Law Students

Law Student Volunteers can help our organization either remotely or in-person. A legal aid focus is preferred but not required. We have a multitude of opportunities online or in person through internships, externships and clinics throughout the year. We also feature a summer internship program and participate in alternative breaks. 

Our summer internship program provides law students with a complete and meaningful legal experience in the public interest sector. Students will provide assistance on a variety of civil legal matters including housing, disability, family law, unemployment insurance, public benefits, consumer law, and/or foreclosure issues, per the student’s interest and LawNY®’s needs. Projects and activities may include conducting client intakes/meetings; corresponding with clients via phone or mail; conducting legal research; preparing pleadings, memorandums, and other legal documents; and advocating for clients. Students will gain exposure to a variety of legal forums and other social services agencies.

LawNY has been a placement site for several Pro Bono Scholars Program participants. Pro Bono Scholars work on civil legal matters, with an emphasis on combating poverty and assistance to vulnerable populations, including veterans, the homeless, seniors, refugees, and domestic violence survivors. The nature of work will vary depending on location, and is provided by the Scholar under the supervision and training of experienced advocates. Pro Bono Scholars may assist with termination of housing subsidies, eviction defense, public benefit issues, unemployment insurance benefits issues, employment discrimination, homelessness prevention, health law issues, seniors legal services, community development, nonprofit organization formation, foreclosure, representation of victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, education law, disability advocacy, and veterans legal services. Scholars can also work with their host site to develop a specific project focus. Pro Bono Scholars may do legal and factual research, draft pleadings, negotiate with government agencies and opposing counsel, assist LawNY staff with trial preparation and court appearances, represent clients at administrative hearings, and engage in community legal education and outreach efforts.

For more information on any of these programs, please send an email to doprobono@lawny.org.