Abstract

This article presents the results of a research conducted by Iress in 2011 about the experience of the association Avvocato di Strada, volunteer «street» lawyers, in Emilia-Romagna Region, working on the purpose of allowing homeless and victims of trafficking to have full access to civil, political and social rights. The innovative experience has spread very quickly all over the Country, which arises some reflections about the reason of this success. At the same time, the role of volunteers has changed in contact with extreme poverty's multidimensional needs, arising some questions about their competences and «will» to satisfy non just legal but also, in some way, social instances.