Join the movement to create a model pro bono community in Durham - Volunteer with DEAR
Awarded the 2019 Pro Bono Project of the Year by NC Bar Foundation
Photo credit: the above photos of the December 2018 DEAR clinic were taken by Donn Young.
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
Community intake Clinics (8 slots per clinic)
Sign up using the form to the right to learn more abut upcoming opportunities to volunteer for community intake clinics that make it possible for people to access DEAR’s free legal services without having to come down to our office at the courthouse. This is a great way to meet with individuals and increase access to expunction and license restoration services for low-income Durham residents. We are seeking attorneys, law school students, paralegals and notaries for these clinics.
ADVICE LETTER PARTies (up to 8 slots/party)
DEAR is partnering with our DA’s office to conduct a mass relief initiative aimed at helping residents to restore driving privileges that have been suspended for more than two years. This affects 20% of Durham’s adult population. Volunteers will be trained to review driving records for DEAR clients and draft advice letters informing people of any outstanding issues they need to address before they can restore their driver’s licenses. Sign up to receive more info about upcoming advice letters parties using the form to the right.
Expunction Parties (up to 8 slots/party)
Sign up to participate in regular pro bono sessions held at the Duke Law School where volunteer attorneys fill out expunction petitions for clients whose eligibility has already been determined by a DEAR attorney. Durham has a large number of residents who could benefit from this type of legal relief. Training is provided at the start of each expunction party. Sessions are held monthly on Friday afternoons (12:30 - 5pm). Parking passes and snacks are provided. Upcoming 2020 dates: 1/24, 2/7, 3/20, and 4/3.
Serve as a law student extern in the dear office
DEAR currently has three externs from local area law schools working in our office. Externs assist with a wide variety of legal activities in our office related to expungement and driver’s license restoration. Externs have an opportunity to meet with clients and network with the wide array of stakeholders who comprise the DEAR Advisory Board. Sign up using the “learn more” form on this page.
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We aspire to create a model pro bono community in Durham. If you are an attorney, paralegal, or law school student, please sign up to learn more about how you can volunteer with DEAR.