How to Help
Your Volunteer Attorney With Your Case
Follow these guidelines in order to be prepared for you meeting with your attorney. The more prepared you are, the easier it will be for your volunteer attorney to understand your case and how to help resolve your legal issue.
- It is your responsibility to call and schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
- Show up on time.
- If you cannot make a scheduled appointment, immediately call to reschedule.
- If you fail to show up or call, the attorney could consider withdrawing from the case.
- If your address or contact information changes notify the attorney immediately.
- Don't bring family, friends, and pets to meet with the attorney.
- The legal profession is very conservative, especially the court. Dress appropriately: no blue jeans, t-shirts, shorts, mini-skirts, flip-flops, or bare tops.
- NEVER LIE TO YOUR ATTORNEY.
- BE OPEN AND HONEST WITH YOUR ATTORNEY.
- Tell your attorney if you are working with a counselor, advocate, social worker.
- Bring all paper work for your attorney to review.
- Bring pen and paper to take notes.
- If you do not understand something, don't be afraid to ask questions.
- Your attorney will appreciate your consideration of their time. Remember they are a volunteer. Please write down your questions as they come to you and ONLY call when necessary...you are not their only client.
- Your case is between you and your attorney. Not Legal Aid of East Central Indiana.
- If you are dissatisfied with your attorney, OR, if the attorney withdraws because you do not cooperate, we will NOT refer you to another attorney.
Legal Aid of East Central Indiana Modest Means Program
Designed for Indiana Residents whose income exceeds Pro Bono requirements but need assistance and can't afford an attorney.
Legal Aid of East Central Indiana offers a Modest Means program for those applicants that exceed 125%, but are still under the 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Modest Means requires the applicant, if placed, to pay a retainer to that attorney, in the amount of $500.00. The money is then used at a rate of $50.00 an hour, equivalent to 10 hours of pro bono service from that attorney. If a case is not completed in those 10 hours, the attorney may ask for an additional $500.00, to be used at the same rate. The attorney may do this until the completion of the case.
