The Suffolk County Bar Association's Pro Bono Foundation, working in concert with Legal Services of Long Island's Pro Bono Project, provides free civil legal assistance to the poor and disabled in our community. If you are an admitted attorney, you can help! There are several ways you can volunteer.
Representation: The greatest need for services are in the following areas: Bankruptcy, Foreclosure (Settlement Conference Assistance), Matrimonial and Family Court (child support), Guardianship, and Veterans’ issues. Clients are carefully screened to confirm their financially eligibility for free legal services. Each client is then paired with a volunteer attorney with the requisite level of experience needed for the client’s particular legal issues. Attorneys can receive support from Legal Services of Long Island in the form of law student assistance, lawyer mentoring, language interpreters, and Informa Pauperis certification. Malpractice insurance coverage is provided for the pro bono case, along with CLE credit, and tuition vouchers for Suffolk Academy of Law programs once the case is completed.
Mentoring: Attorneys new to a particular practice often need the guidance of a seasoned attorney. Volunteer mentors provide valuable support to a pro bono attorney including phone consultation, pleadings review, and general guidance.
Screening: Legal Services of Long Island often utilizes the assistance of volunteers to screen pro bono applicant calls. Phone interviews with prospective clients are made from the Islandia office and volunteer schedules are flexible. Training is provided.
Those wishing to learn more about how they can serve as a volunteer attorney should contact Legal Services of Long Island: (631) 232-2400.
To make a donation please make your check payable to and send your tax deductible donation to: SCBA Pro Bono Foundation, 560 Wheeler Road, Hauppauge, NY 11788
You may also fill out the Register to Become A Pro Bono Volunteer form on the SCBA website.
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