A Small Commitment, A Lasting Impact
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.”
— Elizabeth Andrew
On April 20, Governor Bob Ferguson proclaimed the week of April 19–25, 2026 as Volunteer Appreciation Week to recognize those who volunteer and to encourage others to make service part of their daily lives[1]. At KCBA, that reminder is especially meaningful. Every day, volunteer attorneys and legal professionals expand access to justice for individuals who would otherwise face the legal system alone. Their work not only resolves legal issues, but also restores stability, dignity, and opportunity.
As I began writing this month’s column during Volunteer Appreciation Week, I intended to highlight four KCBA programs with volunteer opportunities. However, the breadth of this work quickly made it clear that a full overview would exceed the available space. Instead, I decided to focus on two programs that offer particularly accessible and impactful ways to serve: The Records Project and the Neighborhood Legal Clinics. Both demonstrate how even a modest time commitment can produce meaningful results for clients and communities alike.
The Records Project provides free legal assistance to King County residents with conviction histories who cannot afford an attorney. Volunteer attorneys help clients vacate eligible convictions and reduce or waive legal financial obligations. These critical steps can remove long-standing barriers to employment, housing, and financial stability. Clients are pre-screened, and volunteers receive training, templates, and ongoing support, making the work approachable for attorneys at all stages of practice. Because much of the work is forms-based, it offers a clear entry point for those new to pro bono service while still offering substantive impact for experienced practitioners. Despite this accessibility, the need remains significant and eligible clients wait months, even years, for assistance. Increased volunteer participation is essential to ensure that these individuals have a meaningful opportunity to move forward.
The Neighborhood Legal Clinics (NLC) offer a different, but equally vital, form of service. Through this program, volunteer attorneys and licensed legal professionals provide brief advice and referrals on a wide range of civil legal issues, including housing, family law, consumer matters, employment disputes, and public benefits. In 2025 alone, more than 400 volunteers contributed over 2,600 hours of service, a 25% increase from the prior year. Unfortunately, demand continues to outpace available resources, underscoring the ongoing need for additional volunteers.
NLC provides legal services only through volunteer efforts, with no staff attorneys providing direct services. During a typical clinic shift, volunteers meet with clients for 30 to 60 minutes, answering legal questions, reviewing documents, or helping clients understand their options and next steps. NLC does not provide any ongoing representation, and volunteers are not expected to continue working with NLC clients outside of their clinic shift, allowing volunteers to make a meaningful impact within a limited and predictable time commitment. Many volunteers participate in a single two-hour shift per month, with flexibility to adjust based on availability. Both remote and in-person opportunities are available, and attorneys from all practice areas are encouraged to participate. The program also fosters professional connection and brings together a diverse network of practitioners committed to public service.
Both The Records Project and Neighborhood Legal Clinics demonstrate that meaningful pro bono work does not require a significant time commitment. With strong support in place, even limited availability can have a tangible impact, making these programs an accessible and rewarding starting point for those new to volunteering.
Although Volunteer Appreciation Week has passed, its message remains: volunteers may not have the time, but they have the heart. If you have been considering pro bono service, now is the time to act. Learn more about The Records Project in this month’s Pro Bono Spotlight at www.kcba.org/RecordsProject or contact Amy Mandin at amym@kcba.org. For the Neighborhood Legal Clinics, visit www.kcba.org/PBS or contact Devon Stark at DevonS@kcba.org. Watch for a follow-up article highlighting the two additional programs.
Kathleen Jensen is KCBA’s executive director, and she can be reached by email at kathleenj@kcba.org or phone at 206.267.7053.
[1] https://servewashington.wa.gov/news-
reports/gov-bob-ferguson-proclaims-volunteer-
appreciation-week-april-19-25-2026/
