Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation
Housing Court Assistance Center
Help tenants facing eviction learn about their rights. No experience needed.
Posted June 15, 2021
Background & Context
Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (AVLF) is a nonprofit that believes no one standing up for their rights should have to do it alone. That’s why we stand with, for, and in support of low-income Atlantans as they demand safe and stable housing, insist on fair pay for an honest day’s work, and break free from intimate partner abuse.
The largest provider of pro bono legal services in Atlanta, we leverage the collective power and resources of our professional community to advocate for our clients during their time of greatest need. Every year, over 5,000 Atlantans receive free, first-rate legal services from our staff and the 500 professionals and students who volunteer with us.
Immediate Problem
Together, we’re fighting for equal justice. Our volunteers are deeply committed to helping low-income Atlantans achieve the safety and stability they deserve.
The Housing Court Assistance Center (HCAC) is a walk-in advice clinic for Atlanta tenants whose landlords are taking them to court. Located in the Fulton County Courthouse (Atlanta, GA), tenants can get immediate advice about the eviction process, known in Georgia as a dispossessory.
Work & Deliverables
With the help of an AVLF staff attorney, volunteers meet with tenants to explain their rights under Georgia law. From limited advice on completing an Answer to pre- and post-litigation advice, HCAC provides tenants with the knowledge and resources they need to advocate for themselves throughout the eviction process.
No experience or long-term commitment needed. Shifts are 3 hours Monday-Thursday and any attorney can volunteer. Training is provided in the form of a short video to watch before your first shift and onsite with an AVLF staff attorney. Volunteer once or on a regular basis; any time you can give is greatly appreciated by AVLF.
Preparation Phase
- Register for a volunteer shift.
- Watch training video on your own time.
Collaboration Phase
- Complete volunteer shift at walk-in clinic.
Wrap Up
- Check out with a staff member.
- After your shift is complete, we hope you will also sign up for another volunteer shift.
Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation
Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (AVLF) is a nonprofit that stands with low-income Atlantans as they demand safe and stable housing, insist on fair pay, and break free from intimate partner abuse. We are the largest provider of pro bono legal services in Atlanta, and we leverage the collective power of our professional community to provide free legal and social services to our clients when they need it most. With teams at Fulton County Courthouse and deeply embedded in Atlanta’s underserved communities, we meet our clients where they are, geographically and emotionally, and address not just their legal needs, but whatever else they need to thrive. For over 40 years, Atlanta’s brightest legal talents have volunteered their time to help our clients in their fight for justice—and have found that they get a great deal back in return. As these lawyers lift the community, their personal and professional lives—and the lives of our clients—are enriched in equal measure. Together, we’re working to create safer and more stable families, homes and communities, and a more fair and equitable Atlanta.
Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation
Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (AVLF) is a nonprofit that stands with low-income Atlantans as they demand safe and stable housing, insist on fair pay, and break free from intimate partner abuse. We are the largest provider of pro bono legal services in Atlanta, and we leverage the collective power of our professional community to provide free legal and social services to our clients when they need it most. With teams at Fulton County Courthouse and deeply embedded in Atlanta’s underserved communities, we meet our clients where they are, geographically and emotionally, and address not just their legal needs, but whatever else they need to thrive. For over 40 years, Atlanta’s brightest legal talents have volunteered their time to help our clients in their fight for justice—and have found that they get a great deal back in return. As these lawyers lift the community, their personal and professional lives—and the lives of our clients—are enriched in equal measure. Together, we’re working to create safer and more stable families, homes and communities, and a more fair and equitable Atlanta.