The Pro Bono Legal Program PWJC has a robust program to recruit, train, and supervise volunteers. Our dedicated team of volunteers include those who have some legal training (lawyers, paralegals, and law students) and those who bring other skills to our programs (other community members, college, and high school students).
If you are interested in our volunteer opportunities, including office work, outreach, or fundraising, contact: Natalie J. Sobchak: nsobchak@law.pace.edu
*If you speak a second language, please include this information in the email
About Pace Women's Justice Center The Pace Women’s Justice Center (PWJC) is a self-funded nonprofit legal center located at Elisabeth Haub School of Law, under the 501(c)(3) status of Pace University. Each year, PWJC provides free legal services to over 3,800 victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse, as well as conducts or participates in over 140 training and outreach events. Serving Westchester and Putnam Counties, PWJC’s mission is to pursue justice for victims and prevent abuse through quality legal services, community partnerships, education, and awareness. With an experienced staff and a team of dedicated volunteers, including attorneys, paralegals, students, and other community members, PWJC has built an effective, coordinated community response to interpersonal violence. Illustration by Edel Rodriguez
Safe families make safe communities!
Contact us
MAIN OFFICE: 914.422.4069 Legal Helpline: 914.287.0739 Multi Language Services Available Servicios Bilingües - Llámenos para más información 78 N Broadway, White Plains, NY 10603 WWW.LAW.PACE.EDU/WJC
PWJC's Pro Bono Legal Program
Volunteer Opportunities
Become Involved
Providing legal services in the victim's county of residence "significantly lowers the incidence of domestic violence." Institute for Policy Integrity - New York University School of Law
Photo by Nadine Shaabana on Unsplash
Illustration by Edel Rodriguez
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Be Prepared Project
Legal Helpline
Uncontested Divorce Project
Pro Bono Attorneys
provide information, guidance, and referrals to callers regarding myriad legal issues. Commitment: several two-hour shifts each month.
Family Court Legal Program (FCLP)
interview clients, review case histories, draft legal documents, prepare clients for oral testimony, and represent clients at court proceedings for orders of protection. Commitment: several full-day shifts each month in White Plains or Yonkers Family Courts.
Walk-In Clinic
interview clients, review documents, evaluate client's legal and other needs, and provide advice and referrals. Commitment: several two-hour shifts each month.
interview clients, review case histories and draft appropriate end of life legal documents. Commitment: four to eight hours per case. interview clients, review case histories and documents, draft legal documents, file documents with the court, and arrange for service of papers on the defendant. Commitment: six to ten hours per case.
Paralegals and Other Community Members
PARALEGALS support PWJC attorneys in family law, matrimonial, or elder abuse cases. Commitment: six to ten hours per case.
OTHER COMMUNITY MEMBERS support PWJC's Development and Finance Departments. Commitment: minimum of six hours per week.
Photo by Perry Grone on Unsplash
LAW SCHOOL STUDENTS
Extern Program: Pace Law student program combines weekly classes and fieldwork at FCLP (in White Plains or Yonkers Family Courts), Walk-In Clinic or Main Office. Commitment: minimum of one full day of fieldwork and one seminar class each week during Fall/Spring. Summer Interns: law students from across the country compete for placement at FCLP, Walk-In Clinic or the Main Office. Commitment: 35 hours of fieldwork each week. COLLEGE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS support our legal team by maintaining case management system, case files and legal resources database. Students may attend court proceedings and client interviews, and research discreet legal and social issues. Commitment: a minimum of six hours per week during Fall/Spring, 25 hours per week during Summer.