What is the Volunteer Lawyers Project?
The pro bono arm of the NCBA.
A partnership between the NCBA and Nassau/Suffolk Law Services.

What programs are part of the VLP?
The VLP is the only agency in Nassau County that provides pro bono legal representation in matrimonial matters, custody cases in Supreme Court, individual bankruptcy, personal injury and negligence defense, estate matters for non senior citizens, release of accounts blocked by judgement creditors, and various other civil matters.

An attorney (housed at Law Services) conducts client intake interviews, refers clients to a NCBA volunteer attorney, recruits, and trains volunteer attorneys to handle cases.

A WE CARE Fund grant enabled the Landlord/ Tenant Project to be reinstated. In its first six months, this Attorney of the Day Program has assisted over 250 men, women and children in court to prevent homelessness. The VLP hopes to expand the Project this year and is counting on the funds raised through the Probonothon.

The Breast Cancer Legal Advocacy Project assists individuals with health insurance problems.

The Bankruptcy Clinic assists 200 families either with advice or a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, when appropriate.

How will my contribution help?
Our nationally recognized Volunteer Lawyers Project is constantly subject to cuts in government funding. Therefore, private support is essential. Contributions will be used to support a staff attorney so that VLP can expand programs like the Landlord/Tenant Project. Last year, the WE CARE FUND, Inc. promised and delivered $10,000 in matching funds raised in the Probonothon. NCBA is again asking all members to contribute as a minimum an amount equivalent to one billable hour.

Contributions to the NCBA Fund are tax deductible.