You can make a difference by participating in an effective and just solution.
While we are the largest provider of free civil services in the five counties of Western New York – Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, and Wyoming counties – the work is never done!
Make a difference in your community by donating your most precious resource – your time. No experience in the particular field is necessary and we will train you in the area you volunteer.
NLS VOLUNTEER ATTORNEY PROGRAM (VAP) offers attorneys a chance to volunteer their time and expertise. No experience in the particular field is necessary and we will train you in the area you volunteer.
You can volunteer to assist with individual clients on an as-needed basis or with one of our Attorney of the Morning Programs (AMP). NLS staffs AMPs at Buffalo City Court (Tuesday and Thursday mornings) and Niagara Falls City Court (dates vary) to assist low-income tenants facing eviction.
Volunteers must be attorneys licensed to practice law in New York State, and in good standing with the Office of Court Administration (OCA). Volunteers must immediately notify NLS of any changes in their status. Attorneys who register with NLS and are in good standing with OCA are covered under the NLS malpractice insurance policy for the NLS cases they accept.
In order to participate with NLS, you agree to:
If interested, please contact [email protected]
Gain meaningful experience working alongside passionate advocates promoting public interest law across WNY!
Accepting both Undergrad and Law Student Volunteers.
NLS accepts student volunteers throughout the year in our various offices and areas of practice. Undergraduate students and law students are encouraged to apply. NLS also participates in externship programs and pro bono scholarship programs (such as the Buffalo Public Interest Law Program at UB Law School).
REQUIREMENTS NLS requires students to treat their internship/externship/volunteer opportunity like a job. Students must be punctual, professionally dressed and reliable. Students must act in a professional manner with staff, clients and court personnel.
STUDENT PRACTICE ORDERS NLS generally applies for student practice orders for law students who have completed at least two (2) semesters of law school and are volunteering for a semester or the summer. The student practice order allows the students to appear in court under the supervision of an NLS attorney.
50 HOUR PRO BONO REQUIREMENT NLS accepts law student volunteers who wish to complete their fifty (50) hour pro bono requirement to be admitted in New York State.
If interested, please email [email protected]
Our monthly newsletter shares events, trainings, updates about our services and changes to laws that might impact you or those you love.