Please be advised that some of the New York State Unified Court System Office for Justice Initiatives’ volunteer attorney programs are now available online.
The AEP program may be able to provide some legal information and assistance online. For more information, please contact aepcoordinator@fordham.edu.
We are working hard to restore all of our volunteer programs. Please check this page regularly to receive updates.
The New York State Unified Court System established an “Attorney Emeritus” status for attorneys in good standing, who are at least 55 years old, with a minimum of 10 years experience. During the two-year registration period, Emeritus attorney volunteers commit to provide 60 pro bono hours of civil legal assistance under the auspices of a qualified legal service provider, bar association, or court-sponsored volunteer lawyer program.
New York's lawyers have a proud history of helping those in need. It is in that spirit that the Court System created the Attorney Emeritus attorney registration status to encourage experienced attorneys to volunteer their legal skills and experience to help the growing number of New Yorkers who cannot afford counsel.
Attorneys, whether retired or active, may join the Attorney Emeritus Program if they are at least 55 years of age, have practiced law for a minimum of 10 years. During the two-year registration period, Emeritus attorney volunteers commit to provide 60 pro bono hours of civil legal assistance under the auspices of a qualified legal service provider, bar association, or court-sponsored volunteer lawyer program.