Family Court Help Desk Internship (unpaid)
About the role
This is an in-person internship in downtown Buffalo, NY. Please make sure you are available in-person during the help desk hours listed below before applying. The Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project, Inc. (VLP) is a not-for-profit corporation that provides free civil legal services to low-income people and small non-profit groups in a variety of legal matters including, but not limited to: detained and non-detained immigration, family law, eviction defense, matrimonial matters, consumer matters, estates, and end of life planning.
Responsibilities
- Meet with pro se litigants at the Family Court Help Desk
- Conduct intakes to determine eligibility
- Develop and improve interviewing and issue-spotting skills
- Discuss cases with experienced family law litigators
- Establish mentoring relationships with volunteer attorneys
- Participate in networking opportunities with local attorneys
- Shadow attorneys and conduct research for their full representation cases
- Assist with limited-scope consultations under supervision
Requirements
Current student or recent graduate.
Benefits
- Direct Client Interaction
- Court Observation
- Development of Writing Sample
- Opportunity to Network with Local Attorneys
- In-House Training, Supervision, and Mentorship
- Potential for Court Appearances with Student Practice Order (for qualified law students)
- Complimentary Attendance at VLP-Sponsored Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Programs
- Monetary Stipend (for qualified law students; limited to certain programs)
- Commitment Letters for Those Seeking Alternate Sources of Funding for Positions at VLP
Pay
Monetary stipend (for qualified law students; limited to certain programs).
Schedule
Location: Erie County Family Court, One Niagara Square, Buffalo, New York 14202.
Time: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11:15 am to 2:00 pm.
Requirement: Students must cover at least two of the three Help Desk shifts per week.