Live Your Vocation

Attorneys for Justice

Pro Bono, Transformed

The practice of law has evolved—and so have the ways attorneys can live their vocation, serve their community, and make a difference. Founded in 2022 to help close the justice gap in Indian River County, Indian River Legal Aid was established to ensure no one faces legal challenges alone.

Service has always been at the heart of our profession—representing not only those who can pay, but those who need it most. For many, it’s why you became a lawyer: to uphold fairness, to give every family a fighting chance, and to bring justice home.

Today, pro bono work is more than “one client, one case.” It’s a movement. Across the country, attorneys are partnering with legal aid organizations and social service agencies to drive systemic change and close the justice gap—case by case, family by family.

Get involved in ways that fit your skills, time, and passions:

Whether you’re a new attorney or a seasoned practitioner, your skills and experience can make a real difference. Join the effort, be part of the movement, and help close the justice gap in Indian River County.

Represent a client who would otherwise not have legal representation

Offer counsel during an 
Advice & Referral session

Lead a free community 
legal workshop

Conduct a CLE for peers

Host a resource talk for 
community partners

Represent Legal Aid in 
the community

Teach a virtual session 
on social media

Develop legal tools for 
colleagues and the public

Attorney Advisory Committee

The Attorney Advisory Committee brings together distinguished members of the Indian River County Bar to guide, support, and amplify the mission of Indian River Legal Aid. Committee members share expertise to strengthen and shape our programs and services, serve as ambassadors of Indian River Legal Aid in the legal and civic community, and provide insight on strategy and operations to expand access to legal services.

Jeff P. Battista
The Grall Law Group

Samuel A. Block
Block & Scarpa

Adam Chrzan
Adam Chrzan, Attorney At Law

Mary Kate Clem
Block & Scarpa

Taylor Kennedy Lubas
Collins Brown Barkett

Holly A. Mantle
Law Office of 
Holly A. Mantle, PLLC

John E. Moore, III
Dean | Mead

Marcus A. Rogers
The Law Offices of 
Marcus A. Rogers

Michael D. Roy
Dean | Mead

William J. Stewart
Rossway Swan

Eva Lauer
Lauer Law, P.A.

Barbara Schlitt Ford
Executive Director 
Environmental Learning Center

Cynthia Hall
VanDeVoorde Hall Law

Megan Root
Collins Brown Barkett

Savannah Unruh
Block & Scarpa

christoper hicks

Christopher Hicks
Assistant County Attorney
Indian River County

Lisa Lazan
The Virga Law Firm

Charles Sullivan, Jr.
Attorney At Law

Frequently Asked Questions

What roles and opportunities are there for me?
At Indian River Legal Aid, every role matters. Opportunities range from brief, flexible commitments—like offering advice in a single session or presenting a workshop—to longer engagements, such as representing a client through their case. Whether you prefer teaching, mentoring, community outreach, or direct client work, there’s a role that fits your time and talent.
We welcome all levels of participation, and every hour makes a difference. Many of our attorneys contribute 20–30 hours of pro bono service a year, which aligns with the Florida Supreme Court’s aspirational goal of 20 hours annually. Whether you meet that benchmark through a single case, a few Advice and Referral sessions, or a mix of activities, your time and talent help ensure legal help for those who need it most in our community.
Getting started is simple. Complete our [Attorney Volunteer Form] or contact us at 772-410-4002 or smcgriff@giffordlegal.org. We’ll match you with opportunities that fit your interests and availability.
Yes. You always have the option to accept or decline a case referral. We’ll work with you to match opportunities to your expertise, practice areas, and schedule.
No. As the attorney of record, you remain responsible for your cases, and your own professional liability insurance applies. If you have questions about coverage, we encourage you to confirm with your carrier.
We set you up for success. Indian River Legal Aid offers training, mentorship, sample pleadings, case management tools, and staff support to help you serve clients effectively and efficiently. We also create co-counsel opportunities, pairing you with experienced attorneys when helpful. You’ll never be on your own—we’re here to back you up every step of the way.
Our goal is to ensure services are available to those who need them most. We follow federal income guidelines to determine eligibility for pro bono (no-cost) legal services. For individuals who do not fully qualify, many of our attorneys choose to offer low bono (reduced or subsidized rates) so they can still access affordable legal support.
Please connect them with Indian River Legal Aid—whether or not you decide to represent them yourself. This helps us track community needs, document pro bono activity, and, if needed, match the person with another attorney. Every referral strengthens our ability to show the impact of pro bono service in Indian River County. Share our intake link [insert link] or have them call our office at 772-410-4002. A member of our team will guide them through the process.
Indian River Legal Aid typically reimburses filing fees, service of process, and other costs incidental to representation. For any single expense over $500, we ask that you seek prior approval before incurring the cost. Whether you’re new to volunteering with us or a long-time supporter, we want you to feel confident, supported, and empowered to make a difference.

Volunteer Today for IRLA

Still have questions? Reach out—we’re here to help.