NYC Pro Bono Center February 2008 Newsletter
Monday, February 25, 2008
- Organization: NYC Pro Bono Center
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February's Outstanding Volunteers
Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP played a pivotal role in achieving a resounding court victory for impoverished elderly and disabled immigrant New Yorkers. Learn more
Since 2005, attorneys from Dechert LLP have zealously represented homeless families through the City Bar Justice Center's Legal Clinic for the Homeless. Learn more
We welcome your contributions! To nominate an outstanding volunteer, send an email describing the pro bono case or project to tmessina@probono.net
New Case Opportunities
Exploited Guatemalan Housekeeper Needs Supplemental Trust to Preserve Public Health Insurance
Legal Aid Society negotiated a settlement for $25,000 for this domestic worker who was not paid in compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act and New York Labor Law. However, the settlement cannot be finalized because the award would jeopardize the client's Medicaid benefits, which are crucial to treat serious medical conditions, including a brain tumor. Learn more
Victim of Domestic Violence Needs Help with Divorce
New York Legal Assistance Group seeks representation for Ms. J who would like to proceed with a divorce action, and also needs assistance with motions for custody, child support and spousal support. Some discovery regarding Mr. J's pension and any debts will be required (there are no other known assets). Learn more
Research Assistance to Determine Whether the Privatization of "Public" Functions Relieves the City or State from Following Traditional Rulemaking Procedures.
Legal Aid Society seeks pro bono assistance to research the following question: Do either the City or State Administrative Procedure Act apply to a private vendor who contracts with the City or State for the provision of services or performance of functions that, if provided or performed by the City or State, would be subject to the rulemaking provisions of either Act? Learn more
Click here to see the full listing of available cases.
New Resources Available in the Library
Updated Legal Aid Society Training Materials
The Legal Aid Society has been updating its training materials based on their 2007-2008 training series. Find updated materials for Immigration Remedies for Domestic Violence Victims and for Wills and Estates.
Click here to see more training materials.
Upcoming Trainings
February 26: Ethical Challenges in Pro Bono Representation
Participate in a dialogue about ethical concerns for pro bono attorneys. The session will cover the ABA Cannons, Model Codes and Rules, NY Code, Re-Statement, and ethics opinions. Attendees will work on hypothetical scenarios highlighting the establishment of the attorney/client relationship, retainers, conflicts of interest, confidentiality, privilege, and termination of clients. Learn more
February 26: Advancing Human Rights: Collaborations between Human Rights Clinics and Law Firms
New York City Bar Association's International Human Rights and Pro Bono Committees invite you to a presentation that will address possible benefits and challenges for collaborations between law school clinics and law firms. Learn more
March 6: Pro Bono Opportunities Day 2008
The NYC Bar Pro Bono and Legal Services Committee, Corporate Counsel Pro Bono Coordinators, Pro Bono Net, and City Bar Justice Center present Pro Bono Opportunities Day 2008! The program will include a panel presentation on models and approaches for pro bono representation, and a reception will immediately follow the panel discussion. Representatives from a large and diverse group of legal service providers will be on hand to provide information about opportunities for all lawyers to perform pro bono and other public service work. Learn more
Click here to view the full calendar of pro bono events
and training opportunities.
Pro Bono News
Veterans Assistance Project: Successfully Serving Our Vets
On Monday, February 11, the City Bar Justice Center's Veterans Assistance Project held its third Veterans Clinic. About 30 veterans attended the clinic and were assisted by volunteer attorneys from firms across New York City. To date, the Veterans Assistance Project has assisted approximately 80 veterans. Learn more
New York City Bar Association 2008 Legal Services Awards- NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS!
The New York City Bar Association is now soliciting nominations for the Nineteenth Annual Legal Services Awards. Sponsored by the Legal Services Awards Committee, the Association will present up to five awards of $500 each to winners working full time in providing direct legal services to low income clients. Nominations are duce by Monday, March 31. Learn more
Click here to read more pro bono news.
