Volunteers are the backbone of the Center. We welcome lawyers, law graduates, paralegals, interpreters, community members and students to become involved in the Center’s programs.

The Harriett Buhai Center handles the most personal and important legal problems an individual can face – issues concerning safety, the well-being of one’s children and financial security. Volunteers play an active role in the Center’s mission of protecting victims of domestic violence, improving the welfare of children living in poverty, and assuring people in need meaningful access to the courts.

Serving as the largest independent pro bono family law firm in Southern California, the Center offers its new volunteers thorough training and supervision in family law. Volunteers may expect to address family problems including: divorce, custody and visitation, support, restraining orders, paternity and division of property. The Center provides its volunteers with a learning environment, networking opportunities and chance to give back. The Center maintains professional liability coverage for its volunteers.

 

“My experience volunteering at the Center has been life changing. It has renewed my faith in the legal profession and has reminded me of how fortunate we all are to have been given the opportunity to be in a position where we can and should help others.” Erin, pro bono volunteer

“It’s rewarding to see people leaving the Center feeling good about themselves. I find the Center to be so well organized. The supervision is super and very hands on. All is made easy to accomplish.” Mary, 10 year volunteer

 

Opportunities for Volunteer Lawyers
Under the guidance of Center legal staff, volunteer lawyers may:
• Interview clients
• Prepare pleadings and other legal documents to help clients represent themselves in court
• Represent clients in court on a limited scope basis for a single court appearance or take a case for full representation
• Mentor other attorneys
• Provide advice in non-family law areas such as tax, criminal law, trusts and estates

Requirements for Volunteer Lawyers
• Attend one of the Harriett Buhai Center’s New Volunteer Training seminars.*
• 50 hours of office pro per assistance within 12 months following the training and/or
• Acceptance of one case for full representation** and/or
• Acceptance of two cases for limited scope representation within 12 months following the training**
*Volunteer lawyers with more than 3 years of family law experience may not need to attend
**Available only for California licensed attorneys, based on requisite experience and skills

“My internship at the Center not only fostered thorough and superior legal skills, but also fostered a commitment to volunteerism. It solidified my decision to practice family law.” Jennifer former intern

“The Center provides many opportunities for students to strengthen their legal skills from client counseling to preparing motions. The staff attorneys are very helpful in making sure students get the best experience. This is a great place to learn family law and help people in really emotional situations.” – Marine former intern

Law students enrolled in approved California or American Bar Association accredited law schools are welcome for a range of opportunities under supervision of Center attorneys:

School Year/Summer Internships:
o Interview and assist clients
o Analyze cases
o Prepare pleadings, write declarations and conduct research for clients

Law School Graduates:
o While awaiting bar results law graduates can participate in internships to strengthen their legal skills and gain experience interacting with clients.

School Year Internships:
Minimum requirement: 15 hours per week for 10 weeks.
Summer Internships:
Minimum requirement: full-time for 10 weeks.
Law School Graduates:
Minimum requirement: 150 hours during 3-month period (post bar exam to bar results).

 

“The Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law is a wonderful teacher! I absorb new information every time I volunteer.”- Jennifer, paralegal volunteer

Opportunities for Certified Paralegals:

Certified paralegals may engage in the following volunteer opportunities under supervision by Center lawyers:

o Interview clients
o Assist volunteer lawyers in pleading and legal document preparation for clients representing themselves at court

Requirements for Certified Paralegals
o Meet California law requirements for certification as a paralegal
o Attend one of the Harriett Buhai Center’s New Volunteer Training seminars.
o 50 hours of office pro per assistance within 12 months following the training

“It is an honor to volunteer as a translator for the Harriett Buhai Center. Language is a real barrier to many people and I am proud to help bridge the gap.” – Michelle, interpreter

Individuals with strong Spanish fluency skills or certified in American Sign Language play an integral part in the Center’s volunteer program. Interpreters may:
o Assist volunteers in interviewing clients
o Provide written translation for attorneys and clients

Requirements for Interpreters
o Strong oral and/or written fluency skills; field tested or with educational certification
o Participation in a Spanish language interpretation program or paralegal program
o ASL certified

Licensed Professionals
“After a day of volunteering I feel like I made a difference and helped someone move their life forward. It is personally rewarding to believe that the work and the assistance given at the Center makes lives better.”Jennifer, 15 year volunteer

The Harriett Buhai Center is looking for licensed and/or experienced professionals in the following areas:
o Psychology
o Accounting
o Real Estate Appraisal
o Grant Writing
o Social Work

Requirements for Licensed Professionals
Time requirement based on specific project or case.

Community Members
“It is so easy to make a difference and help people turn their lives around by volunteering just one day at the Center! The most rewarding aspect of the experience is being able to witness clients undergo a transformation from helplessness and despair to empowerment and hope for a better future for themselves and their children.” Valerie, 10 year volunteer

Individuals with the following skills and interests are encouraged to apply to help the Center’s operations:
o Marketing
o Public Relations
o Advertising
o Fundraising
o Administration and Management

Requirements for Community Members
Time requirement to be arranged.

Graduate/Undergraduate Students
“The Harriett Buhai Center offers its volunteers the opportunity to learn via hands on experience. During my time with the Center I always felt that I was a part of the team.” – Xochiltl, undergraduate intern

Opportunities for Students:
The Center accepts Graduate and Undergraduate students as volunteers in the following areas among others:
o Marketing/Advertising/Communications
o Business Administration
o Social Work
o Program Evaluation

Requirements:
Internships will be made by special arrangement.
For more information on volunteering, please contact volunteer@hbcfl.org or 213-388-7505 ext. 319
For more information on law student internships, please contact lawstudent@hbcfl.org or 213-388-7505 ext. 310