We are always looking for people who want to dedicate their time and talent to ensure justice for all in New York City.

legal aid desk volunteers

Attorneys

Attorney Volunteers attend our legal aid desks at host non-profit organizations to conduct intake interviews with people in need. In conjunction with and under the supervision of OHLS attorneys, Attorney Volunteers provide legal information, advice, and/or referrals to clients on a variety of legal issues, including housing, family, immigration, and public benefits. No specific legal expertise is required, although we encourage volunteers to attend Experienced Volunteer Trainings throughout the year. These trainings are generally CLE approved and provide information and instruction on the substantive areas of the law most commonly seen at the Legal Aid Desks.

Pro bono representation opportunities are available.

Attorney volunteers must be members of the New York State Bar. 

Paralegals, Law Students, and Law Graduates

Paralegal, law student, and law graduate volunteers partner with attorneys for consultations at our legal aid desks and assist with legal research and note taking, while working under the supervision of OHLS attorneys.

Non-attorney Volunteers

Non-attorney volunteers are also needed to serve at our Legal Aid Desk. Although they cannot provide direct legal advice, they may be paired with an attorney to assist in client intake, setup, clerical/copying, flyer distribution, monitoring surveys, host-greeter, and/or tech issues. Non-attorney volunteers work under the supervision of OHLS attorneys.

Interpreters

We need volunteers who can work with Volunteer and OHLS attorneys to interpret for our non-English-speaking clients at our mobile legal aid desks and during phone consultations.  The most needed language skills are Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese) and Spanish.  In addition, other languages, as well as American Sign Language, are needed at times.

In addition, ALL volunteers may address the spiritual needs of our neighbors and clients, whether talking with them or praying with and for them.

Training

All volunteers serving at Legal Aid Desks must participate in a New Volunteer Training session, which is generally 2 hours long. Currently, these are held both remotely and in-person several times a year. CLE credits for attorneys are available for the trainings.

Due to the nature of the work, volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

Email Sandy Stefanski, Program Coordinator, at sandy@openhandslegalservices.org for more information and to receive a volunteer application. 

Ongoing training is also offered through Experienced Volunteer Trainings held throughout the year.

OTHER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

 We also seek volunteers from time to time with skills in:

•  IT

• Photographer/videographer  

• Event Planning

• Graphic design