Our Programs
The Commission runs a statewide program that provides free monthly legal help clinics via Zoom in communities across rural Colorado. People sign up through their local libraries to receive legal advice from an attorney for free. Monthly clinics are held in over 40 libraries and provide direct legal services to roughly 100 patrons per month.
This program brings law students eager to provide legal help to numerous Colorado communities in need of more lawyers. The internship program is designed to embed pairs of students in each community and build pathways to eventual careers. Last year, the program drew national interest, with more than 100 applicants from over 40 different law schools. Law students were warmly received by local legal communities and assist government and nonprofit organizations.
The Commission has launched the state's first-ever statewide resource center to support pro bono work. This virtual center's purpose is to facilitate coordination and collaboration across pro bono organizations, foster a culture of pro bono service in the legal profession, develop a stateside pro bono training and resource center, and respond to emergent legal needs in times of crises.
The successful passage of HB24-1286 resulted in the creation of a new fund for legal aid generated by modest court filing surcharges. Launched in January of 2025, the fund raised over $3M to be distributed annually in its first year as cash grants to qualifying Colorado nonprofit legal aid organizations. The fund is directed by a newly formed Equal Justice Authority Board for which the Commission staffs and administers the grantmaking process.