volunteer with us
Volunteer as an interpreter or as a translator
Language Access Volunteers
Language access is the foundation of meaningful connection between legal advocates and the clients we serve. Without interpretation, justice remains out of reach. Interpretation and translation are rightfully expensive, reflecting the technical precision and lived experience providers bring to this work. That’s why we are especially grateful for the skilled volunteer interpreters who make VAAP’s work possible. Without volunteer interpreters and translators to supplement the services we pay for, VAAP would not be able to run.
I’M AN ATTORNEY. HOW CAN i HELP?
VAAP connects volunteer attorneys with Vermont residents navigating the immigration system. We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities to suit different practice styles, availability, and interests. Whether you can give a few hours or a few months, we have flexible, supported ways for you to make a real impact.
We’re also transparent about who we are: a new, remote-first, under-resourced nonprofit that’s growing fast out of necessity. We’re learning by doing, and we’re building a statewide legal defense infrastructure from the ground up. We provide malpractice insurance, training materials, and group-based mentorship to all pro bono volunteers. We are actively fundraising to build additional capacity—including coordination of a mentor attorney panel—to strengthen Vermont’s immigration legal safety net.
We are a particularly good fit for attorneys who are resourceful, tech-comfortable, and eager to learn by doing. Expect from VAAP mentors lots of care, compassion, humility, and good humor. Cultivating joy in resistence work is key! Download and review our standard VAAP-Pro Bono Memorandum of Understanding here.
Read on for details about the pro bono work we are currently supporting.
tAKE AN ASYLUM CASE
Provide full-scope representation to an individual or family in defensive asylum proceedings before the Immigration Court. Working independently or in groups, volunteers guide clients from their initial application (on USCIS Form I-589) through their merits hearing, supported by templates, sample filings, and weekly case rounds. Most cases have long periods of inactivity between deadlines.
Estimated Time Commitment: 10–15 hours/month (with fluctuations)
Best for: Attorneys seeking courtroom experience and long-term impact
attorney-for-the-day clinics
Contribute to clinic-style legal assistance on a one-day or short-term basis. These structured opportunities are ideal for attorneys who want to contribute meaningfully without taking on a full case. Clinics are fully coordinated and supervised by VAAP staff, and training materials are provided in advance. Current formats include preparation and filing of affirmative defensive asylum applications (on USCIS Form I-589); legal guidance on motions to change venue or procedural filings; employment authorization document applications and renewals (on USCIS Form I-765); and asylum interview preparation and in-person accompaniment at USCIS Colchester.
Estimated Time Commitment: 4–6 hours/clinic, including preparation
Best for: Attorneys seeking short-term, high-impact opportunities with clear deliverables
Offer research or writing
Support asylum and humanitarian claims through focused, discrete legal writing and research. Projects may include motions to change venue, prosecutorial discretion requests, or argumentative briefing for use by VAAP or pro se applicants. This is a flexible, high-leverage opportunity for volunteers who enjoy analytical work.
Estimated Time Commitment: 3–10 hours/project
Best for: Legal writers, issue-spotters, and attorneys seeking flexible engagement
bond motion clinics (NEW!)
Coming soon, help prepare and argue Motions for ICE Custody Redetermination (bond motions) before Immigration Judges for detained Vermont residents. VAAP will provide templates, filing guides, case pairing, and mentorship through group case rounds. These motions challenge detention and seek release on bond, functioning similarly to bail motions in criminal court.
Estimated Time Commitment: 15–20 hours/project
Best for: Litigators or attorneys interested in developing detention defense skills
Petitions for Writs of Habeas Corpus (NEW!)
Coming soon, join VAAP’s new initiative to support the filing of habeas corpus petitions in federal court. These cases challenge the legality of prolonged or unlawful immigration detention. Volunteers will receive procedural guidance and mentorship from VAAP staff and collaborating experts, including Attorney Dawn Seibert of the Vermont Prisoners’ Rights Office, Professor Brett Stokes of the Center for Justice Reform Clinic, and Monica Allard of the ACLU of Vermont.
Estimated Time Commitment: Varies depending on case complexity and role
Best for: Attorneys with federal court experience or interest in constitutional and civil rights litigation
Not an attorney?
Awesome! If you are a law, graduate, or undergraduate student interested in working with VAAP for academic credit or an internship placement, learn more here.
If you are a multilingual language speaker interested in volunteering with VAAP as an interpreter or translator, express interest here.
If you bring other skills, energy, and expertise, please contact one of our community partner organizations who coordinate resource generation, rapid response, and other forms of support and solidarity for Vermont’s immigrant communities.