Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

VOLS partners with a network of law firms, corporations and community-based organizations to provide free legal services to help close the access to justice gap for older adults, veterans, immigrant youth, incarcerated mothers, individuals entitled to public benefits, small business owners, and children and their families. Our programs operate across all five boroughs, reach diverse communities within our city, and are provided in languages our clients understand. 

VOLS’ commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is embedded within our commitment to provide free, high-quality civil legal services to low-income New Yorkers. VOLS is committed to fostering a space where our clients, partners, and staff are respected, treated with dignity, and feel a sense of belonging. To strengthen that culture, VOLS is taking steps towards incorporating DEI principles into our culture, systems, and daily practices. We believe that we do our best work when we support and foster these values wholeheartedly.

To ensure continued progress of our DEI journey and hold ourselves accountable, VOLS has identified the following DEI goals:  

1.  Build and sustain a talented, diverse, and inclusive team that is committed to VOLS’ mission.
2.  Create and sustain an inclusive culture for staff, clients, and pro bono and community partners that values differences, honors diversity, and is a space where everyone in the VOLS community feels welcome and embraced as their full authentic selves.
3.  Incorporate and promote DEI best practices as part of our collaboration with pro bono partners.