The criminal justice system can be daunting. In fact, for lay persons, particularly those experiencing trauma, it is nearly unnavigable. Accessible legal representation is critical if victims’ rights are to be meaningful. Unfortunately, many victims are unable to access the attorneys they need. The National Alliance of Victims’ Rights Attorneys & Advocates (NAVRA), a Project of the National Crime Victim Law Institute (NCVLI), now has the first national, victims' rights-focused Pro Bono Portal to address that gap. NAVRA.org is a hub that hosts victims' rights trainings and resources for pro and low bono attorneys; provides organizations a way to post cases in order to secure the legal services their clients need; and places pro and low bono attorneys on to these cases. This session will identify how organizations can gain access to NAVRA's Pro Bono Portal in order to post a case; explain the attorney enrollment process; and overview how matching posted victims' rights cases with effective pro and low bono representation can overcome barriers in victims' access to justice in underserved areas. Whether you are an attorney looking to volunteer, an organization serving victims in need, or a program manager seeking to increase your organization’s reach – this session is for you.

This project is supported by Grant No. 2017-VF-GX-K130, awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this Project are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.