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Pro Bono Opportunities

Pro Bono Opportunities for Attorneys Interested in Giving Back to Central New York

Want to make a difference in your community? Below are two ways to get involved as a volunteer:

Individual Cases to assist low-income community members; and
Limited Scope Legal Clinic opportunities -- where you can volunteer a few hours of your time to help multiple clients.

Use the filters below to find cases you are interested in and click the "I'm interested" link to tell us more about yourself.

By submitting this form, you’re not committing to anything yet. This will allow you to learn more about this opportunity. Not seeing the opportunity you want? Sign up for our mailing list on the bottom of this page. We will keep you informed about what's happening at VLPCNY.

This pro bono opportunities page was made possible by the generous support of the New York Bar Foundation.

Seeking volunteer attorneys to assist clients at the 5th Judicial Districts Help Center’s legal advice clinic on Wednesdays from 930-1130 am. Clinic is housed at the Law Library on the 5th floor of the courthouse at 401 Montgomery Street Syracuse. The purpose of the Help Center clinic is to assist members of the community that have simple legal questions or concerns that cannot be answered by the Court Help Center advocates. Member of the VLPCNY staff are always at the Courthouse on Wednesdays as well to provide volunteers with backup in the event that they have a client or practice area issue. VLP also has an on- demand CLE recording to train volunteers for the Help Center. If you would like to participate in this vital community resource, please feel free to fill out our volunteer inquiry or email Pauline Smith at psmith@vlpcny.org

Case Attributes:
Limited Scope Clinic

I'm interested »

Volunteers being sought for a walk in clinic providing advice and counsel to tenants in matters involving eviction defense, habitability and general housing matters. VLP will provide training on all issues related to eviction and general tenant’s rights and forms. Clinic dates and time are TBD.

Case Attributes:
Limited Scope Clinic

I'm interested »

Attorney volunteers who are veterans are being recruited to assist at a monthly legal clinic at the Veterans Center.

Case Attributes:
Limited Scope Clinic

I'm interested »

The Debt Clinic seeks volunteers interested in providing advice and counsel and simple form preparation assistance to community members on matters related to debt. Volunteers in this program will be trained in general debt collection defense and will be supported by experienced VLP staff. Clinics are held on the third Monday of each month from 2-4 at the Mundy Branch Library.

Case Attributes:
Limited Scope Clinic

I'm interested »

The Surrogate’s Court Clinic seeks volunteers to assist low-income community members by offering advice and information about small estates, 17-A Guardianship, Power of Attorney, Wills, and other Trusts & Estates issues. Attorneys may also be asked to help clients fill out petitions for small estate matters. Clinics are held in-person (at 401 Montgomery Street) or via phone on Wednesdays by appointment. Volunteers must be experienced with estate law. Volunteers will be trained and supported by VLP staff.

Case Attributes:
Limited Scope Clinic

I'm interested »

Client is a small business person in Syracuse seeking assistance with forming an LLC for her yoga cooperative. Client provides services to low-income communities and focuses on bringing yoga to underserved populations. Client will pay all filing fees for the LLC.

I'm interested »

Client is a new entrepreneur seeking assistance with drafting a boiler plate contract, reviewing her lease and and explaining the legal process for syndication of a business. Client's business will be focused on helping the low-income BIPOC community become involved in real estate development in the City of Syracuse.

Case Attributes:
Time Commitment -- Less than 10 hours

I'm interested »

Client is a disabled entrepreneur seeking assistance with filing an LLC application and obtaining an EIN for her business. Client is a member of the EXITO program at the Wise Women's Business Center and her business will provide an opportunity for disabled artists to sell their products.

Case Attributes:
Time Commitment -- Less than 2 hours

I'm interested »

Young woman from Afghanistan is seeking asylum based on her father's work assisting the US government.

Case Attributes:
Time Commitment -- Over 10 hours

I'm interested »

Talk to a Lawyer Clinics operate at libraries and community centers throughout Central NY to help community members identify their legal issues, understand their rights, and obtain needed referrals. Each clinic is 2 hours long. We train on procedure and common substantive law issues.

Case Attributes:
Limited Scope Clinic

I'm interested »

The Family Court Clinic seeks volunteers to assist low-income community members complete petitions for custody, visitation & support so that they can successfully get into court to see family stability. No Family Court experience required -- we will train volunteers. Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/2b4rv8ym

Case Attributes:
Limited Scope Clinic

I'm interested »

Afghan asylum seeker in need of representation

Case Attributes:
Time Commitment -- Over 10 hours

I'm interested »

Afghan asylum seeker. Father is naturalized US citizen who worked with US government in Afghanistan. Client is too old to benefit from immediate relative petition, has claim based on relationship to his father.

Case Attributes:
Time Commitment -- Over 10 hours

I'm interested »

Client is an adoptive parent and a member of the LGBTQ community. Client and child are different races; client was denied rights to make medical decision for child by a hospital emergency room because child and parent did not appear to "match". Client's child suffered a delay in medical care as a result of this treatment. Client is seeking assistance in pursuing a claim against the hospital for discrimination.

Case Attributes:
Remote Opportunity

I'm interested »

Pro Bono Opportunities

Pro Bono Opportunities for Attorneys Interested in Giving Back to Central New York

Volunteer Lawyers Project of CNY, Inc.