In 2013, while Congress debated extending federal unemployment benefits, VOLS’ Unemployment Insurance Advocacy Project was busy winning unemployment benefits for low-income New Yorkers. Under the leadership of Dave Fillingame,the Project Director and sole staff member, the project won approximately $948,000 in unemployment benefits for people who lost their jobs through no fault of their own.

Dave worked with a team of 67 volunteers from 12 law firms to provide legal representation to 122 people who were wrongly denied this crucial assistance. The project also provided advice and information to 539 people.

Dave said, “I’m proud of what we accomplished in 2013, and grateful to the firms and volunteers. We can definitely help more New Yorkers obtain these crucial benefits this year if more lawyers volunteer. I encourage anyone who might be interested to contact us.”