What is Mississippi Legal
Ambassadors?
Mississippi Legal Ambassadors is a volunteer-driven working group composed of highly-skilled attorneys who are interested in providing pro bono support to low income Mississippians living in legal deserts. Legal deserts are areas (primarily rural) in a state where there are no or a very limited number of attorneys causing citizens to drive long distances (if transportation is available) to seek legal representation. In many Mississippi counties, there are fewer than 10 attorneys, if any, practicing within the county leaving many Mississippians without access to legal representation and, thus, without access to justice. Mississippi Legal Ambassadors, who are selected to participate in this competitive program, will help alleviate this access issue. The ambassadors will receive extensive training on specialized areas such as expungements and domestic violence. The training will provide cultural competence training for the Ambassadors as the Ambassadors will interact and provide support to individuals in rural, impoverished communities.
Who
Should Apply?
Mississippi Bar members with a passion for justice and service are highly encouraged to apply. The selection process will be competitive based on submitted resumes and letters of reference. No more than 12 attorneys will be selected per year to participate in this program.
What
is the Cost?
This program is free to the selected Ambassadors through a grant from Delta Health Alliance.
How Do I Apply?
Interested members must submit a cover letter (not to exceed one (1) page) and resume (not to exceed two (2) pages) and one letter of recommendation. The information must be sent to gsanders@mvlp.org with the subject line “Mississippi Legal Ambassadors”.