Introductory training for NYS attorneys to volunteer through CLARO Programs. CLARO Programs provide limited-scope legal services to unrepresented people on consumer debt collection matters. No prior experience required.

Fordham Law Schools Feerick Center for Social Justice operates four CLARO Programs in New York City: the Remote CLARO Program, Bronx CLARO, Manhattan CLARO, and Staten Island CLARO. Other partner organizations operate Brooklyn CLARO, Queens CLARO, and Westchester CLARO. The Feerick Centers CLARO training programs make qualifying attendees eligible to volunteer in all CLARO Programs.

CLARO Programs involve collaborations among bar associations, academic institutions, the courts, and legal services organizations. Volunteer attorneys provide limited-scope legal services to unrepresented defendants in consumer debt collection actions (filed almost exclusively in New York City Civil Court). Consumer law experts provide supervision and support; volunteer law students work alongside volunteer lawyers. This is a wonderful pro bono opportunity with a flexible time commitment.

CLARO clients benefit tremendously from the legal information, legal advice, and litigation document preparation the CLARO Programs provide. For more information, please email feerickcenter@fordham.edu. A Track II Training will be conducted on Friday, March 3, 2023, from 1pm to 4:30pm via Zoom webinar for experienced litigators and CLARO volunteers who have taken the Track I Training.

Participating Programs: Volunteers may serve with one of the following consumer debt pro se assistance programs, all of which provide limited-scope legal services to unrepresented individuals: Bronx CLARO; Brooklyn CLARO; Manhattan CLARO (will resume in 2023, currently not operating); Queens CLARO; Remote CLARO; Richmond County Bar Association, RCBA Volunteer Lawyers Project, Staten Island CLARO; Westchester CLARO.

For more information about the CLARO Programs, view a video here or email feerickcenter@fordham.edu.