September can feel like the start of a new year, and education is always top of mind as we recall the feeling of “back to school.” At VOLS, a significant part of our work involves legal education that empowers New Yorkers, supports partner organizations, and trains pro bono volunteers to help meet the community’s needs.
This month, the VOLS Senior Law Project launched a webpage in Simplified Chinese with information and resources to better support Chinese American older adults and their caregivers. To help community partners identify family law concerns, the VOLS Incarcerated Mothers Law Project implemented bimonthly office hours.
As a legal services employer, we are deeply concerned about the potential impact of proposed regulatory changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. In addition to submitting public comment and discussing the potential ramifications of the proposed changes to the program, I recently co-moderated the New York State Bar Association’s Committee on Legal Aid and President’s Committee on Access to Justice listening session focused on the potential impact of proposed changes to the PSLF program. VOLS Benefits Law Project Director Jean Stevens provided impactful testimony.
Our legal team members likewise are heavily engaged in offering educational opportunities that deepen the legal field’s ability to serve New Yorkers. VOLS Immigration Project Director Keighly Rector presented at the ABA’s Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence Trauma-Informed Legal Organizations Institute Day to legal services organization staff. Several team members will serve on the faculty at Practising Law Institute CLE programs this fall, which we encourage interested attorneys to attend, including, Advising the Modern Microentrepreneur: What Lawyers Need to Know in 2025, Providing Trauma-Informed Language Services 2025: Best Practices and Ethics, and Ethical Issues in Pro Bono and Legal Services Representation.
Best,
Abja Midha | She/Her
Executive Director, Volunteers of Legal Service
Hispanic Heritage Month
VOLS celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15) and New York City’s Hispanic and Latine communities. We are proud to serve this extraordinary community that helps shape our vibrant city.
Get To Know Our Team
This month, we welcomed Benefits Law Project Staff Attorney Maria McCabe and Legal Assistant Jonathan Valenzuela Mejia in a new position that supports both the Benefits Law and Senior Law Projects.
As part of the VOLS Spotlight Series, we spoke with Sandra Arias, Legal Assistant for the VOLS Immigration Project (IP).
What does your role as the Legal Assistant for VOLS IP involve?
I serve as the first point of contact for the IP team and screen potential new clients. Under the supervision of our IP attorneys, I manage and support a wide range of cases such as DACA, adjustment of status applications, naturalization, and work permit applications. I also handle administrative responsibilities for clinics in collaboration with our pro bono partners. Currently, I am in the process to become a Department of Justice Accredited Representative, which will allow me to represent clients in their immigration matters before USCIS.
Is there an experience and/or client that you found particularly memorable?
I led my first Know Your Rights training two months after joining VOLS this year! I was a bit nervous as this was my first time presenting to high school students, and I made sure to provide concise and timely information, while making sure that the information was digestible to students/individuals not working in immigration law. The nerves quickly disappeared, and I was glad to see that the students and families present really absorbed the information, took notes, and had follow up discussions with me after the presentation.
Being involved in expanding the community partnerships within the VOLS Immigration Project is one of the things that drew me to VOLS. It’s given me an opportunity to support the community I grew up in, especially during this crucial time when clients are continuing to face difficulties navigating a complex immigration system.
Tell us about yourself! What is your idea of a perfect weekend?
I’m a NYC girl born and raised, so I love spending the weekends exploring and trying new things in the city, whether it’s museums, restaurants, or experiences with family and friends. I also enjoy doing a morning walk/run in Central Park and spending time at home catching up on movies or books. Fall is quickly approaching (my favorite season!) so I’m excited for all Fall-related weekend activities and spooky season!
September Project Updates
VOLS Benefits Law Project (BLP) held a legal clinic at Goddard Riverside Lincoln Square to help older adults assess their eligibility and apply for benefits under the NYC Rent Freeze Program. We were joined in the morning by pro bono attorneys from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and in the afternoon by the team at Wells Fargo.
VOLS Immigration Project (IP) held screening clinics for immigrant young people supported by pro bono attorneys from Bloomberg, Davis Wright Tremaine, and Debevoise & Plimpton.
VOLS Incarcerated Mothers Law Project (IMLP) held a clinic at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility supported by pro bono attorneys from Fried Frank, and a legal clinic at Taconic Correctional Facility alongside attorneys from Bloomberg, Davis Polk, and Faegre Drinker.
VOLS Microenterprise Project (MEP) worked with community and pro bono partners to provide transactional support for small business owners. VOLS MEP held a presentation on Legal Considerations for Small Businesses for entrepreneurs participating in Hot Bread Kitchen’s Seed Program with support from pro bono attorneys from Fried Frank.
VOLS Senior Law Project (SLP) teamed up with volunteer attorneys from Bank of America, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, and O’Melveny & Myers to hold a legal clinic on September 11 to assist older adults with their wills and advance directives. SLP also held legal clinics and educational programs with community partners at Greenwich House’s Center on the Square, Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, Norfolk Senior Housing, SAGE, and Village View.
Team VOLS x TCS New York City Marathon
Support the run for justice! Team VOLS is back for round three as an Official Charity Partner of the 2025 TCS NYC Marathon! Visit our fundraising page to meet our team and make a gift.
Support Us While You Shop
Looking for back to school stationery and essentials? Enjoy 20% off Minted’s stationery and gifts when you shop using our exclusive discount code and Minted will donate 10% back to us. Use code: FUNDRAISEVOLS.
Join the VOLS Community
Forward this page and ask your friends to sign up for the VOLS e-newsletter at www.volsprobono.org/join.
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.