Welcome to the October 2014 NYC Pro Bono Center newsletter, the 15 year anniversary edition! Read on to learn about the latest pro bono news, volunteer opportunities, upcoming trainings, and new helpful resources. This month we're focusing on the Unaccompanied Minors Crisis, the legal community's response, and how you can get involved.
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Pro Bono News
CBJC Honors APBCo for their Innovative Service Delivery Model
The City Bar Justice Center highlights the Association of Pro Bono Counsel's (APBCo) Small Business Legal Academy, an innovative model of assisting small business owners and micro entrepreneurs. The next SBLA is November 19th at Brooklyn Law School. Learn more
Pro Bono Net Celebrates 15 Years!
Pro Bono Net celebrated its 15 year anniversary on September 23rd with a reception at Latham & Watkins. The event also honored Michael A. Cooper, Pro Bono Net's Founding Board Chair. As the featured speaker, Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman remarked that "we need new and innovative ways to combat the justice gap...and that is what Pro Bono Net is all about." Learn more and watch our video!
NLP Members Give Back at July Resume & Job Search Workshop
In July, The Legal Aid Society's Employment Law Unit & New Leadership Program hosted a one-day workshop at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom LLP, providing free resume counseling and tips to help LAS clients regain employment. Learn more
Click here to read more pro bono news.
Unaccompanied Minors Crisis
Volunteer at a Pro Bono Clinic!
Volunteer to assist unaccompanied minors at clinics hosted by The Legal Aid Society, The Door, and Make The Road New York. Opportunities are available for both attorneys and non-attorneys, and the clinics are open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays throughout October. This is a great opportunity to make a difference in this crisis. Learn more
Greenberg Traurig is Leading Project Protect in Response to the Unaccompanied Minors Crisis
Project Protect, a new collaboration between Greenberg Traurig, Pace Community Law Practice, the Westchester Hispanic Coalition, and the Westchester Bar Association seeks to train, supervise, and mentor volunteer attorneys representing unaccompanied minors. Learn more
In-Depth SIJS/Advanced Family Law Topics
On October 27th, come to NYLS for an introduction to removal proceedings and special considerations for working with immigrant youth. The program will include an in-depth discussion of the family court process necessary to secure custody or guardianship orders, as well as the special findings orders that are a predicate for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. Asylum will also be addressed, as well as other common forms of relief from removal for minors. Learn more
Unaccompanied Minors Resources
Want to get up-to-speed on helping unaccompanied minors, but not sure where to begin? Check out the NYC Pro Bono Center's new collection of resources on assisting UAC! Learn more
Read more about the UAC Crisis in NY
Outstanding Volunteers
Debevoise & Plimpton Partners with LAS' Community Development Project
Two Debevoise & Plimpton first year associates worked with The Legal Aid Society's Community Development Project to help a low-income entrepreneur start a day care center, Young Hearts and Minds. Learn more
Volunteer Attorney Helps Save the Home of a Hospitalized Client
CBJC honors Oscar Straus III for his work with the Center's Elderlaw Project, where he has helped 19 clients prepare crucial life-planning documents and served as a Project speaker on life-planning issues. Learn more
NYLPI's Marnie Beck, a "Lawyer Who Leads by Example"
The New York Law Journal recognized Marnie Berk, NYLPI's Director of Pro Bono Programs, as a "Lawyer Who Leads By Example" for "her outstanding record of providing crucial legal services to poor or nearly poor New Yorkers." Learn more
We welcome your contributions! To nominate an outstanding volunteer, send an email describing the pro bono case or project to info@probono.net
New Opportunities
Volunteer at the Access to Benefits (A2B) Hotline
The Legal Aid Society is expanding the Access to Benefits (A2B) Hotline to include immigration matters and is looking for volunteer assistance to help staff the newly expanded initiative. The immigration portion of the A2B Hotline will be open for calls every Monday and Friday from 9:30am to 12:30pm and is run from the Society's 199 Water Street location.
The Legal Aid Society is also looking for volunteer assistance to help staff the general A2B hotline, which is open for calls on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:30am-12:30pm and is also run from 199 Water Street. Learn more
Click here to see more available opportunities.
Upcoming Trainings and Events
New York Housing Law for the Low-Income Client 2014
On October 8th, this free Practising Law Institute program will provide a general overview of specific New York laws that affect many low-income renters, including common rental subsidies, how to answer non-payments, and NYCHA admin hearings. Learn more
Human Rights First: Asylum Law Training
On October 15th, Human Rights First is offering a free asylum training for attorneys interested in taking a pro bono asylum case and others interested in learning more about asylum law and procedure. The training will provide a strong foundation for taking cases for pro bono representation through the HRF program. RSVP by October 8th. Learn more
Lawyers' Foreclosure Intervention Network Training
On October 22nd, join CBJC's Lawyers' Foreclosure Intervention Network (LFIN) and learn how to represent homeowners in foreclosure settlement conferences and apply for available loss mitigation options. LFIN provides a great opportunity to help your community while you hone your advocacy skills, and pro bono volunteers can earn CLE credit. Learn more
Click here to view the full calendar of pro bono events
and training opportunities.
Did you know?
That the New York City Council, Robin Hood Foundation, and New York Community Trust recently joined together to provide $1.9 million for legal support and other services to unaccompanied minors in New York? However, the work is nowhere near done.
Click here to view our archive of NYC Pro Bono Center Newsletters.
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