This National Volunteer Week, Thank You to Lawyers Who Make a Difference

National Volunteer Week (April 23^rd– 29^th) is another welcome opportunity for CBJC to express our gratitude to the many lawyers who give their time, their expertise and their commitment to New Yorkers who cannot afford legal counsel.  The City Bar Justice Center’s wonderful volunteers have given thousands of hours to help homeless women and children, change the lives of asylees persecuted in their home countries, secure safety for immigrant women and children victims of trafficking and violent crimes, help the elderly and those with catastrophic diseases, assist pro se litigants with civil rights and employment discrimination issues, help those in personal bankruptcy get a new start and assist low income micro-entrepreneurs.

We are so thankful for our volunteers, and we invite lawyers to take on a pro bono case to help New Yorkers who cannot advocate for themselves during this significant moment for civil legal aid. Taking an issue important to you and turning it into action is a powerful way to do your part in changing the community. When lawyers engage in pro bono work, it can demonstrate to the country that the legal profession will continue to rise to the challenge of creating a more equitable justice system for all.

Helping others yields tangible advantages. Volunteering can help lawyers sharpen skills and become better lawyers.  Volunteers may develop leadership skills and hone decision making ability. Volunteering is also a great way to network with other attorneys.

What volunteers are saying:

 “My pro bono work through LCH [Legal Clinic for the Homeless] has been very worthwhile to me, not only because it has been personally gratifying, but because it has helped to develop my legal skills in my first several years as a lawyer. I have gained important advocacy skills helping my clients navigate city bureaucracies, as well as valuable experience appearing before administrative law judges.”

 “This program with the bar really makes such an impact not only on the clients’ lives, but the lawyers as well. I’m happy to be a part of it.”

What clients are saying:

  “The dramatic thing that changed in my life was that I was able to have my human rights actually acknowledged. Having the security of knowing I won a battle that shouldn’t even have been a battle is so meaningful…I had faith in you guys and you guys pulled through for me, and you have no idea how much that means for me at a time when it felt like everyone was against me. Thank you.”

  “I want to thank the City Bar Justice Center for helping the people like me who need a chance to start to live a normal life again.”

During National Volunteer week the City Bar Justice Center thanks all our volunteers and urges you to join us in the fight for equal justice. If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities, please visit our Do Pro Bono page.  If you would like to donate click here.