The New York State Unemployment Insurance Appeal Board is seeking to facilitate the representation of claimants in unemployment insurance hearings by engaging Pro Bono attorneys, Pro Bono activists and Pro Bono organizations in rewarding pro bono work.

Unemployment insurance is temporary income for eligible workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own and who are ready, willing and able to work and have sufficient wages in covered employment. By representing a claimant, attorneys would be practicing interviewing techniques and sharpening trial and cross examination skills while satisfying the State Bar's recommendation of 20 hours of pro bono work per year. This is a great opportunity for attorneys to build advocacy skills and life experience while assisting fellow New Yorkers who are confronting and dealing with the economic trauma of sudden unemployment by providing them, and their families, with much needed legal representation.

Pro Bono Attorneys: Attorneys who are interested in representing claimants for free are needed to represent claimants in unemployment insurance hearings.

Pro Bono Activists and Organizations: Individuals or organizations with knowledge of unemployment insurance are encouraged to contact us to coordinate programmatic approaches to provide representation. In addition, volunteers to process and assign cases to Pro Bono attorneys are needed.

Training: Attorneys or representatives with experience in Unemployment Insurance are needed to provide training to Pro Bono attorneys throughout the State.

Registered Representatives: If you are not an attorney, you may still represent claimants provided you are registered with the Appeal Board. If you wish to represent claimants, you will be referred to a non-profit organization that provides free representation.