Business lawyers volunteer with Lawyers Alliance for the opportunity to work with organizations whose missions they admire. Our volunteers provide invaluable legal services to nonprofits that are serving low-income communities and creating a better New York, while they develop professional skills and practical experience. During the Coronavirus pandemic, Lawyers Alliance and the nonprofits we serve needed our volunteers more than ever. We are deeply appreciative of these attorneys. Visit our Coronavirus Information page for Legal Alerts, recorded webinars, and links to additional resources.

Our pro bono program

Lawyers Alliance volunteers have time to give but no time to waste. Lawyers Alliance's pro bono model allows volunteers to use their skills efficiently, with maximum impact. There are four essential elements to our model: client outreach, client screening, volunteer support, and volunteer recognition.

First, our extensive client outreach attracts a dynamic range of nonprofit clients to Lawyers Alliance, from small community-based organizations to large multi-service providers. We reach out to current and past clients, umbrella organizations, coalitions, and the media, and we participate regularly in seminars and panels to identify nonprofits with business law needs.

Second, pro bono clients undergo a client screening process. Our trained staff attorneys interview potential clients to assess program merit, readiness, and specific legal needs and to determine the legal skills and experience required for each pro bono project.

Third, we provide unparalleled volunteer support. A Lawyers Alliance staff attorney serves as co-counsel on every legal matter placed with a volunteer. Our legal team has specialized nonprofit knowledge and an understanding of clients' business law needs. In addition to co-counseling, we offer resources for volunteers, a Resource Call Hotline, publications, and CLE trainings.

The fourth element of our pro bono model is volunteer recognition. We are strongly committed to increasing business law pro bono services in New York City and we want our volunteers to know that their work is appreciated. We join our volunteer institutions in raising visibility for the firms and individuals who make significant pro bono contributions each year. Click here to learn more about our volunteer recognition programs.

Click here to watch a video about our amazing volunteers and nonprofit clients.

Thanks to our partnership with top law firms and corporate legal departments, hundreds of nonprofits have access to the expert legal counsel they need to accomplish their missions and best serve New York City's low-income communities.

See a list of these volunteer institutions.