Family Law Clinic in Suffolk Probate and Family Court

Organization: Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association (VLP)

Senior Partners for Justice/VLP, partnering with the Women’s Bar Foundation and De Novo, runs a Family Law Clinic once per week at the Suffolk Probate and Family Court.  Volunteer attorneys will give legal advice and assist with drafting pleadings on a variety of family law topics including divorce, custody, paternity, contempt and modification actions. Volunteers do not file an appearance on behalf of the clients; our services are limited to advice and assistance with the drafting of family law forms. This clinic runs alongside our Suffolk Guardianship Clinic.

This is a great, time-limited project for attorneys of all levels of experience and for law students.

Because this project is a Limited Assistance Representation (LAR) project, the attorney should have completed a do-it-yourself LAR training consisting of written materials and a video or live training. Click here for links to LAR training materials and forms.

The Volunteer Lawyers Project provides primary malpractice insurance for all pro bono work done under this project.

You can sign up at this link, both virtual and in-person opportunities are available. 


Clinic Location and Time

Location: Suffolk County Probate & Family Court, Brooke Courthouse, 24 New Chardon St. Boston (Directions). The Clinic is held at the Court Service Center on the 2nd Floor of the Brooke Courthouse, behind security near the second floor rear entrance.

Time: Wednesdays 9:00am - 1:00pm

  • Minimum Commitment
  • Mentoring Provided
  • Training Provided
  • Relevant Experience Preferred
  • LAR Certification Required
  • Malpractice Coverage Provided
  • Project Type
    Legal Clinic, Lawyer for the Day (Limited Assistance Representation)
  • Location Name
    Edward Brooke Courthouse Court Service Center
  • Project For
    Attorney, Retired Lawyer/Judge, Spanish-speaking attorneys and law students especially needed
  • Populations Served
    General low-income
  • Subject Areas
    Child Welfare, Family Law, Guardianship
  • Skills to be Developed
    Client advice and counseling, Contract drafting, Negotiation , excellent opportunity to gain family law experience