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 3 hours long. Currently, these are held both remotely and in-person several times a year. CLE credits for attorneys are available for the trainings.
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
Internships
Throughout the year, we offer lawyer and law student internships. Interns enjoy the opportunity to support the provision of free legal services in a collaborative Christian social services setting throughout New York City. To apply, submit a resume and letter of interest to recruiting@openhandslegalservices.org. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. We will respond to those candidates we wish to interview.
PRAYER Team
Our work is a partnership with God and we depend on the power of prayer. Prayer team members will receive our monthly email prayer update so they can join us in supporting our work in prayer. Email sandy@openhandslegalservices.org to join the Prayer Team.
Special events and fundraising
If you are interested in helping us invite others into our vision and mission by helping with our special events, please email us at sandy@openhandslegalservices.org.