Community Legal Services & Counseling

read moreDe Novo provides legal help in the areas of housing and homelessness prevention, family law/domestic violence, immigrant and refugee rights, and disability benefits, as well as a full range of mental health services and case management to help clients cope with the emotional impact of trauma. Our holistic model of care means clients not only receive effective legal assistance, but they are also better able to navigate the enormous struggles they face. De Novo provides many of its services through the efforts of over 140 volunteer attorneys, clinical social workers, psychologists, paralegals, interpreters, student interns and other professionals who together contribute over six hundred thousand dollars in direct services each year.

read moreExperiencing difficult and painful events in our lives can have an impact on our physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Sometimes we may feel overwhelmed by these experiences and unable to trust others or to see the world as a safe place. We believe that human beings aspire to live meaningful lives. The Counseling Program's goal is to help clients relieve their emotional distress while promoting empowerment, resilience, self-respect and self-confidence. Our approach is collaborative, seeking to build upon and maximize clients' strengths.

read morePro bono attorneys, paralegals, intake workers, interpreters and law students support the Legal Program through a variety of roles. Learn more about Legal Volunteers. Volunteer psychologists, social workers, interpreters, licensed therapists and graduate students counsel survivors of torture, violence and other trauma. Learn more about Counseling Volunteers. Professionals of all backgrounds volunteer in administrative roles to support our legal, counseling, development, and finance operations. Volunteers regularly help with major mailings or events, perform database updates, and work with filing systems, among other areas you may have expertise.