New Volunteers
CMLS needs volunteer attorneys to donate time and talent for a variety of legal needs. Volunteer opportunities include giving brief advice at a legal advice clinic, giving a presentation to a community group on a particular legal topic, acting as a mediator in a family law case, or representing a client through litigation.
CMLS only assists with civil legal issues. While most cases involve family law including mediation, consumer debt matters, or estate issues like simple wills and guardianship, there are a variety of legal issues where volunteers are needed. If you want to get involved, CMLS will find something to fit your interests!
How the Program Works
Attorneys register and indicate the types of cases and the counties they are willing to volunteer for. CMLS screens clients to determine income eligibility and makes a preliminary merit determination. Attorneys are contacted by VAP staff on a rotating basis when a case is available.
Legal Advice Clinics
CMLS currently operates two remote (via phone) legal advice clinics with the help of volunteers. The clinics are held from 11am-1pm. The St. Cloud Regional Legal Advice Clinic is held every Thursday (except for the 5th Thursday of each month) and the Willmar Regional Legal Advice Clinic is held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month.
Want to Sign Up?
You can sign up to volunteer by completing our online registration form and one of the CMLS VAP Coordinators will be in contact with you directly. Otherwise, you can contact a VAP Coordinator in St. Cloud or Willmar, directly to learn more.
Please review our VAP Policies and Procedures before you complete your registration!