We are the only organization exclusively dedicated to providing critical legal services—completely free of charge—to citizens, community groups, local governments, and environmental advocates working to protect the Chesapeake Bay, its rivers and streams, and surrounding communities. CLA also offers free legal support to numerous nonprofit organizations on matters related to local water quality within the Bay watershed.
CLA harnesses the expertise of volunteer attorneys and law firms, providing legal assistance to individuals and organizations that would otherwise lack access to affordable representation.
CLA’s volunteer attorneys are highly experienced professionals from both private practice and the public sector, bringing a wide range of expertise to support our clients and protect the Chesapeake Bay.
With skilled legal representation from CLA, clients gain the tools and support needed to achieve meaningful, lasting improvements in their Bay communities.
We are the only Bay organization with the capacity to handle almost 100 legal projects each year through our impressive volunteer attorney network. We assist clients with a wide range of services, including enforcement and compliance actions for water and land pollution, reviewing permit applications, engaging in public participation processes, drafting educational materials, providing corporate support, and much more.
CLA volunteer attorneys provide legal assistance on a pro bono basis, meaning their services are typically free of charge. We evaluate whether potential clients can afford legal assistance on their own or qualify for free support. These volunteer attorneys donate their time to advance CLA’s mission and support clients like you. The scope of pro bono representation varies by project, but representation is generally provided at no cost. In a few cases, clients may be responsible for certain legal fees or may enter into a reduced-rate agreement with the attorney. Any such fees or costs are clearly discussed before any agreement is made. If you have questions about whether CLA can assist with your legal needs, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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If you have a water quality issue and need legal assistance, please fill out our form.
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After you reach out for legal assistance, you become a potential client. A CLA staff member will contact you to start the intake process, gather information about your situation, and determine how we can best assist you.
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We’ll gather details about your situation and help identify the type of legal assistance you may need. During this process, we’ll also determine if your matter aligns with CLA’s mission and whether we can provide the support requested. Once a decision is made, we will notify you about whether CLA can assist.
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If we determine that we can assist you, CLA will match your legal issue with an attorney from our network.
The Chesapeake Legal Alliance (CLA) coordinates a network of attorneys who provide pro bono legal services to individuals and organizations working to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers, streams, and communities. CLA volunteer attorneys work on a broad range of environmental, land use, public health, and corporate projects. We currently work with over 300 attorneys and 95 law firms in New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia.
Whether you are an active or retired attorney, in the public or private sector, CLA will match your skills, interests, and experience to a client or project in need of legal support. By volunteering, you can play a vital role in Bay restoration, helping individuals and organizations address water quality challenges.
Many attorneys in our network may not specialize in litigation or environmental law, yet each brings valuable skills and resources that significantly benefit the communities and organizations we serve.
CLA offers all of its volunteer attorneys protection under its malpractice insurance policy.
Litigation in state and federal courts
Representation of citizens’ groups in zoning cases and other administrative proceedings
Drafting and supporting changes in laws and regulations designed to improve the quality of the Chesapeake Bay
Many other projects that fit within CLA’s mission
Mergers
Contract review
Not-for-profit filings
Lobbying issues
CLA’s pro bono program offers both new and experienced attorneys the chance to develop and expand their legal skills while addressing critical gaps in environmental legal services across the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Participating law firms value the diversity of matters available, which span a wide range of practice areas, making it easy to match attorneys with projects aligned to their interests and expertise.
We understand that each firm’s pro bono program is unique, which is why our outreach is designed with flexibility in mind. This ensures that potential pro bono cases align with your firm’s internal program needs. If you’re interested in joining our volunteer network or learning more, please contact us. We’re also happy to visit your firm to speak with attorneys who may want to participate.
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To learn more, call us at (410) 216-9441 or email us at info@chesapeakelegal.org. If you're ready to volunteer, please complete the form below.
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You'll receive an introductory email with a Volunteer Agreement Form and informational packet, as well as a link to our Pro Bono Opportunities list, Research Opportunities list, and Litigation Training opportunities.
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Our portal offers a range of ways to get involved—cases, research projects, training sessions, and more. If you see a matter that interests you, just click the associated button, and Morgana Omaleki, our Pro Bono Coordinator and Staff Attorney, will be notified right away. You can also email her directly with any questions.
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Carefully review the materials we provide and confirm that you have no conflicts of interest with the client(s).
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CLA will share additional case details and coordinate a meeting with you and the client(s) to discuss the matter further and help you decide whether to proceed with the case.
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If both you and the client agree to proceed, CLA will draft a Placement Letter confirming that the matter is being placed with you and outlining the scope of representation. You will then provide the client with an engagement letter and representation agreement, and CLA can supply a draft if needed.
The Chesapeake Legal Alliance (CLA) coordinates a network of volunteers who provide pro bono scientific and technical services to individuals and organizations working to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers, streams, and communities. CLA expert volunteers work on a broad range of environmental, land use, and public health issues. We currently work with about 25 expert volunteers in New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia.
We rely on volunteer engineers, scientists, and other experts to advise on or serve as expert witnesses in a variety of matters. Whether you're in active practice or retired, or work in public or private sectors, your expertise can make a difference. We'll match your skills, interest, and experience to a client group in need of your assistance.
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To learn more, call us at (410) 216-9441 or email us at info@chesapeakelegal.org. If you're ready to volunteer your expertise, please complete the form below to get started.
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You'll receive an introductory email with information on any open requests for expert assistance.
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We'll provide additional case information and schedule a meeting with you, the client(s), and CLA to discuss the matter further and determine whether you want to move forward with providing expert assistance.
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If the case is within your expertise and you are interested in assisting, CLA will help you and the client(s) outline the scope of work you are willing to provide for the client’s matter.
