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Office of the Attorney General
The Office of the Attorney General seeks volunteers from the
Delaware Bar to provide legal services that benefit the
public. Volunteer attorneys assist in a number of areas,
particularly criminal and family court litigation. Other
opportunities exist in civil law, consumer protection
enforcement, and senior abuse cases.
The Need
The wide range of legal issues the Office is charged with
addressing calls for much of the same legal expertise that is
the hallmark of the private and corporate Bar in Delaware. The
litigation skills, pleadings practice, and specific expertise
that volunteer attorneys bring in other areas all contribute
to helping the Office meet it mission to combat crime,
safeguard families, fight fraud, and protect consumers.
The most urgent need is litigation assistance in the Court of
Common Pleas and Family Court, where the Office is challenged
to provide the adequate resources to prosecute criminal cases,
while safeguarding the human rights of victim and witnesses
and the Constitutional rights of defendants.
Who can help?
This request is directed to members of the Delaware Bar
generally. However, attorneys in the best position to consider
a volunteer position may be those who have recently passed the
Bar but have not yet obtained legal employment, are preparing
to wind down a legal practice or are retired, are
transitioning between positions, or, after an absence, are
considering a return to the practice of law.
Is there a minimum time commitment for volunteers?
Volunteers may commit as much time as they choose. The Office
of the Attorney General requests that individuals be able to
commit at least one day of volunteer time per week.
Is training provided?
Yes. Training is determined by the professional experience and
background of each volunteer. For those who would like to
volunteer in the Court of Common Pleas, but have limited
background in criminal matters, several training sessions are
held to provide a necessary level of familiarity and comfort.
Experienced Deputy Attorneys General lead orientation and
training sessions and remain available afterward for liaison
and guidance.
What is the scope of volunteer attorneys’ authority?
That depends on each volunteer’s assignment. Volunteers
handling criminal matters in court, for instance, are sworn in
as Special Deputy Attorneys General with all concurrent
authority.
How are conflicts of interest addressed?
Volunteers who currently practice law or who have recently
retired may be faced with conflicts in certain cases. The
Office of the Attorney General works with them to screen the
potential for conflicts. Volunteers appropriately recuse
themselves from participation in such matters.
How to apply
Those who are interested in exploring a volunteer attorney
position should contact the Director of Human Resources,
Office of the Attorney General:
Address: Carvel State Building, 6th Floor, 820 N. French St.,
Wilmington, DE 19801
Phone: (302) 577-8873
Email: DOJHR@state.de.us
Fax: (302) 577-5866
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