Pro Bono Program
Cohen Seglias is dedicated to improving access to justice for those who are underserved and of limited means. One of the ways the firm does this is through the Pro Bono Program, where attorneys provide free legal services to individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and community-based legal and social service providers. This work is integral both to the firm and the communities where our employees live and work.
At Cohen Seglias, we care deeply about volunteering our services and helping those in need of legal support. Our Pro Bono committee is a standing committee that evaluates pro bono opportunities and encourages continued commitment to this type of service. These are the firm-approved organizations for which our attorneys regularly provide services:
A-Team of Delaware – raises awareness for the service needs of Delawareans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Volunteer legal work includes doing guardianships for families so that they can have control of any financial and medical decisions for their family member with IDD.
Battered Women’s Legal Advocacy Project – provides pro bono representation to victims of domestic violence who lack resources, with volunteer legal work focused on representing survivors in court to obtain protective orders after completing specialized training on domestic violence dynamics and court procedures.
Habitat for Humanity – a nonprofit housing organization that builds and renovates homes for individuals and families in need. Volunteer attorneys assist with transactional matters such as vendor contract reviews, land use issues and property documentation.
Mid-Atlantic Innocence Project – works to prevent and correct the conviction of innocent people in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Volunteer legal work includes initial case screenings and reconsideration requests.
Philly VIP – a nonprofit that expands access to justice for low-income Philadelphians by pairing them with volunteer lawyers for civil legal matters. Volunteer legal opportunities include helping clients with housing issues, family law, consumer disputes and small business matters.
Standpoint (Formerly Battered Women’s Legal Advocacy Project) – assists victims of domestic violence in New Jersey by obtaining protective orders. Volunteer legal work includes working with victims of domestic violence to either obtain a Final Restraining Order or another favorable outcome to help the victims and their children move past the trauma created from domestic violence.
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice Divorce Clinic – provides many programs, including a Divorce Clinic (the firm-approved program). Volunteer legal work includes assisting self-represented litigants in initial consultations prior to filing for divorce and/or in preparing the paperwork to file for divorce in New Jersey.
Volunteer Legal Advocates – provides pro bono legal services to survivors of domestic violence, at-risk children and vulnerable immigrants in the Washington, DC area. Volunteer legal assignments involve representing clients in court, obtaining protective orders and/or advocating in family law proceedings.
Wills for Heroes – helps veterans and seniors draft wills. Volunteer legal work includes providing free wills and other basic estate planning for first responders, military veterans, their spouses and seniors.
In addition to these organizations, the firm also considers other pro bono opportunities on an as-needed basis.
