August is both National Make-a-Will Month and Black Business Month, two opportunities to share how our work helps New Yorkers plan for and build their futures.
VOLS Senior Law Project (SLP) clients know the power of making a Will, so beautifully articulated in this interview of our client Maria. Last week, the team conducted a “Planning for your Future” presentation in Mandarin for approximately 50 older adults served by Homecrest Community Services.
This month, VOLS MEP held a legal basics workshop and clinic for entrepreneurs in collaboration with Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP and NYC Department of Small Business Services.
Best,
Abja Midha | She/Her
Executive Director, Volunteers of Legal Service
VOLS SLP Staff Attorney Yan “Yuyan” Yu conducts a presentation in Mandarin for Chinese American older adults served by Homecrest Community Services in Brooklyn.
Greater Access to Justice
A win for New Yorkers! Thanks to tireless efforts from VOLS and the fabulous pro bono team at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, a New York Appellate Court unanimously decided to close a critical legal loophole so that everyday New Yorkers can recoup attorney fees in prevailing lawsuits against the state.
Our client Peter Markey, a disabled Navy veteran, sued the state in 2023 after it denied his application for rental assistance. Soon after filing his lawsuit, the state approved Mr. Markey’s benefits. But despite forcing Mr. Markey to take legal action in order to rightfully obtain those benefits, the state insisted it would not cover his legal fees. This week, the Third Department held that plaintiffs in an Article 78 proceeding may be awarded attorney fees if they are a prevailing party—even without a court ruling — under the “catalyst theory” within the New York Equal Access to Justice Act. VOLS was thrilled by the work of Orrick litigators and the victory for low-income New Yorkers seeking to enforce their rights. You can read more about the case here.
Staffing Updates
We are excited to welcome John Holt as the Director of the VOLS Senior Law Project. John is passionate about creating and sustaining programs and policies that allow older adults to live safely and autonomously in their communities. John has over 15 years of legal services experience for older New Yorkers, including as part of a multi-disciplinary team assisting older adults who experienced mistreatment and overseeing guardianship services. We are thrilled he brings his compassionate expertise to this work.
This month, we also welcomed Office Manager Masoud Sultani and Data & Contracts Coordinator Eric Wang, who will support our mission to bring access to justice for all New Yorkers.
Client Success Story
In celebration of Black Business Month, we’re sharing the story of VOLS Microenterprise Project (MEP) client Rouguiatou Diallo, the founder of up-and-coming beauty tech brand, SLM:
Rouguiatou Diallo is the founder of SLM, an up-and-coming beauty tech brand developing sensor-based skincare products that adapt in real time to each user’s skin needs. SLM’s story starts with Rouguiatou’s own journey with acne and hyperpigmentation, which led her to dedicate more than seven years to researching the skincare industry. When it was time to launch her business and bring her vision to life, Rouguiatou reached out to VOLS. VOLS MEP and pro bono volunteers are supporting Rouguiatou in preparing the key legal documents needed to launch and safeguard her business. She also received intellectual property advice through a VOLS legal education workshop and clinic. “VOLS is helping me protect my brand and bring my vision for inclusive, tech-driven skincare to life,” said Rouguiatou. You can check out SLM on TikTok at @skinbyslm.
Team VOLS x TCS New York City Marathon
Team VOLS is back for more marathon magic as an official charity partner of the TCS New York City Marathon! Catch our fabulous team on Sunday, November 2, as they run to help close the access to justice gap for New Yorkers in need of civil legal services. Visit our fundraising page to meet our team and make a gift.
Support Us While You Shop
Stock up on cards, gifts, and party invitations at Minted and save 20% with our exclusive discount code. Even better – Minted will donate 10% back to us with your purchase. It’s the perfect way to shop and give back at the same time. Use code: FUNDRAISEVOLS.
Join the VOLS Community
- If you are affiliated with a VOLS partner law firm or company and would like to volunteer, please contact your company’s pro bono counsel.
- Make a donation to support VOLS’ free civil legal services: Click here to donate.
- Forward this page and ask your friends to sign up for the VOLS e-newsletter at www.volsprobono.org/join.