Law Students

Volunteer

Law Students

Law Student Pro Bono Opportunities

What is the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern NY?

The Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York is a law firm for poor people. We believe every person has the right to equal access to justice regardless of income, race, age or language. We provide free civil legal services, representation, education and advocacy for people with low income or other barriers to accessing the legal system.

Law Student Volunteer Opportunities:

At LASNNY we offer a wide range of projects for law students. Our areas of law include:

  • Children’s Law Project
  • Domestic violence and Matrimonials
  • Advocacy for persons living with or affected by HIV or AIDS
  • Social Security Disability or SSI
  • Public assistance including cash and SNAP benefits
  • Health including Medicare and Medicaid, Affordable Care Act
  • Immigration
  • Eviction and Foreclosure Defense
  • Representing the Homeless
  • Low Income Taxpayer representation
  • Consumer law
  • LGBT advocacy
  • Senior Legal Services including Wills Clinic
  • Veterans Clinic
  • Unemployment Insurance Benefits Clinic

LASNNY will also consider your ideas for new projects providing pro bono civil legal services.

What will I do?

Law students may do: client intake and interaction, research, drafting letters and court documents, calling witnesses and otherwise developing cases. We will do our best to accommodate students’ preferences regarding types of work and area of law.

What does the Legal Aid Society require?

LASNNY offers volunteers flexibility to work with us in a manner that complements the busy schedules of students. Students may work as little as 10 hours a month assisting clients in our various clinics, or extensive hours while clerking directly with a Legal Aid Society staff attorney.

Do I need prior experience?

No prior experience is necessary for students to volunteer. Students will receive training when necessary and will be supervised throughout their commitments.

Where will I work?

Some projects may allow students to work remotely, however LASNNY has offices and openings for students in the following locations: Albany, Amsterdam, Saratoga Springs, Canton and Plattsburgh. Positions are available during the academic year and summer/winter breaks.

Will working with Legal Aid satisfy my 50-hour pro bono requirement?

Almost all activities law students can choose will satisfy the 50-hour pro bono requirement.

Why should I choose LASNNY?

  • LASNNY has several locations for students to work during school or on breaks.
  • Flexible scheduling allowing students to balance school obligations while obtaining valuable experience for future employment.
  • Networking contacts: LASNNY has five offices throughout our 16 county territory, and over 80 staff.
  • Compliance with the 50-Hour Pro Bono requirement.
  • Development of skills in research and writing, client interaction and court procedure.
  • The opportunity to have an immediate positive impact on someone’s life and the systems that affect low income people.

Who should I contact with questions about becoming a volunteer?

Students who are interested in applying for clerkships, internships or volunteer positions with the Legal Aid Society should contact:

Robert Romaker, Esq., Managing Attorney

[email protected]  •  (518) 518-462-6765 ext. 628

Mallory Gibson, Esq., PAI Director

[email protected]  •  (518) 533-5932

95 Central Ave, Albany, New York 12206

 

Click here to see current volunteer opportunities for students and graduates.

When applying please:

  1. Complete the Application linked here, or the mobile-friendly application here
  2. Complete the Demographic Survey linked here