The NYS Unified Court System Office for Justice Initiatives joined the American Bar Association Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service to sponsor annual National Pro Bono Celebration Week from October 23-29, 2022. The NYS Unified Courts Office for Justice Initiatives, Access to Justice Division, held a Pro Bono Awards ceremony to honor volunteers for their outstanding pro bono service throughout the year!
Pro Bono Trainings
During Pro Bono week, October 23 - 29, 2022, the New York State Courts Office for Justice Initiatives trained 124 attorneys to provide free legal services in its Access to Justice Division’s Pro Bono programs. Attorneys participated in training for the Virtual Family Court Volunteer Attorney Program, the Consumer Debt Volunteer Lawyer for the Day Program and the Virtual Civil Court Volunteer Lawyer Program. Through these programs attorneys will provide free advice, consultation or limited scope representation in New York City’s Civil and Family Courts.
Pro Bono Awards Night
The NYS Unified Court System Office for Justice Initiatives, the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA), and the New York County Lawyers Association (NYCLA) co-sponsored a virtual pro bono volunteer recognition event on Tuesday, October 25th. The annual awards ceremony joined events across the country to promote and recognize pro bono service and spotlight the difference lawyers can make in their communities. The Honorable Edwina G. Richardson-Mendelson, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives, Sherry Levin Wallach, President of the New York State Bar Association, and Vincent T. Chang, President of the New York County Lawyers Association, presented the awards.
The event honored 23 volunteers who received plaque awards for their outstanding pro bono service. Additionally, 105 volunteers received certificates recognizing their distinguished service in the New York State Courts Office for Justice Initiatives' Access to Justice and Attorney Emeritus programs.
Special recognition and Certificates of Excellence were awarded to those individuals who were instrumental in developing the Special COVID Intervention Parts (SCIP) in the 7th Judicial District. Judges and court staff joined with community partners in the district to ensure tenants with dire needs that were hit particularly hard by the pandemic would have access to courts and related legal and social services in their eviction cases. Especially in Town and Village Courts where COVID restrictions presented additional challenges to hearing cases and accessing legal assistance. This collaborative partnership was honored for its extraordinary efforts in creating this unique model and providing access to vital services when they were essential.
Video Montage
Past Celebrations
Every October, the NYS Courts Access to Justice Program holds events to celebrate Pro Bono service in the New York State Courts. Click the links below to see information about past celebrations.
National Pro Bono Celebration Week 2021
National Pro Bono Celebration Week 2020
National Pro Bono Celebration Week 2019
National Pro Bono Celebration Week 2018
National Pro Bono Celebration Week 2017
National Pro Bono Celebration Week 2016
National Pro Bono Celebration Week 2015
National Pro Bono Celebration Week 2014
National Pro Bono Celebration Week 2013
National Pro Bono Celebration Week 2012
National Pro Bono Celebration Week 2011
National Pro Bono Celebration Week 2010
