Volunteer opportunities for attorneys

At The Legal Project, we offer a wide variety of volunteer opportunities that range from a once a month time commitment to full legal representation.  Hablamos Español

Legal Advice and Information

• Providing advice at legal clinics
• Conducting presentations at community organizations
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Legal Representation

• Family Court or matrimonial matters for domestic violence victims
• Bankruptcy
• Wills
• Appeals
• Real Estate
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Benefits of Volunteering

• Malpractice insurance
• Free CLE in exchange for pro bono work
• Ongoing training, mentoring, and support
• Use of The Legal Project’s office space to meet with clients
• *reimbursement of litigation expenses

*when available and must be pre-approved by The Legal Project

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Training /CLE Opportunities

New York State's Continuing Legal Education program, which was implemented through the collaborative efforts of the bench and the bar, seeks to enhance the New York Bar's proud tradition of professionalism in serving clients and the public. The Legal Project sponsors free CLE trainings throughout the year where attorneys can earn CLE credits in exchange for Pro-Bono work.

Please check back with us to find out about trainings and CLE oppportunities that will be held at The Legal Project.

Law Student & Paralegal Opportunities

Law Students and Paralegals are encouraged to help us at The Legal Project with clients in our pro bono programs.   Trainings and opportunities are available to aid us with our pro se divorce clinic and wills clinic programs.  Contact us at info@legalproject.org or give us a call for more information.

Internships

A variety of internship opportunities are available at The Legal Project for high school, college and law school students. We endeavor to provide a well rounded internship experience whether your interest is in the law, the not for profit sector, or if you just want some experience in an office setting.  Availability for these positions is limited. Let us know if you would like to interview to intern at The Legal Project.

Pro Bono Opportunities at The Legal Project

The Legal Project encourages and welcomes attorneys interested in doing pro bono work. The time commitment varies depending on the program, as does the training which may be required. CLE’s can be earned for work provided through many of our programs, as well as for trainings. Malpractice coverage is provided, and office space is available for you to meet with your clients on request. There is always someone available to answer your questions and to assist you in helping us meet the legal needs of our community.

Legal Representation Programs:

• The Domestic Violence Legal Connection provides free legal consultations and pro bono civil legal representation in family court matters.

• Domestic Violence Reduced Fee Program provides reduced-fee matrimonial representation to victims of domestic violence who fall outside income eligibility guidelines for pro bono assistance.

• Affordable Housing Attorney Assistance (AHAA) provides free and low cost legal representation to low income home purchasers.

• Bankruptcy & Credit Program provides free legal consults and free and low cost legal representation to individuals and families struggling with financial problems and debt.

• Homeowner Protection Program provides legal advice and representation to homeowners who are facing foreclosure, need assistance with settlement conferences, loan modifications, and other matters relating to foreclosure.

• Wills Project provides assistance in preparing Wills, Living Wills, Healthcare Proxies, Guardianship, and guidance with other end of life issues.

• Immigration Legal Network provides free, private, and confidential legal consultations and educational programs on various immigration issues.

Legal Advice and Information Programs:

• The Legal Clinic Program offers free, private, and confidential consultations with experienced attorneys at local community agencies.

• Legal Clinics for Veterans provides free consultations to veterans and active military personnel regarding civil legal issues that impact their reintegration into the community.

• Small Business Legal Network provides free legal consultations with attorneys and educational programs on small business legal issues for those interested in starting or expanding a small business.

• Legally Speaking Workshops offer free, custom designed education programs to community groups and organizations about many legal topics.

• Uncontested Divorce Clinics provide assistance with the preparation and filing of the necessary documents to low income individuals who are representing themselves in a divorce matter.

Attorney Training:

Professional Training of local attorneys in exchange for pro bono work increases the availability of legal assistance in the areas of domestic violence and affordable housing.

For more information, please contact:

Susan S. Pattenaude, Esq.Director of Pro Bono Services

The Legal Project
24 Aviation Road
Albany, NY 12205
(518) 435-1770
spattenaude@legalproject.org

 “Volunteering for the Legal Project representing victims of domestic violence in Family Court allowed me to gain valuable Court room experience. I owe my law practice to the Legal Project.  There is no greater joy for me in the practice of law then being able to help victims of domestic violence in Family Court and see justice prevail.  I urge all attorneys, especially newly admitted attorneys, to volunteer with the Legal Project.  You will not regret it.”  

“Monthly Legal Project clinics have been a regular part of my life since their inception. I have had the privilege of assisting hundreds of individuals with a variety of issues. The best part is seeing the relief on the faces as they leave. Knowledge is powerful.” 

“The pro se divorce clinic has been a great experience as well. I enjoy working with the student volunteers. The clinic provides them with a first opportunity to work with a client. It helps students develop practical skills as well as an affinity for pro bono service. They learn quickly the pleasure of helping without financial reward. The clinic provides an invaluable service to those who need a divorce but could never afford a lawyer.”

“The staff members of the Legal Project are like family, helpful, protective and there when you need them.”