VOLUNTEERS OF LEGAL SERVICE CELEBRATES 40 YEARS
ENTERS NEXT CHAPTER OF PROVIDING FREE CIVIL LEGAL SERVICES
May 1, 2024, New York City – Volunteers of Legal Service (VOLS) is proud today to officially mark 40 years of providing free civil legal services to New Yorkers with limited access to resources. VOLS was founded in 1984 with the support of over 50 law firms, as well as several major corporations. To this day, the majority of those law firms are still involved in VOLS’ pro bono program and provide financial support for our work.
“The founders of VOLS recognized the power of pro bono and the ability for private bar attorneys to really make a difference in the lives of New Yorkers.” said Abja Midha, VOLS Executive Director. “We are proud to have been instrumental in helping to build New York City’s culture of pro bono over the past 40 years.”
On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, VOLS marked the occasion with the VOLS New York, Together 2024 Gala, where over 300 members of the legal community celebrated VOLS’ legacy and helped welcome the next chapter of our work. The event provided unprecedented financial support for VOLS’ free civil legal services provided through our programs and initiatives.
“In New York City, there is tremendous income inequality. We have so many community members who cannot afford to hire attorneys to help them navigate the legal system. Yet, without an attorney, they face an incredibly difficult struggle to reach the resolution of their legal challenges.” said Abja Midha, Executive Director, “Free civil legal services, like the ones VOLS has offered for four decades, are critical to help our neighbors ensure that their legal needs are met.”
VOLS provides support for older adults, veterans, individuals seeking public benefits, immigrant youth, children and their families, incarcerated mothers, and under-resourced microentrepreneurs in New York City, inclusive of age, race, gender and LGBTQIA+ identity, ability, veteran and immigration status. To speak with a member of our team, call 212-966-4400.
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About Volunteers of Legal Service (VOLS)
Since 1984, Volunteers of Legal Service (VOLS) has harnessed the power of the private bar and community-based organizations to provide free civil legal services to thousands of New Yorkers with limited access to resources.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Amy Bonderoff, Director, Development & Communications, VOLS
abonderoff@volsprobono.org, 212-966-4400