For Attorneys
Make a Lasting Impact Through Pro Bono Representation
Laura’s Light connects survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence with qualified pro bono attorneys who can help them navigate critical legal challenges. By joining our attorney network, you become part of a solution that addresses a significant justice gap in our community while honoring Laura Ditka’s legacy of advocacy for vulnerable populations.
Our program focuses specifically on survivors who don’t qualify for Legal Aid but cannot afford private representation. Your pro bono service creates a pathway to safety, stability, and justice for those who would otherwise face the legal system alone.
Make a Lasting Impact Through Pro Bono Representation
Laura’s Light connects survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence with qualified pro bono attorneys who can help them navigate critical legal challenges. By joining our attorney network, you become part of a solution that addresses a significant justice gap in our community while honoring Laura Ditka’s legacy of advocacy for vulnerable populations.
Our program focuses specifically on survivors who don’t qualify for Legal Aid but cannot afford private representation. Your pro bono service creates a pathway to safety, stability, and justice for those who would otherwise face the legal system alone.
The Laura’s Light Approach
Our program is designed with both survivors and attorneys in mind. We’ve created a structure that maximizes impact while respecting the practical realities of legal practice:
- Focused Scope: Our clients come to us through trusted referral partners after receiving initial crisis support, allowing you to focus specifically on legal representation
- Administrative Support: We handle case referrals, coordination with partner organizations, and financial support for court costs
- Professional Development: Our program includes trauma-informed practice training, ongoing education, and networking opportunities
- Manageable Commitment: Clear time expectations and support systems make pro bono work sustainable
The Laura’s Light Approach
Our program is designed with both survivors and attorneys in mind. We’ve created a structure that maximizes impact while respecting the practical realities of legal practice:
- Focused Scope: Our clients come to us through trusted referral partners after receiving initial crisis support, allowing you to focus specifically on legal representation
- Administrative Support: We handle case referrals, coordination with partner organizations, and financial support for court costs
- Professional Development: Our program includes trauma-informed practice training, ongoing education, and networking opportunities
- Manageable Commitment: Clear time expectations and support systems make pro bono work sustainable
Our Trauma Informed Framework
Central to our program is a trauma-informed approach to legal representation. This framework acknowledges that trauma affects how survivors engage with legal processes and professionals.
What is a Trauma Informed Approach?
A trauma-informed approach recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and integrates this understanding into professional practices. Rather than asking “What’s wrong with you?” it asks “What happened to you?” acknowledging that behavior patterns and coping mechanisms are often adaptations to traumatic experiences.
Core Principles for Attorneys
While maintaining appropriate professional boundaries, our trauma-informed approach emphasizes:
- Client Empowerment: Presenting options clearly and respecting client decisions
- Clear Communication: Providing transparent, consistent information about legal processes
- Professional Boundaries with Compassion: Balancing empathy with appropriate professional roles
Attorneys in our network receive comprehensive training in these principles, ensuring they can effectively represent survivors while supporting their journey toward healing and justice.
Our Trauma Informed Framework
Central to our program is a trauma-informed approach to legal representation. This framework acknowledges that trauma affects how survivors engage with legal processes and professionals.
What is a Trauma Informed Approach?
A trauma-informed approach recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and integrates this understanding into professional practices. Rather than asking “What’s wrong with you?” it asks “What happened to you?” acknowledging that behavior patterns and coping mechanisms are often adaptations to traumatic experiences.
Core Principles for Attorneys
While maintaining appropriate professional boundaries, our trauma-informed approach emphasizes:
- Client Empowerment: Presenting options clearly and respecting client decisions
- Clear Communication: Providing transparent, consistent information about legal processes
- Professional Boundaries with Compassion: Balancing empathy with appropriate professional roles
Attorneys in our network receive comprehensive training in these principles, ensuring they can effectively represent survivors while supporting their journey toward healing and justice.
Program Requirements
Time Commitment
- Minimum 3-month commitment
- At least one new case per quarter (based on need)
- Quarterly case status updates
- Quarterly program meetings for network building and updates
Training
- Initial orientation and trauma-informed practice training (~8 hours)
- Quarterly professional development opportunities
- Access to ongoing case consultation and resources
Case Management
- 48-hour response to Laura’s Light referrals
- Initial client meeting within 5 business days
- Regular case documentation for program impact measurement
- Adherence to trauma-informed communication standards
Support for Participating Attorneys
We don’t expect attorneys to navigate trauma-informed practice alone. Laura’s Light provides:
Financial Support
- Filing fee coverage
- Court costs
Administrative Support
- Streamlined referral process
- Program coordination
- Partner organization liaison
Professional Development
- CLE credits for program training
- Networking opportunities
- Best practice resources
- Professional community building
Program Requirements
Time Commitment
- Minimum 3-month commitment
- At least one new case per quarter (based on need)
- Quarterly case status updates
- Quarterly program meetings for network building and updates
Training
- Initial orientation and trauma-informed practice training (~8 hours)
- Quarterly professional development opportunities
- Access to ongoing case consultation and resources
Case Management
- 48-hour response to Laura’s Light referrals
- Initial client meeting within 5 business days
- Regular case documentation for program impact measurement
- Adherence to trauma-informed communication standards
Support for Participating Attorneys
We don’t expect attorneys to navigate trauma-informed practice alone. Laura’s Light provides:
Financial Support
- Filing fee coverage
- Court costs
Administrative Support
- Streamlined referral process
- Program coordination
- Partner organization liaison
Professional Development
- CLE credits for program training
- Networking opportunities
- Best practice resources
- Professional community building
The Impact of Your Involvement
By participating in Laura’s Light’s legal aid program, you help create meaningful change:
- For Survivors: Access to quality legal representation that leads to better outcomes, increased safety, and long-term stability
- For the Community: Reduced cycles of violence, more efficient use of court resources, and stronger families
- For the Legal Profession: Advancement of trauma-informed practice, professional development, and fulfillment of the highest ideals of legal service
Your pro bono service addresses a critical gap in our legal system while honoring Laura Ditka’s commitment to protecting our community’s most vulnerable members.
The Impact of Your Involvement
By participating in Laura’s Light’s legal aid program, you help create meaningful change:
- For Survivors: Access to quality legal representation that leads to better outcomes, increased safety, and long-term stability
- For the Community: Reduced cycles of violence, more efficient use of court resources, and stronger families
- For the Legal Profession: Advancement of trauma-informed practice, professional development, and fulfillment of the highest ideals of legal service
Your pro bono service addresses a critical gap in our legal system while honoring Laura Ditka’s commitment to protecting our community’s most vulnerable members.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re interested in making a difference through pro bono representation with Laura’s Light, here’s how to get involved:
- Submit your interest through our online form
- Complete an initial screening conversation
- Attend orientation and trauma-informed practice training
- Review and sign the commitment agreement
- Begin accepting case assignments
Questions?
If you have questions about Laura’s Light’s legal aid program or the application process, please contact us.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re interested in making a difference through pro bono representation with Laura’s Light, here’s how to get involved:
- Submit your interest through our online form
- Complete an initial screening conversation
- Attend orientation and trauma-informed practice training
- Review and sign the commitment agreement
- Begin accepting case assignments
Questions?
If you have questions about Laura’s Light’s legal aid program or the application process, please contact us.