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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.

Low-income Grandparents seeking representation in a Grandparents’ visitation case before Court Attorney Referee Salvatore Pavone. Grandparents have been in grandchild’s life since birth and saw her daily up until an argument with the parents which prompted the parents to stop contact. Client's have a court appearance scheduled for November 13, 2023.

Case Attributes:
Time Commitment -- Less than 10 hours

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 »

Client is a 72 year old, Tully, NY resident. She seeking assistance creating a basic last will and testment and advanced directives for including a Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy and Living Will. Client has limited assets, is a widow, and has no children. She can meet with an attorney at an agreed location such as the attorney's office to execute paperwork. VLP can host client meetings are our offices as needed as well.

Case Attributes:
Time Commitment -- Less than 2 hours

I'm interested »

The Renter’s Rights Telephonic Clinic seeks volunteers willing to advise clients/tenants via telephone with regard to eviction petition defense, habitability issues and general tenants' rights. Calls can be scheduled at the attorney and tenants’ convenience and volunteers can assist clients from their workplace, home or other location of their choosing. Volunteers will be trained and supported by VLP staff.

Case Attributes:
Remote Opportunity

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 generally held in the evenings at public libraries in the City of Syracuse.

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 Cuban immigrant seeking attorney assistance with obtaining a green card through the Cuban Adjustment Act. Pro bono will assist with completing the required application.

Case Attributes:
Remote Opportunity

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.

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 »

Afghan asylum seeker. Was informally adopted and ineligible to benefit from family petition but afraid to return to Afghanistan due to the Taliban and family relationship.

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.