We are reaching out for volunteers for a new initiative co-sponsored by the Queens County Bar Association. CLARO, the Civil Legal Advice and Resource Office, will be a new pro se clinic for people facing debtor cases in Queens Civil Court.

On the evening of Monday, November 5th we will be presenting a CLE seminar/training session for CLARO volunteer attorneys. Those who agree to volunteer for two CLARO clinic sessions (6 hours) will receive CLE credits for attending the seminar and can receive additional CLE credits for their service at CLARO. The seminar will be free for those volunteering for CLARO. Refreshments and parking will also be provided.

The CLARO program will not involve volunteer attorneys "taking" any of the debtor cases and appearing in court. CLARO legal assistance will be limited to the information and advice which is provided to the pro se litigant during the clinic session. No CLARO volunteer attorney will be "picking up" any cases during their CLARO volunteer hours. All persons seeking assistance at CLARO will be required to sign waiver forms which make clear the limited scope of the counseling received {Rule 1.2(c) of the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct allows lawyers to limit the scope of their representation; also see NY DR 7-101(B)(1)} CLARO will not provide assistance for bankruptcy.

CLARO Volunteer Panel Features

Free CLE credits for training seminar

Pro Bono/CLE credits for service

Volunteer commitment is only for 2 CLARO sessions (2 Friday afternoons - total of 6 hours)

Volunteer attorneys make no court appearances or take other outside work for CLARO visitors

CLARO will be located at Queens Civil Court (not staffed by court personnel)

Please forward this notice to your firm's attorneys. We can use their help. If your firm cannot provide volunteer lawyers for this project we can always use financial support for this new initiative to help defray the cost of equipment, supplies and administration. Thank you for your time and cooperation.

Mark Weliky
Pro Bono Coordinator & Director
Queens Volunteer Lawyers Project
Queens County Bar Association
90-35 148th Street
Jamaica, N.Y. 11435
(718) 291-4500 (718) 739-4100
FAX 657-1789