Convening our Partners in Pro Bono: January Newsletter

VOLS was proud to kick off 2024 by convening pro bono partners from law firms and corporations and legal services organizations for the VOLS 2024 Pro Bono Partners Convening. Co-facilitators led a series of small group conversations around our theme of engaging transactional attorneys in pro bono, and as a group we explored the impact of recent changes in the law on pro bono. We are very grateful to pro bono partner Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, Harlene Katzman, and Nadine Mompremier for hosting the event. 

Thank you to everyone who supported the VOLS Annual Appeal Campaign. We are grateful for your support, which enables us to provide free civil legal services to thousands of New Yorkers in need. 

Best,

Abja Midha | She/Hers
Executive Director, Volunteers of Legal Service

Executive Director Abja Midha and Legal Director Peter Kempner at VOLS 2024 Pro Bono Partners Convening.

Participants engage in small group conversations at VOLS 2024 Pro Bono Partners Convening.

Participants gather at VOLS 2024 Pro Bono Partners Convening.

We are Hiring!

VOLS seeks a thoughtful, enthusiastic, detail-oriented person with excellent communication skills to be the VOLS Development & Communications Coordinator. This role supports VOLS’ fundraising efforts with respect to foundation and government grants, corporate donations, and individual giving. Visit our website for more information.

VOLS x 2024 TD Five Boro Bike Tour

VOLS is an Official Charity Partner for the 2024 TD Five Boro Bike Tour. Join us! To secure your spot, visit our website at volsprobono.org/vols-x-2024-td-five-boro-bike-tour/.

Project Updates

VOLS Incarcerated Mothers Law Project (IMLP) worked with pro bono attorneys from Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP and Bloomberg LP to provide education, advocacy, and counsel to mothers in person at Taconic Correctional Facility. The team also conducted training for attorneys at Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobsen LLP, Bloomberg LP, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP on family law issues for incarcerated mothers.  

Later today, IMLP Director Stephanie Taylor will participate in a panel discussion focused on motherhood and incarceration hosted by Cardozo School of Law.

VOLS Senior Law Project (SLP) assisted older adults with the drafting and execution of their life planning documents at a clinic staffed by pro bono volunteers from JP Morgan and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP. This month SLP worked closely with our community partners conducting clinics and legal education presentations with Greenwich House, Riverstone Life Services, and Trinity Church. The team also held legal trainings for the LEAP Coalition and volunteer attorneys from Clifford Chance LLP. 

VOLS SLP also was proud to present at NYU Langone Health for NYU’s Initiative for Women with Disabilities and at the Bronx Borough Hall in partnership with the Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson’s office and the New York City Department for the Aging.

VOLS Benefits Law Project (BLP) continues to help New Yorkers access public benefits, this month holding a presentation focused on benefits under the NYC Rent Freeze Programs for 55 members of Hudson Guild Adult Services.

VOLS Immigration Project (IP) conducted an Immigration 101 presentation with the Chinese American Planning Council’s after school program in the High School for Dual Language and Asian Studies in the Lower East Side. The team reviewed basic immigration terminology, forms of relief, and processes with students in attendance. Later this week VOLS IP will hold an immigration relief screening clinic providing support to immigrant youth alongside volunteer attorneys from Jenner & Block LLP.

Support Us While You Shop

Enjoy 20% off Minted’s unique stationery, children’s art, and gifts when you shop using our exclusive discount code, and Minted will donate 15% back to us. 

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