Business Details
44 Years
experience
Trusted Pro Bono Legal Services in Madison County, AL
Since 1982, the Madison County Volunteer Lawyers Program (MCVLP) has been a cornerstone of legal advocacy for low-income residents in Madison County. As Alabama's oldest pro bono legal services program and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we bridge the justice gap by mobilizing volunteer attorneys to provide high-quality civil legal representation, education, and mediation. Our work focuses on critical areas such as family law, housing disputes, bankruptcy, and probate matters, serving individuals who meet federal poverty guidelines or receive public assistance. Through specialized initiatives like the Bankruptcy Assistance Project, Wills for Heroes, and Community Development Project, we address systemic legal barriers while fostering attorney volunteerism.Our team collaborates with social service organizations, libraries, and veterans' groups to expand access points for vulnerable populations, including seniors, persons with disabilities, and domestic violence survivors. With over 1,000 annual client interactions, we combine decades of experience with structured training programs and malpractice coverage to ensure both client protection and attorney preparedness. Our commitment to transparency and community impact is demonstrated through annual reporting, CLE partnerships, and targeted outreach initiatives that reinforce our mission of justice for all.
Services
Bankruptcy Assistance
Community Development
Probate Services
Veterans Legal Clinics
Wills for Heroes
Mediation Services
Foreclosure Prevention
Case Assessment
Legal Education
Eviction Defense
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience providing pro bono legal services in Madison County
- Our volunteer attorneys receive specialized training and malpractice coverage
- We offer 10+ targeted legal assistance programs for diverse civil matters
- We partner with local organizations to expand access points for vulnerable populations
- Our CLE-accredited training programs enhance attorney expertise in pro bono work
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Services
Bankruptcy Assistance
Our volunteer attorneys provide bankruptcy education, pre-filing counseling, and direct representation for eligible debtors. This program helps low-income individuals navigate Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings through one-on-one legal guidance and document preparation assistance. Participants receive comprehensive support to address overwhelming debt while learning financial management strategies.
Community Development
This initiative offers free legal services to Madison County nonprofits serving low-income communities. Volunteer lawyers assist with contract reviews, lease negotiations, personnel policies, and regulatory compliance. The program specifically supports organizations focused on housing, healthcare access, and economic development for underserved populations through transactional legal expertise.
Wills for Heroes
We provide free basic estate planning services to first responders through this partnership program. Firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical personnel receive essential legal documents including wills and healthcare directives. The service ensures these professionals have peace of mind knowing their affairs are in order while serving their communities.
Foreclosure Prevention
Our trained volunteers offer legal counsel to homeowners facing foreclosure. The program provides guidance on mortgage modification options, loan servicing issues, and court procedures. Eligible participants receive personalized action plans to help preserve homeownership and maintain neighborhood stability through proactive legal intervention.
Veterans Legal Clinics
Monthly clinics connect veterans with pro bono attorneys for legal consultations on various civil matters. Services include family law guidance, housing dispute resolution, and benefits claims assistance. Partnering with VA Medical Clinic and Disabled American Veterans, we ensure military veterans receive specialized legal support tailored to their unique needs.
People
Emily J. Chancey
Volunteer Attorney
Experienced legal professional specializing in family law and housing rights. Provides pro bono representation through MCVLP's Lawyer for a Day Project. Active participant in legal education initiatives and community outreach programs.
Kimia Moshiri
Volunteer Attorney
Dedicated to expanding access to justice through pro bono service. Focuses on bankruptcy assistance and foreclosure prevention cases. Regularly participates in CLE training programs to enhance service delivery to low-income clients.
Questions
What income requirements must I meet to qualify for services?
Applicants must have household income at or below 125% of federal poverty guidelines or receive TANF, SSI, SSDI, or Food Stamps benefits.
What types of legal cases do you handle?
We specialize in civil matters including family law, housing disputes, bankruptcy, probate, and consumer rights issues affecting low-income Madison County residents.
How can I apply for legal assistance?
Call (256) 539-2275 during business hours or complete our online application form to begin the eligibility screening process for our pro bono services.
Do you offer legal help for veterans?
Yes, our monthly Veterans Legal Clinics provide free consultations and limited representation for military veterans on various civil legal matters through VA partnerships.
Can I get help with uncontested divorce proceedings?
Qualified applicants may receive limited scope representation for uncontested divorces through our Community Clinics and Lawyer for a Day Project initiatives.
How do you protect client confidentiality?
All volunteer attorneys adhere to strict ethical guidelines, and our mediation services maintain formal confidentiality protocols to ensure client privacy throughout the legal process.
