Legal Self-Help Center

Volunteer & Internship Opportunities

Legal Self Help Center Volunteer or Intern

Under the direction of the Legal Self-Help Center Director, volunteers provide information on a variety of legal topics including domestic relations, probate, landlord/tenant, small claims, and collections matters. Volunteers provide information on legal processes, assist patrons in filling out forms, review paperwork for completeness, and direct patrons on how and where to file. Volunteers make photocopies and organize documents needed for court. Most work will be performed in the Legal Self-Help Center office during a regularly scheduled shift; however, there may be opportunities for work to be performed via phone and/or email outside of normal operating hours.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will have the following knowledge and skills:

  • Excellent customer relation/customer service skills.
  • Good oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to interact positively and professionally with judges, attorneys, prosecutors, law enforcement officers, employees, community and business representatives, plaintiffs, defendants, other parties to litigation and members of the public with widely divergent socio-economic and cultural backgrounds and varying levels of communication skills.
  • Working knowledge of basic court processes and procedures, legal terminology, and legal documents.
  • Accurate mathematical skills.

Education, Training & Experience

High School diploma or GED combined with some post-secondary training in law, legal secretarial or other relevant field plus some experience in a position requiring extensive public contact.

Location

Work may be performed at the Legal Self-Help Center office in Grand Haven, West Olive, or Holland.

Salary

No wages provided.

Time Commitment

Volunteer

Minimum 4-8 hours per week

Intern

Time requirements vary

Deadlines

Position will be filled as needed. Resume and cover letter should be submitted to Stephanie Ash via email.