TLS Ask-A-Lawyer Application Guide

I. DO YOU FEEL CONFIDENT THIS IS THE VICTIM, NOT THE OFFENDER?

    Yes. – Determine what the legal need is (not the solution, just the problem), to the best of your ability, and continue.

    No. –Do not offer legal services. STOP HERE. Talk to MOD to determine plan of action for other services, if any.

II. IS THERE AN UPCOMING TLS CLASS THAT COVERS THE LEGAL ISSUE?

    Yes. – Register client in class through online application portal.

    No. – Continue if client would like to apply for a 45-minute appointment with an attorney.

III. DOES THE CLIENT ALREADY HAVE AN ATTORNEY HELPING THEM WITH THIS ISSUE (EVEN IF THEY DON’T LIKE THEM)?

    Yes. – Do not offer an Ask-a-Lawyer appointment. STOP HERE.

    No. – Continue if client would like to apply for a 45-minute appointment with an attorney.

IV. WHICH ATTORNEY SHOULD I CHOOSE FOR AN ASK-A-LAWYER APPOINTMENT?

A. Determine the following:

    1) Is there a connection to the military? “Connection to the military” can be due to the client or offender’s military status, or due to the location of the offense (on base).

    Yes. – Consult Military Attorney’s calendar AS LONG AS sexual assault and/or protection order are the main issues (not divorce as main issue).

    2) Is there a connection to a school? “Connection to a school” can be due to the client’s status as a student, or due to the location of the offense at a school (generally College or University level).

    Yes. – Consult Higher Ed Attorney’s calendar AS LONG AS sexual assault and/or protection order are the main issues (not divorce as main issue).

B. If “no” to both “1” and “2,” determine the following:

    3) Is the client indigent? “Indigent” means that the Client’s income is less than 125% of Federal Poverty Level Guidelines. Determine to the best of your ability, based upon what you know.

    Yes. – Consult Family Law Attorney’s calendar AS LONG AS the current legal issue is caused by current or recent domestic violence (generally will relate to family law issues and protection orders).

C. If “no” to all 3, consult Legal Service’s Director calendar.

***Please consider discussing with MOD to make sure there is an appropriate legal need before completing this application. At the very least, client should be a victim of DV or SA that you feel falls within TESSA’s mission and who is somehow not fitting in the criteria in 1-3.

V. WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE ONLINE APPLICATION?
You can access the application by selecting an appointment time slot on your selected attorney’s calendar.

A. It’s only an application. While the attorneys are able to meet with almost everyone who applies, there are various reasons they may not be able to meet with the client.  They will contact client to let them know ahead of time if that’s the case.

B. It’s not public. TESSA attorneys are here for folks who are TESSA clients and who have already met with an advocate (or are meeting with you now).  Please do not share the link with anyone who is not TESSA staff.  It is important to keep it internal to TESSA to ensure that appointments are available for those who are seeking services with TESSA, and to ensure that offenders are screened out.

C. The attorneys all work together, so no need to apply with multiple attorneys. Please choose only one attorney.  Once the attorney meets with the client, if they feel the client could benefit from meeting with another TESSA attorney, they’ll make that happen.

D. Attorneys open time slots as their schedules allow. Each attorney will choose appointment slots based upon the other responsibilities on their calendars. They’ll update every week or so.

 E. You MUST include the client and offender’s first and last names in the application for conflict checks.

It’s also best if there’s at least one safe method of communication listed in case the attorney needs to cancel or reschedule the appointment. Please fill out all requested information to the best of your ability and considering the safety of the client.  It helps the attorney be prepared to make the most of the meeting.  Attorneys do not have access to SalesForce for ethics reasons.

F. Reminders and what to bring.

If the client applies for an Ask-A-Lawyer session, please help them by writing down a reminder note of the date and time.  Please also ask them to bring any court documents they want to talk about.

G. Here’s where to find the applications:

    1. Military Attorney Calendar:
    2. Family Law Attorney Calendar: NONE
    3. Higher Ed Attorney Calendar:
    4. Legal Services Director Calendar: COMING SOON