Our Purpose: Volunteers of Legal Service (VOLS) was founded as a nonprofit organization in 1984, when New York City Bar leaders responded to severe federal government budget cuts to legal services. They committed through VOLS to dramatically increase pro bono service in New York City's underserved communities.
Across 35 years and through crises such as the HIV/AIDS epidemic or the financial crisis of 2008, our programs have helped to anchor the safety net in our city. Today, VOLS harnesses the power of New York City's legal community and neighborhood-based groups to provide free, civil legal services when and where they are needed most.
Across 35 years and through crises such as the HIV/AIDS epidemic or the financial crisis of 2008, our programs have helped to anchor the safety net in our city. Today, VOLS harnesses the power of New York City's legal community and neighborhood-based groups to provide free, civil legal services when and where they are needed most.
Services
2021 New York, Together Awards
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In discussion about legal services for small businesses and unemployed workers with Delia A. Awusi, BOCnet, and Commissioner Jonnel Doris, NYC Department of Small Business Services. Volunteers of Legal Service is pleased to announce our 2021 Pro Bono Stars, recognized as the Dean's List in memory of Bill Dean.
Children’s Project
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The VOLS Children's Project helps under-resourced families resolve legal problems that may impact a child's health and ability to succeed in school. Housing conditions such as peeling paint and mold, impending evictions, loss of income support, access to food stamps and Medicaid, and immigration issues can cause a great deal of stress and disruption, impacting school performance and impact health outcomes.
Senior Law Project
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The VOLS Senior Law Project serves low income New Yorkers age 60+ by partnering with pro bono attorneys to provide wills, powers of attorney, and other essential life planning documents free of charge.
These documents enable our clients to maintain income and avoid homelessness, ensure that their dying wishes are fulfilled, and enable our clients' caregivers to provide the care and services necessary for our clients to access health care and age in place.Senior Law Project staff attorneys also provide advice and counsel on landlord-tenant issues, as well as providing advice and referrals on a range of other issues.
These documents enable our clients to maintain income and avoid homelessness, ensure that their dying wishes are fulfilled, and enable our clients' caregivers to provide the care and services necessary for our clients to access health care and age in place.Senior Law Project staff attorneys also provide advice and counsel on landlord-tenant issues, as well as providing advice and referrals on a range of other issues.
Veterans Initiative
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The Veterans Initiative of the VOLS Elderly Project strives to empower older New Yorkers who served in the military to age in place and with dignity, access their legal rights, and live without fear of homelessness. We partner with pro bono attorneys to provide wills, powers of attorney, and other essential advance directives and life planning documents to senior low income veterans.
Get Help
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The threefold crises facing New Yorkers - the pandemic, recession, and racial injustice - are challenging us to work together in new ways. Although our physical office is closed, Volunteers of Legal Services - VOLS remains open to provide services remotely. VOLS stands alongside our clients and organizational partners during this time of unprecedented change.
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