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Volunteer Opportunities


Assigned Counsel Project ("ACP") Internship Program |   Volunteer Lawyers Program - Housing |   Volunteer Lawyer Program - Civil | Volunteer Lawyer for the Day Program - Housing | Volunteer Lawyer for the Day Program - Civil | Guardian Ad Litem - Housing | Small Claims Arbitrator | Court Navigator Program

The Appellate Divisions of the Supreme Court have promulgated Rule 6.5 of the Rules of Professional Conduct, effective April 1, 2009, to dispense with compliance with conflict of interest requirements in limited legal services programs where the attorney has no actual knowledge at the time of commencement of the representation that the representation of the client involves a conflict of interest.

The Civil Court needs you to V O L U N T E E R ! Read about the Pro Bono Programs listed below to see which opportunities interest you most.

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Assigned Counsel Project ("ACP") Internship Program

Help seniors with legal and social services needs at risk of eviction. Law students (1L, 2L, and 3L) commit to volunteering 50 hours on a semester basis or during the summer. A comprehensive training on residential landlord-tenant law, social services needs, and the ACP screening process is offered.

Contact: email ACPInternship@nycourts.gov or call 646-386-5428.

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Volunteer Lawyers Program - Housing

Help landlords or tenants with housing cases by providing advice. Attorneys commit to volunteering in any of the Civil Court's Help Centers throughout the city for a minimum of 20 hours over the course of 6 months. Free CLE training offered.

Contact: email VLPHousing@nycourts.gov or call 646-386-5428.

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Volunteer Lawyers Program - Civil Consumer Debt

Help un-represented litigants with their Consumer debt cases by providing advice. Attorneys commit to volunteering in the New York County Civil Court Help Center for a minimum of 20 hours within 6 months of training. Free CLE training.

Contact: Laurie B. Milder, Special Counsel, New York State Courts Access to Justice Program, at 646-386-5850, or email VLPCivil@nycourts.gov.

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Volunteer Lawyer for the Day Program - Housing

Help landlords or tenants with their nonpayment cases in the courtroom by negotiating settlements. Attorneys commit to volunteering a minimum of 20 hours over the course of 6 months in a Civil Court Housing Part. Free CLE training.

Contact: email VLFDHousing@nycourts.gov or call 646-386-5428.

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Volunteer Lawyer for the Day Program - Civil Consumer Debt

Help un-represented litigants who need help with their Consumer Debt Cases during their appearance in Civil Court. Attorneys commit to volunteering for 20 hours in Civil Court within six (6) months of training. Free CLE training.

Contact: Laurie B. Milder, Special Counsel, New York State Courts Access to Justice Program, at 646-386-5850 or email VLPCivil@nycourts.gov.

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Guardian Ad Litem Program - Housing

Advocate on behalf of mentally or physically impaired litigants facing eviction in landlord-tenant cases. Volunteer attorneys and non-attorneys commit to taking on a minimum of 3 pro bono appointments over the course of 1 year in any of the Civil Court's Housing Parts throughout the city. Free CLE training provided.

To learn more about how to apply to become a GAL and register for the next training, please go to Prospective Guardian Ad Litem Application Process.

Contact: Denise Colon-Greenaway, Esq., LMSW, Special Counsel for Court Based Interdisciplinary Programs, at 646-386-5408.

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Small Claims Arbitrator - Small Claims

Hear and decide small claims disputes. Attorneys choose which evenings, and how often they want to sit in any of the Civil Court’s Small Claims Parts throughout the city. Free 2 hour CLE training.

Please check back again soon for more information about becoming a Small Claims Arbitrator. Thank you.

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Court Navigator Program

Accompany unrepresented litigants during their court appearances in Housing Court and in the Consumer Debt Part of the Civil Court to provide non-legal support and assistance. Law students, college students, and other approved volunteers commit to serve a minimum of 30 hours within 3 months of their training. Volunteers must attend a training orientation before volunteering.

Contact: Courtnavigator@nycourts.gov

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