Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VLA! Our success depends on the generous commitments made by volunteer attorneys. We provide not only a valuable resource for New York artists, but also an exciting opportunity for attorneys to interact with artists and contribute meaningfully to their work.

If you are not yet admitted and are looking for volunteer opportunities to complete your 50 hour pro bono requirement, please click here.

New Attorney Orientations

To volunteer for in-house consultations or to take a case from our list of available cases, VLA requires that attorneys attend a short orientation. At the orientation, important information about VLA’s programs, requirements for volunteers and our administrative procedures will be covered.

Please note the following requirements for all attorneys performing volunteer work through VLA:

  • To volunteer with VLA, attorneys MUST be covered by a legal malpractice insurance policy that covers pro bono work.
    • If you do not have necessary coverage for pro bono work, you may apply for coverage under VLA’s malpractice insurance policy. Please email opportunities@vlany.org for more information.
  • Attorneys who have not been admitted for at least 3 years must have a supervising attorney who has been admitted to practice for over 3 years. Volunteers are responsible for securing their own supervising attorney.


Upcoming Orientations:

Register here for these dates!

JULY:   Monday, July 29th, 2024 at 5:00PM (Eastern)

AUGUST: Tuesday, August 20th, 2024 at 5:00PM (Eastern)

SEPTEMBER:   Tuesday, September 24th, 2024 at 5:00PM (Eastern)

OCTOBER:   Monday, October 28th, 2024 at 5:00PM (Eastern)

NOVEMBER:   Tuesday, November 19th, 2024 at 5:00PM (Eastern)

DECEMBER:   Tuesday, December 17th, 2024 at 5:00PM (Eastern)

New dates coming up soon!

All orientation sessions run approximately 30 minutes.

Receive CLE credit for pro bono work

VLA is approved to provide CLE credit to attorneys who provide pro bono legal services through our organization. Eligible pro bono activity is limited to legal services performed within New York State to clients unable to afford counsel, and is not available to attorneys volunteering at a clinic.

Credit for pro bono legal services shall be awarded in the following ratio: one (1) CLE credit for every 120 minutes of eligible pro bono legal service. A maximum of ten (10) pro bono CLE credits may be earned during any biennial reporting cycle.

Newly admitted New York attorneys may earn pro bono CLE credit only for the purpose of carrying over those credits to the following biennial reporting cycle, in partial fulfillment of the pro bono requirement for experienced attorneys.

For additional information about this program, contact VLA at probono@vlany.org.

Receive CLE credit for education

To qualify for CLE accreditation, there are three main requirements:

1.The class content must be tailored for a legal audience – i.e. the primary purpose of the class is to increase the professional legal competency of attorneys.

2.There must be written materials, available at or before the program, including a timed agenda. (At VLA, we generally email the course packet to registrants on the day of the class, and they can print or have on a device at the class.)

o The materials must offer a comprehensive and professional treatment of the subject matter. A brief outline or PowerPoint presentation is not sufficient. (PowerPoint is preferred as a visual supplement to the complete written materials.)

o Possible purposes of written materials

§ Attendee may follow presentation and take notes

§ Enhance the presentation, add depth (more detail)

§ Increase the scope of the presentation, add breadth

§ Take-away for reference

3.The presenter must be an attorney in good standing.

Attendees receive one CLE credit hour for each full 50 minutes of CLE instruction or other accredited CLE activity, exclusive of introductory remarks, breaks, meals or other non-educational activities. Credit is calculated in increments of 25 minutes (25 minutes equals .5 CLE credits). Less than 25 minutes is no credit, 25-49 minutes equals .5 credit hours, 50-74 minutes equals 1 credit hour, etc.  Instructors receive 3 credits per credit hour.

 

Categories of CLE

CLE Courses have different requirements than courses for artists. Deliverables include a timed outline, slide deck, and supporting educational materials such as case law, academic articles, etc. Read the Guidelines and Regulations for CLE in New York State here.

For additional information about this program, contact VLA at registrations@vlany.org.

Attorney Membership

Another way to support VLA, either at an individual or institutional level, is to join as a member. By becoming a member, you’ll be supporting VLA and have access to membership benefits, including opportunities to volunteer for in-house consultations with artists (for attorneys with more than three years of experience, or in conjunction with a more senior attorney); discounted VLA Educational and CLE programs; and access to career counseling services.

Law firms and corporations can join VLA as institutional members. Employees of member firms receive benefits, such as discounted VLA Educational and CLE programs; on-site CLE programs; on-site legal clinics (based on availability and member level); exclusive “Members Only” preview of VLA Pro Bono Caselist; and public acknowledgment as VLA member based on investment level.

For more information on membership and how to join, click here.

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