Partnership In Pro Bono Program
The Legal Aid Society of Hawai'i provided me the opportunity to advocate for a nine (9) year old girl, abused and neglected by her biological family and in the permanent custody of the Department of Human Services (“DHS”). As her Guardian ad Litem, I worked closely with the DHS Social Worker, Department of Health Care Coordinator, Department of Education, EPIC Youth Circle team, the Family Court, and others to support and empower this young woman to envision and pursue a positive future. There were bumps in the road. She was housed in over 30 placements, spent months on the run, and struggled with academics, forming and sustaining healthy relationships, managing her anger, feelings of abandonment, and other mental health challenges.
Despite a mountain of pain and frustration, I was blessed to watch a fragile, lost girl grow into a strong, confidant young woman who graduated from high school and will begin college this Fall. She was the very first youth to engage in the DHS's new Imua Kakou program designed to help young adults transition to adulthood, independence, and self-sufficiency.
The Honorable R. Mark Browning says, "Miracles happen in Family Court every day". By volunteering with the Legal Aid Society of Hawai'i, I had the opportunity to witness one.
Mahalo nui loa!"
Katie Bennett, Family Law Attorney
Despite a mountain of pain and frustration, I was blessed to watch a fragile, lost girl grow into a strong, confidant young woman who graduated from high school and will begin college this Fall. She was the very first youth to engage in the DHS's new Imua Kakou program designed to help young adults transition to adulthood, independence, and self-sufficiency.
The Honorable R. Mark Browning says, "Miracles happen in Family Court every day". By volunteering with the Legal Aid Society of Hawai'i, I had the opportunity to witness one.
Mahalo nui loa!"
Katie Bennett, Family Law Attorney
Legal Aid is committed to providing the highest quality services to all of our clients. To this end, we will provide all volunteer attorneys with:
• Coverage under Legal Aid’s $1 million malpractice insurance policy.
• Training in substantive law and in other issues that are particular to our low-income client population.
• Mentoring and co-counsel relationships with experienced Legal Aid staff attorneys.
• Pre-screening of individual cases for merit and reason able time commitment.
• Opportunities for professional growth through continual learning and the flexibility to practice new areas of law.
• Professional recognition and public acknowledgement of service
• Coverage under Legal Aid’s $1 million malpractice insurance policy.
• Training in substantive law and in other issues that are particular to our low-income client population.
• Mentoring and co-counsel relationships with experienced Legal Aid staff attorneys.
• Pre-screening of individual cases for merit and reason able time commitment.
• Opportunities for professional growth through continual learning and the flexibility to practice new areas of law.
• Professional recognition and public acknowledgement of service
If you are an attorney and would like to volunteer at the Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i,
please contact:
email: [email protected]
please contact:
email: [email protected]
