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PRO BONO

Pro Bono Opportunities for Attorneys

Volunteering pro bono at the Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc, is a great way to make a difference in the lives of low-income people, seniors, victims of violence, and others who can’t afford legal help when they need it most.

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Volunteer lawyers serve low-income clients from throughout our 13 county service area and help us to continue to meet our clients’ needs when funding for civil legal services is limited.

 

How Do Our Pro Bono Lawyers Serve the Public Good?

In 2019, volunteer private attorneys with our Private Attorney Involvement program completed 586 cases and accepted 674 new cases,

 

What Kinds of Pro Bono Opportunities are Available?

We are confident that we can match your area of interest with one of our many exciting pro bono opportunities. Here is a sampling:

  • Legal Helpline Telephone Counsel and Advice: Provide telephone counsel and advice on almost any civil legal matter of your choosing from the convenience of your home or office.

  • Attorney of the Day Programs: Provide counsel and advice in person at a pro bono clinic; Child Support, Consumer, Bankruptcy, Divorce, Elder Law, Housing, or Veterans clinics.

  • Pro Se Divorce Clinics: Instruct a pro se divorce clinic, assisting clients in filling out the uncontested divorce packet.

  • Simple Estate Planning: Draft simple wills, health care proxies, powers of attorney for clients who are ill or disabled.

  • Direct Representation: Represent clients in a variety of legal matters, including child support, bankruptcy, divorce, housing, public benefits, and more.

  • Mentoring Program: Serve as mentor or co-counsel on LASMNY cases.


NEW PROJECT ALERT

Binghamton City Court Eviction Project: Provide advice and/or representation to tenants in danger of eviction for nonpayment of rent at Binghamton City Court. We are looking for 25 new volunteers. Contact Arlene Sanders at (607) 231-5950 or asanders@wnylc.com

 

What Are The Benefits of Volunteering?

You will experience the personal reward of helping an individual in need. In addition, you will receive:

  • Malpractice Coverage through Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc.

  • Continuing Legal Education Credit

  • Pro Bono recognition at the local and state levels

  • Forms and Research

  • Training

  • Ongoing support from dedicated pro bono staff

  • Attorney Emeritus: Senior volunteers may also qualify for "Attorney Emeritus" status through the New York State Bar Association (see www.nycourts.gov/attorneys/volunteer/emeritus/)

Take Advantage of our Reverse Referral Program!

If you would like to assist one of your low-income clients pro bono through Legal Aid, we can do a phone intake and immediately tell you if they qualify. You will receive the same benefits as with a traditional referral.

 

How Do I Sign Up?

If you would like to provide pro bono work, please contact one of our dedicated staff members below. We will follow-up with you promptly to discuss opportunities that match your interest.

 

Arlene Sanders, Pro Bono Managing Attorney at (607) 231-5950 or Arlene.Sanders@LASMNY.org

 

Renee Kolwaite, Paralegal (Utica office) at (315) 793-7061 or Renee.Kolwaite@LASMNY.org

 

Pam MacLaren, Paralegal (Binghamton office) at (607) 231-5925 or Pam.MacLaren@LASMNY.org

 

We are here to support you and to ensure that your pro bono experience is positive and rewarding.

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