Volunteer Lawyer for the Day Program - Civil
Prospective Volunteer Attorneys
General Overview
How It Works
Training & CLE Credits
Volunteer Commitment
The Volunteer Lawyer for the Day (VLFD) Program offers unrepresented litigants in Consumer Debt proceedings the opportunity to have lawyers represent them during their appearance in the Civil Court. The program is currently operating in the Civil Courts of New York, Kings, Queens, Bronx, and Richmond Counties. Participating lawyers provide unrepresented litigants with limited scope representation.
By volunteering, lawyers help some of the thousands of unrepresented Consumer Debtors in financial distress. Volunteer lawyers can find out what it is like to be a courtroom lawyer, even if they do not have litigation experience. Volunteer lawyers can develop client interviewing and courtroom skills.
For more information, contact: Laurie B. Milder, Esq., Special Counsel, NYS Courts Access to Justice Program at (646) 386-5850 or email VLPCIVIL@nycourts.gov.
In the VLFD Program, the volunteer lawyer and the client meet the morning of the court appearance and sign a retainer agreement for just that day's appearance. The lawyer files a Limited Notice of Appearance with the Court. The lawyer then appears on the litigant's behalf for the day. Volunteer lawyers are supervised by a knowledgeable attorney program coordinator who reviews cases, discusses strategy and approves stipulations. The representation is complete at the end of the day, whether the case is resolved or not.
The VLFD Program offers volunteer lawyers free CLE, which includes topics covering ethics and professionalism and areas of professional practice.The subjects of the CLE seminar are:
- Consumer Debt Law
- The Court process and key motions
- Substantive Defenses
- Ethics
Lawyers must complete the seminar to participate in the VLFD Program. Training sessions take place throughout the year. DVD re-plays are available to both law firms and solo practitioners upon request.
To find out about the next scheduled session email: vlpcivil@nycourts.gov or call 646-386-5425.
In exchange for CLE credit, volunteers agree to provide two mornings of volunteer service in the Civil Court within six (6) months of training. Experienced attorneys may received additional CLE credits for their pro bono service. The Court provides indemnification for all volunteers.
