Become an ANDVSA Pro Bono Attorney
Use Your Legal Skills to Support Survivors Across Alaska
Ways to Volunteer
ANDVSA Legal Program provides free legal assistance to low-income survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in divorce, child custody, protective order, and other civil proceedings. Volunteer attorneys can represent a survivor in a civil case, co-counsel a case, assist clients representing themselves pro se, mentor a new volunteer, staff ANDVSA’s Information & Referral Hotline, and more. Volunteers can learn more about ANDVSA resources below.
Online Volunteer Application
The Alaska Network on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault (ANDVSA) Legal Program provides free civil legal services for low-income survivors of domestic and sexual violence. ANDVSA needs volunteer attorneys to represent survivors in civil cases, staff ANDVSA’s Information & Referral Hotline, mentor another pro bono attorneys and assist ANDVSA with special projects.
For more information about ANDVSA’s volunteer opportunities and resources, please visit www.andvsa.org or contact ANDVSA senior staff attorney Katy Soden at [email protected] or (907) 796-5104. We appreciate your interest!
Fill out the application form below or scan the QR code here.
ANDVSA Legal Program Volunteer FAQ
What type of volunteer opportunities do you have?
ANDVSA utilizes volunteers in many ways. Our greatest need is for attorneys to represent survivors either fully or unbundled in divorce, custody, and civil protection order cases. We need mentors to work with new attorneys who are taking on cases. The Legal Program hosts an Information & Referral Hotline twice per month on Tuesdays that provides brief legal information to victims. This phone line can be call-forwarded anywhere in the country and only takes 2-3 hours of volunteer time per shift.
How can I volunteer?
Fill out this volunteer form or call (907) 796-510 for more information.
I have no experience in this area of law. Is it worth it for me to volunteer?
Absolutely. Our program provides the resources and training that you need to successfully represent a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. It’s a great way to learn a new area of the law and make a big impact in someone’s life.
What resources do you provide for volunteers?
ANDVSA provides on-demand attorney and paralegal support and supervision, a comprehensive volunteer family law manual, sample pleadings, training webinars, pro bono mentors, as well as case cost coverage and malpractice insurance.
Do you provide training?
Yes, ANDVSA hosts an annual CLE in Anchorage about the fundamentals of family law and domestic violence and sexual assault. This free training covers the basics of gender-based violence, trauma-informed client approaches, and an introduction to family law. ANDVSA also regularly hosts training webinars and has a library of training webinars on our volunteer resource website.
Do you provide malpractice insurance?
Yes, ANDVSA provides malpractice insurance to our volunteers and contract attorneys.
Does ANDVSA cover case costs?
Yes, ANDVSA can cover case costs in your pro bono case.
Do I need to be licensed in Alaska to volunteer?
No, you do not! Under Alaska Bar Rule 43.6, attorneys licensed in other states may practice pro bono in Alaska under the supervision of a qualified legal services provider such as ANDVSA.
Volunteer Spotlight — September, 2026
Stacy Walker
ANDVSA is proud to recognize Stacy Walker as our Volunteer Attorney of the Month and celebrate her remarkable 22 years of providing pro bono legal services through the network.
Stacy began volunteering after one of her law partners, then a fellow associate, became involved with ANDVSA. Although Stacy was not practicing family law at the time, she felt confident stepping into the work because ANDVSA promised—and delivered—the mentoring and support she needed.
Since then, volunteering has become an especially meaningful part of her career.
“It’s been incredibly rewarding,” Stacy shared. “I tend to hold on to these clients and make sure everything is wrapped up. I know them better than many of my other clients because, to defend them, you have to understand them and their circumstances. They are very grateful and appreciative of the work, and it’s nice to give back.”
Stacy’s legal career has taken her across several areas of law, including veterans’ appeals, military law, public defense, civil defense, and personal injury defense. She grew up around the world but has long-standing connections to Alaska and has called the state home since 1999. She attended BYU for both her BA and JD.
For attorneys considering volunteering with ANDVSA, Stacy encourages them to trust that support will be available while also being mindful of their capacity when accepting their first few cases.
“Be careful that you don’t bite off more than you can chew,” she advised. “Trust that you’re going to have the support you need. My experience has been that, when judges know you are handling a case pro bono, they are patient and understand that you may be learning a new area of law.”
Stacy also sees pro bono service as an opportunity for attorneys to grow professionally while helping people who might otherwise be unable to afford legal representation.
“There’s an expression I think about often: ‘What the mind doesn’t know, the eyes can’t see.’ Educating yourself and doing pro bono work opens you to an area of law you may not have been aware of before. If you don’t educate yourself, you can’t see the issue. The more we expand our areas of expertise, the better lawyers we become.”
As Stacy looks ahead to retirement, she hopes to continue giving back through volunteer opportunities that allow her to take on discrete legal matters, such as protective order cases. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, knitting, and sewing.
ANDVSA is deeply grateful for Stacy’s 22 years of service, her commitment to survivors, and her belief in the power of pro bono work to make attorneys and Alaska’s communities stronger.
Attorney Volunteer Application
Fill out the application below to apply to be an attorney volunteer.