Join GLA’s database of over 1000 volunteer attorneys who provide legal assistance to artists, arts organizations, and inventors across the state!
Due to the volume of calls and demands for services, GLA is always in need of new volunteer attorneys in a variety of practice areas.
How do I become a volunteer attorney?
Just fill out the Attorney Membership Form and let us know what kind of cases you would like to receive. You can choose to be a member or volunteer.
How do I get a Pro Bono Case?
Georgia PATENTS sends out a bi-weekly newsletter with available patents cases. The case list is also available on our website on the Available Patents Cases page. When we have a case that is a good fit with your practice area, we will email the case number and details to you for consideration. If you have time to assist this particular client, you can accept the case. You will only receive calls for the areas indicated on the Attorney Information Form.
If you agree to take a pro bono case, we will forward your contact information to the client, who will contact you directly. GLA will send monthly update emails to check the progress of the case.
Am I the client’s general counsel?
No, patents cases are assigned solely for the completion and filing of a patent application. You are not required to assist the client with new legal issues related (e.g. appealing an application) or unrelated (e.g. trademarking a name for the invention) to the application on a pro bono basis. Clients should contact GLA for any new issues that arise, but you may agree to take on the additional work, if you desire.
What do I do when I complete my representation?
At the completion of your representation, you must fill out our online Pro Bono Report, which we will provide in our monthly update emails.
The completion of this form is necessary for several reasons. GLA uses this information to track the hours and value of the services GLA provides, which helps us obtain grants to continue our work and discover ways to improve our services.
Do I need malpractice insurance?
Georgia PATENTS may provide its volunteer patent attorneys with legal malpractice insurance. Please contact Georgia PATENTS for additional information.
Georgia PATENTS requires all its volunteer patent agents to be covered by legal malpractice insurance. Due to the cost, Georgia PATENTS cannot provide malpractice insurance coverage for our volunteer patent agents. However, your own insurance should cover your pro bono work. Check with your carrier to make sure of your coverage.
What about clients that do no qualify for free legal services?
We frequently have clients who do not qualify for pro bono services. While GLA is able to offer paid referrals to arts clients, Georgia PATENTS does not offer any services to those not financially qualified.
What is the difference between volunteer and member attorneys?
Attorney membership brings several benefits. As stated above, if clients do not meet the pro bono threshold, we still offer placement services as paid referrals. Our attorney members are the only ones who can receive these paid referrals. Attorney members also have the opportunity to have their name and firm featured on the website. Finally, attorney memberships help us continue providing our services the arts and inventor communities.