Pro Bono Scholars - Full Time

Job Description

Job Description

Pro Bono Scholars - Full Time

The Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) is accepting applications from students participating in the Pro Bono Scholars Program (PBSP). Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis. Placements are available at VLP's Buffalo and Batavia locations.

The Pro Bono Scholars Program allows students in their final year of law school to devote their last semester of study to performing pro bono service for the poor through an approved externship program, law school clinic, legal services provider, law firm or corporation. Students who are accepted into the Pro Bono Scholars Program will spend 12 weeks working full time in a pro bono placement, while also completing an academic component at their law school. As an additional benefit for participating in the program, students will be permitted to take the New York bar examination in February of their final year of study, before they graduate. The first of its kind in the country, the program is designed to reinforce the legal profession's commitment to a culture of service while generating countless hours of pro bono work each year on behalf of our state's most vulnerable citizens.

About VLP

VLP is a mixed-model civil legal services program that coordinates direct representation by pro bono attorneys and by our staff attorneys in our two locations: Buffalo and Batavia, NY. The Buffalo office handles a wide variety of civil legal services, with a focus on involving pro bono lawyers in the delivery of our services to clients. The Batavia office provides immigration representation to individuals detained in the Federal Detention Facility in Batavia, NY.

Duties and Responsibilities:

VLP provides legal assistance through a variety of practice areas, projects, and service units. Pro Bono Scholars may be assigned to different programs based on organizational needs, the scholar's interests and experience, and the needs of the clients served.

Responsibilities will vary by assignment but may include:

• Conducting legal research;
• Drafting pleadings, motions, correspondence, and other legal documents;
• Interviewing and communicating with clients;
• Assisting with intake and case assessment;
• Preparing cases for litigation or administrative proceedings;
• Participating in clinics, outreach events, and other legal services initiatives;
• Maintaining case files;
• Performing other duties in support of the VLP's mission to provide high-quality civil legal services to individuals with limited means.

Assignments are intended to provide practical legal experience while advancing the Program's commitment to expanding access to justice for underserved communities.

Required Qualifications:

• Must be a law student in their final year of law school
• Must be accepted into and eligible to participate in the PBSP by your law school 
• Ability to commit to 12 weeks of volunteer service
• Ability to work during regular business hours
• Possess excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
• Be able to work independently and collaboratively in a professional legal environment

VLP is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply. Employer recruits without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, pregnancy-related condition, predisposing genetic characteristics, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital and familial status, domestic violence victim status, disability, military status, or protected veteran status.

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