What is Florida Pro Bono Matters?
Florida Pro Bono Matters enables lawyers to search for pro bono cases that suit their interests and submit an interest form to the legal aid program that posted the case. The site was the first in the country to gather and display available pro bono matters from multiple programs via their case management systems. This is possible because most FFLA grantees use the same case management system, which FFLA helped them adopt previously. Florida Pro Bono Matters also allows for organizations not supported by FFLA and not on the common case management system to post cases.
How does it work?
Florida’s nonprofit legal aid providers screen clients for eligibility and then post their cases on Florida Pro Bono Matters. Lawyers can go to a single, user-friendly site to search for available pro bono cases posted by multiple programs. The site offers search and filter capabilities to allow users to find cases in their geographic and practice areas, or that otherwise meet the lawyers’ interest criteria.
How does it work for the posting program?
After choosing a case, the lawyer fills out and submits a simple interest form, which alerts the legal aid or pro bono program that he or she is interested in representing the client.
How does it work for the lawyer?
- Visit the site at https://app.joinpaladin.com/!/funding-florida-legal-aid/ and click “Browse opportunities” at the top left.
- Then, use the search bar at the top of the page to type in your criteria for a case. For example, type “Orlando” to search for cases in that particular geographic area, or words like “dependency” or “immigration”.
- You can combine search terms, like “bankruptcy Jefferson County”.
- You can also filter for cases using the drop down menus under the search bar.
How do I find out the location of the case, or the organization that posted it?
Each case card shows the location of the case. The host organization’s name is also shown beneath the title of the case.
How do I submit an interest form for a case?
After clicking on the title of the case, you will be taken to a description page. At the top right, click “Express interest” to reveal the form.
What happens after I submit an interest form?
You and the program posting the case will receive an email alert. The program will reach out to you shortly.
Is there a conflicts check?
Once you submit an interest form, and you and the program have decided the case is a good fit, you and the program will determine if there are any conflicts.
Are volunteer lawyers covered under the hosting legal aid organization’s malpractice insurance?
All legal aid programs that offer pro bono cases cover volunteer lawyers under their malpractice insurance. Please check with the legal aid organization hosting your case for terms and limits. Cases posted by courts will not offer malpractice insurance.
What if I don’t hear back after submitting an interest form?
Please call FFLA at 407-960-7000.
What if I have accepted a case but now cannot get ahold of the program?
Please call FFLA at 407-960-7000.
I need more help. Who can I talk to?
If you need additional assistance, please contact FFLA at 407-960-7000, or jbrown@FundingFLA.org.
