Maine's Volunteer Lawyers Project Offers Legal Information Clinics Through Maine Public Libraries

To contact us Click HERE

Maine's Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP), with the support of the Maine Regional Library System (MRLS), will offer free legal information clinics at libraries across the state beginning with a clinic focused on family law court processes on Tuesday, October 16 from 6:00-7:00 p.m.

The presentation will go out live from the Maine State Library in Augusta to participating public libraries across the state. Library patrons will be able to go to a local participating library, watch the presentation and ask questions to the volunteer lawyer in Augusta. The clinics will also be streamed to library computer terminals and be recorded for future web access.

The VLP legal information clinics and future person-to-person legal consultations will be available through the MRLS's desktop video conferencing system, a secure SKYPE-like technology. This new resource, funded by a grant from the Legal Services Corporation, is created specifically to address the urgent need of low-income Maine residents in rural areas seeking help navigating the civil justice system.

The VLP legal information clinics will take place every third Tuesday and will cover different civil legal issues. Starting in the spring of 2013, VLP will begin to offer live computer based appointments for people with low incomes in rural Maine who need to consult with a volunteer lawyer.

Anyone interested in attending VLP legal information clinics should check with their local public library for schedules and availability or go online to http://www.bit.ly/legalaidclinic and click on the green "Lawyers in Libraries" link.

About Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project:

VLP coordinates the volunteer efforts of Maine attorneys and community members to help low income people navigate the civil justice system. VLP provide free information, brief assistance and pro bono legal representation in civil legal matters to qualifying clients. VLP volunteers give Mainers in need the tools and know-how to be equal participants in our legal system. VLP, P.O. Box 547, Portland ME 04112, (207) 774-4348, http://www.vlp.org.

Confirmed Libraries for the Oct 16 Clinic:

Bangor Public Library

York Public Library

Norway Memorial Library

Cary Library in Houlton

Cherryfield Free Public Library

Skowhegan Public Library

Maine State Library in Augusta - Live presentation, video conferencing host