ATTORNEY FEE AND
LITIGATION EXPENSE POLICY
Attorney’s Fee Policyfor Pro Bono Attorneys
The Volunteer Legal Services Program (VLSP) is regulated by the Legal Services Corporation (LSC). LSC regulations are determined by the United States Congress. VLSP’s volunteer attorneys must adhere to LSC Regulations (45 C.F.R., Section 1609) regarding attorneys fees in order for Community Legal Aid Services to continue receiving funding from LSC. Therefore, it is greatly appreciated that volunteer attorneys inquire into the attorney’s fee policy where the need arises and follow the regulations.
Volunteers are encouraged to seek attorney’s fees and other statutory fees. However, attorneys fees that are obtained through a fee arrangement where the attorney obtains funds the client would have otherwise been entitled to, regardless of the source of the funds, are prohibited by LSC regulations.
Litigation Expense Policy for Pro Bono Attorneys
Community Legal Aid has a modest litigation expense budget. The litigation expense budget is utilized by CLAS staff attorneys, but is also available for pro bono cases. Due to the limited size of the litigation expense budget, all requests for litigation expenses must be approved in advance by the CLAS Executive Director.
In order to request a litigation expenses, volunteer attorneys should estimate as accurately as possible the amount of the litigation expense. VLSP staff will submit the request to the Managing Attorney for approval. If the litigation expense is approved, VLSP staff will discuss the matter with the client. If the client is unable to pay for the litigation expense, CLAS policies and regulations require the client to execute a Repayment Agreement prior to a check being issued for the litigation expense
Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDRO’s)
QDRO Consultants offers a reduced rate of $250.00 for clients of Community Legal Aid. If you have accepted a divorce case that includes the preparation of a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), please submit a request to QDRO Consultants for completion of the QDRO. A QDRO Consultants request form specific to Community Legal Aid was included in the referral packet mailed to you when you accepted the case. Please call us at 1.877.401.0088 if you need an additional form. NOTE: In order to be covered under our malpractice insurance, the Qualified Domestic Relations Order must be completed by QDRO Consultants and not the individual attorney.
VLSP requires an additional deposit of $250.00 from clients who may require the preparation of a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). When you are ready to submit a request to QDRO Consultants, please contact VLSPso that we may issue a check out of escrow. If a QDRO is not required, we will issue a refund to the client.
Litigation expenses are not available for reduced fee divorce cases.