Retired Lawyers Help Low-Income Clients for Free Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again. × Search search POPULAR SEARCHES SUGGESTED LINKS Join AARP for just $9 per year when you sign up for a 5-year term. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Leaving AARP.org Website You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

Retired Lawyers in 43 States Help Low-Income Clients for Free

In a growing national trend retirees are induced to serve others many of them elderly

Getty Images . In the widow’s case, he was able to work with the lender to modify the terms. “They were able to come up with a payment she could afford,” he says. “She was able to stay in her home.” Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Parman is one of a growing number of retired lawyers nationwide who assist people who can’t afford legal representation. According to the American Bar Association, at least 43 states now have programs that confer special “emeritus” status to older attorneys, often giving them a break on licensing fees and continuing-education requirements if they provide services pro bono. In New York state retired lawyers pledge to donate 30 hours of legal work a year, but some do 1,000 hours, says Cora Vasserman, coordinator for the Attorney Emeritus Program. The program places volunteers with legal aid organizations, which train them to help clients with landlord-tenant problems, consumer concerns, divorces and everyday matters that ex-corporate lawyers might be unfamiliar with. They also may mentor younger staff attorneys. “It’s not the same challenge, in terms of legal problem-solving, that I had in my career,” Parman says. “But it’s a different sort of satisfaction, because you’re helping someone who is sitting there beside you.” AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS