VOLS Monthly Newsletter

An Extraordinary Group of New Yorkers

This year, VOLS helped an extraordinary group of New Yorkers address their legal challenges. Our impact was felt in communities across the city, but also on a deeply individual level for our clients. We are proud to have supported them. 

In 2025, we anticipate a new set of challenges for our clients. Some, like for our young immigrant clients, are heavily anticipated. Others will emerge over time. VOLS’ message to the diverse communities of New Yorkers we serve is clear: we will be here to support you with free lawyers, legal advocacy, and legal education. 

As the year comes to a close, and you consider your own impact, we hope you consider a tax-deductible gift to VOLS. Your support will help us to continue our work in the New Year.

Thank you for being a part of the VOLS community in 2024. Together, we are helping thousands of our neighbors access justice. 

Happy New Year, 

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

Give a Gift that Makes a Difference

Donate to VOLS in their name! They will receive a personalized e-card notifying them about your gift. Your gift helps New Yorkers access free civil legal services, when and where they are needed.


Welcoming New Board Member

VOLS is pleased to welcome Gina Castellano, Partner, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, to our Board of Directors. 



VOLS Legal Alert: BOI Reporting Requirements Under the Corporate Transparency Act Reinstated Again

Read the update by VOLS Microenterprise Project, on a recent court decision that impacts beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). Read the legal alert.

Ethical Issues in Pro Bono Representation

VOLS Board Member Cyrus D. Mehta and VOLS Legal Director Peter Kempner recently presented at the Practising Law Institute on “Ethical Issues in Pro Bono and Legal Services Representation,” alongside co-panelists Jennifer R. Cowan, Maurice Segall, Shanna Tallarico, and Sidney Cherubin. If you missed it, you can access the course here.


Project Updates

VOLS Senior Law Project (SLP) held legal clinics and educational programs for older adults with community partners Greenwich House’s Our Lady of Pompeii and Independence Plaza Older Adult Center, and SAGE. VOLS SLP worked with volunteer attorneys from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and Blackstone Law Group LLP on a wills execution clinic and teamed up with pro bono partner Morrison Foerster LLP to hold a life planning documents signing clinic for older adults where VOLS staff and pro bono volunteers offered services in English and Mandarin. The team also presented at New York State Senator Liz Krueger’s Virtual Older Adult Resource Fair, empowering older adults to independently complete publicly available documents such as Health Care Proxy and Appointment to Control Disposition of Remains. The virtual event was attended by 186 members of the public. 

VOLS Immigration Project (IP) has been fielding many questions about the uncertain future of immigration laws from the immigrant young people and families they serve. We conducted screening clinics for newly arrived immigrant families through our partnership with Trinity Commons, supported by pro bono volunteers from WilmerHale. 

VOLS Incarcerated Mothers Law Project (IMLP) hosted a workshop for pro bono attorneys focused on trauma informed care (TIC) and translating TIC principles into practice, facilitated by Jill S. Levenson, PhD, LCSW. VOLS IMLP provided regular, in-person legal education, advocacy, and counsel to mothers and parents at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, joined by pro bono volunteers from Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, and Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP. Our team additionally held a clinic at Taconic Correctional Facility joined by volunteer attorneys from Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann LLP, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP.  

VOLS IMLP Director Stephanie Taylor, along with Laura Israel Sinrod of Fried Frank led a presentation for attorneys titled From Initiative to Institution: Making Pro Bono Partnerships Enduring and Effective, in collaboration with the New York City Bar Association’s Pro Bono and Legal Services Committee and hosted by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.

VOLS Microenterprise Project (MEP) worked with pro bono and community partners to provide transactional legal services and education. Our team held a presentation for entrepreneurs focused on navigating commercial property leases supported by attorneys from Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, and community partner Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation. Earlier this month, MEP presented to the Entertainment Community Fund alongside pro bono partner, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP. 


Save the Date: VOLS New York, Together 2025 Gala

Tuesday, April 22, 2025 | volsprobono.org/GALA2025


Support Us While You Shop

It’s that time! Stock up on New Years cards, gifts, and party invitations at Minted and save 20% with our exclusive discount code. Even better – Minted will donate 15% back to us with your purchase. It’s the perfect way to shop and give back at the same time. Use code: FUNDRAISEVOLS.

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