Family Court Help Desk - Spring Internship (unpaid)
About the Role
We currently have two (2) Family Court Helpdesk Unpaid Internship opportunities available for the Spring 2027 semester at the Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project, Inc. (VLP). This is an in-person internship in Downtown Buffalo, NY, with shifts on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11:15 am to 2:00 pm. Students must cover at least two of the three Help Desk shifts per week.
About VLP
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 individuals and small non-profit groups in various legal matters, including 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
- Participate in networking opportunities
- Shadow VLP attorneys and conduct research for their cases (as opportunities arise)
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
Qualifications
- Current student or recent graduate
Location
Erie County Family Court, One Niagara Square, Buffalo, New York 14202
Schedule
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11:15 am to 2:00 pm