The Attorney Emeritus Program

The Mission of the Attorney Emeritus Program is to enhance the capacity of legal service providers in New York State to provide quality legal representation to low-income New Yorkers. Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc. ® welcomes the opportunity to work with Attorney Emeritus Volunteers both remotely and in person.

Created by former New York State Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman in 2010, the AEP was established to help New Yorkers with legal needs who cannot afford legal counsel. The program is designed to enhance the capacity of New York State legal service providers that are facing increased demand for services, including Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc®. The AEP engages seasoned lawyers in pro bono projects under the auspices of the legal service providers.

The New York State Unified Court System's Attorney Emeritus Program (AEP) works with the organized bar and legal services programs to place attorneys in good standing, retired or active, who are at least 55 years old, with a minimum of 10 years experience in pro bono civil legal service opportunities. During their two-year registration period, Emeritus attorney volunteers commit to providing 60 hours of unpaid legal assistance under the auspices of a qualified legal service provider, bar association, or court sponsored volunteer lawyer program. Emeritus attorneys, who are engaged in active practice, are eligible to earn up to 15 CLE credits for performing pro bono work with an approved AEP host legal services organization, bar association or court program. Eligible attorneys are invited to complete the application found here. For additional information on opportunities and placements, please visit the Feerick Center AEP Page or email aepcoordinator@fordham.edu.

Website: https://www.nysattorneyemeritus.law/