain valuable federal court experience, including the chance to argue a case before a jury.
- You can be assigned an experienced attorney mentor for guidance throughout your representation.
- You will have the opportunity to manage your own case, making yourself more marketable to prospective clients and senior partners.
- You may be eligible for attorney fees.
- Taking a federal case will fulfill your ethical obligation to do pro bono work, and you may report your hours to the State Bar of Nevada in your annual reporting pro bono form.
- Your name will be featured in Nevada Lawyer Magazine’s monthly Pro Bono Honor Roll and you will be eligible for additional awards and recognition.
What resources are available for pro bono attorneys?
Mentors
Experienced mentors may be assigned to any pro bono attorney upon request. Legal Aid Center works with the volunteer attorney at the outset of the representation to ensure he or she has sufficient guidance and/or supervision to competently handle the case.
Reimbursement of Reasonable Expenses
Pro bono counsel must seek reimbursement from the pro se litigant for the costs incurred in litigating the action to the extent feasible. Pro bono counsel may also apply for reimbursement of reasonable expenses from the Attorney Admissions Fund or other Non-Appropriated Funds account (“Court Fund”). See Section 2 of the Amended General Order 2019-07 Establishing the Pro Bono Program for additional details.
Waiver of CM/ECF Fees
Attorneys who have taken on pro bono representation shall not be charged fees for use of the court’s electronic filing system (PACER) in the case on which they are serving as pro bono counsel.
What should a pro bono attorney do once they accept a pro bono federal case?
Within 30 days after pro bono counsel accepts an appointment, counsel shall complete and return to the Pro Bono Liaison the Appointment Response Form. Pro bono counsel shall also indicate that he or she has conferred with the litigant and that the litigant agrees to representation. Upon receipt of the Appointment Response Form, the Liaison will forward the form along with a proposed order appointing pro bono counsel to the referring judge. Pro bono counsel is expected to remain as counsel for the duration of the purpose of the appointment. Appointment under this program does not extend to an appeal of the final decision. For more information on getting started, please review this note that is intended to give some basic guidance on the basic steps to get things going.
What should a pro bono attorney do upon completion of their pro bono appointment?
Pro bono counsel should complete the Notice of Completion Form and submit it within 14 days after completion of legal services to the Pro Bono Liaison. Pro bono counsel should also complete the online final disposition form to close the case with Legal Aid Center.
What other volunteer opportunities are available for lawyers practicing in federal court?
Bankruptcy Litigation Panel
Pro bono attorneys are needed to handle midstream bankruptcy cases. Clients whose cases are identified by the bankruptcy court as having legal problems are referred via “blue slip” to Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada. Volunteer attorneys serving on a panel accept income-eligible clients on a rotating basis. Cases involve post-petition issues, such as objections to claims, reaffirmations, and other matters that may arise once a petition has been filed. Email
Federal Court Ask-A-Lawyer Program
Pro bono attorneys are needed to provide brief consultations to unrepresented individuals with open cases in federal court or those contemplating filing in federal court. The program is offered quarterly at the federal court buildings in Las Vegas and Reno. Email
Inmate Early Mediation Program
Attorneys are appointed to serve as pro bono mediators in Section 1983 cases filed by pro se inmates against the Nevada Department of Corrections. The program was adopted by General Order 2010-3 under Chief Judge Roger L. Hunt. Interested attorneys should contact the chambers of Magistrate Judge George W. Foley (Southern District) or Magistrate Judge Valerie P. Cooke (Northern District) for further information.
For Attorneys Representing Prisoners
Do I need to visit the client at the prison?
Virtual visits are available at most Nevada state prisons. For information to set up a virtual visit, please contact the pro bono department. It is wise to visit the client in order to establish an attorney-client relationship and as necessary during the pendency of the case. Please review this note that is intended to give some basic guidance on the basic steps to get things going.
How do I arrange a visit?
First, check the Department of Corrections website to confirm the location of the client. Then call the warden’s secretary at the institution. You should advise him or her that you want an attorney contact visit. Have your client’s Inmate Number available. Be sure to use the words “contact visit” or you will be seeing the client behind glass and you might as well be on the telephone. Find out from the secretary what days and times are available and determine whether you need to set a specific time to visit the client. Days and times vary from institution to institution. You should arrive 20-30 minutes prior to the visit.
What can I bring in with me to the prison?
You can bring in one redwell (expandable file folder) of documents at most institutions. You cannot give any documents to the client and he or she cannot give any to you. Those exchanges must be done by mail. You can have documents signed and you can go over the documents you have with you.
Can I purchase food or drink for the client from vending machines in the visiting room?
These rules vary by institution and are not applied consistently. Just ask when you check in. Some wardens think that this is not appropriate for a legal visit. You are certainly not required to purchase anything for a client but if you want to, you must bring quarters in a plastic bag. You should leave wallets and purses in the car (except for your ID and bar card).
Are there clothing restrictions?
Generally you should not wear any denim or blue clothing, no open-toed shoes, and no sleeveless tops. At least one institution prohibits visitors from wearing orange as well. Women must wear a bra and all visitors must wear underwear.
What rules apply to correspondence by mail?
Your letters to your client should have “Attorney-Client Correspondence-Privileged” written clearly on the envelope and your name with “Attorney at Law” and “Firm Name” should be in the return address. Correspondence marked in this manner should be signed by an attorney and not by a non-attorney staff member. Do not include anything other than case-related documents in the envelope.
What rules apply to phone calls?
Access to phones for the client is unpredictable and inconsistent. In other words, you may set a time for a phone call from the client, but he or she may not be able to access a phone at that time. You cannot call into an inmate at the institution. Usually the client will be calling you collect and the prison telephone contractors charge exorbitant rates for collect calls from prisons. If the client is overusing collect calls, it is reasonable to limit the number of calls and the length. Third-party calls are prohibited so if it sounds as if the client is calling a third-party and patching you in, not only is confidentiality lost (although the phone call is probably being monitored anyway) but it is a rule violation.
Should I worry about my safety?
There will be a guard nearby in the visiting room. In fact, if there is no attorney visiting room, you may ask to be moved far enough away from the guard and other visitors in order to have a private conversation. Your client will be grateful for your assistance. Incidents between inmates and attorneys are extremely rare, but attorneys should always be mindful of their safety and always put safety first.
Some prisons allow for virtual visitation. Please contact us for prison contact information.
View our general Volunteer FAQ for more information on representing clients through the Pro Bono Project.
