Volunteer
VLPCNY is always looking for new volunteers to help provide free legal services. Learn more below.
Click HERE To View Pro Bono Opportunities for Attorneys Interested In Giving Back to Central New York
Below Are Examples Of Volunteer Roles Within Our Agency:
Attorneys: Click HERE to view pro bono opportunities for attorneys. VLPCNY offers remote, in-person, brief service and ongoing representation options for those interested in pro bono work. We provide training, malpractice insurance, supervision and support to volunteer lawyers. VLPCNY is a pro bono CLE provider. You may be eligible for (1) CLE credit for every (2) hours of pro bono service provided to low-income clients through our programs. For more informationn, visit the NY State Courts website on CLE credits here. Click HERE to download our volunteer manual. Sign up HERE to express an interest in volunteering.
Retired Attorneys: Did you know the New York State Unified Court System offers an “Attorney Emeritus” status for those in good standing, who are at least 55 years old, with a minimum of 10 years experience? During a two-year period, these volunteers commit to provide 60 pro bono hours of civil legal assistance under the auspices of a qualified legal service provider. VLPCNY is proud to be a host site for AEP. Sign up HERE to express an interest in volunteering.
50 Hour Pro Bono Requirement: Opportunities for those seeking to complete the required 50 hours of pro bono work are available between academic semesters (January, May, August, and December). To express interest in completing your 50 hour pro bono requirement with VLPCNY, please submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to mjohn@vlpcny.org. Please include “50 Hours Pro Bono” in the subject line. Due to the high volume of applicants, only those being considered will be contacted.
Law Students: Throughout the year, VLPCNY brings on Interns in a voluntary capacity. The participation of Interns is central to VLPCNY’s mission to engage the broader community in legal service to those in need. Interns may seek academic credit for their internship if they so choose. Interns may also seek independent funding or scholarships to support their internship with VLPCNY.
VLPCNY provides Access to Justice Fellowships as part of VLPCNY’s strategic priority to increase the pipeline to the legal profession for individuals who are passionate about advancing the cause of equity and racial justice in their work. Access to Justice Fellows will not become paid employees of VLPCNY. However, if funding allows, they may be offered a stipend from VLPCNY for an amount that will be mutually agreed upon prior to the commencement of the Fellowship. An Access to Justice Fellow may seek academic credit for their work with VLPCNY, such as through an externship program, regardless of whether or not a stipend is offered.
To be considered an Intern or Fellow, a person must commit to work regularly with VLPCNY for at least one of the following time periods: Spring Semester (January through April), Summer (May through August), or Fall Semester (September through December). A full-time Internship is for 35 hours per week and lasts 12-14 weeks. These internships are usually offered during the summer. The part-time internship will be for 10-15 hours per week over 14 weeks and are usually offered during the Spring and Fall.
Learn about our Access to Justice Fellowship HERE (applications accepted on a rolling basis). If you are a law student, please contact mjohn@vlpcny.org for more information on opportunities. Sign up HERE to express an interest in volunteering.
Paralegals/Other Professionals: Whether it's assisting with client intake, conducting legal research, providing referrals or screening cases, paralegals and other professionals play a critical role at VLPCNY. Sign up HERE to express an interest in volunteering.
Undergraduate Interns: VLPCNY offers a limited number of volunteer internships for undergraduate students interested in pursuing a law degree. Sign up HERE to express an interest in volunteering.
Interpreters/Translators: Language access is essential to ensuring that everyone can receive legal assistance, regardless of the language they speak. Volunteer interpreters and translators help bridge this gap by assisting with interpretation during client meetings and translating important documents. Whether you have professional interpretation and/or translation experience or are simply fluent in another language, your skills can make a meaningful difference. Opportunities are available for both in-person or remote interpretation and translation work. To express interest in volunteer interpretation and/or translation, please email mestrada@vlpcny.org.