On June 24th, the nonprofit Volunteers of Legal Service (VOLS) will mark 35 years of legal service to the City of New York with “A Timely Conversation,” which will include stories from their COVID-19 response on behalf of the unemployed, frontline and healthcare workers, small businesses and immigrants, and a discussion of legal services and pro bono in the light of current events.
VOLS’ 35th anniversary conversation recognizes three outstanding women leaders in pro bono: Sheila S. Boston of Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP and President, NYC Bar Association, Kate Oberlies O’Leary of General Electric Company, and Bettina B. Plevan of Proskauer Rose LLP. The three will be featured in a special conversation with Michele Coleman Mayes of the New York Public Library.
The gala will include remarks from the Honorable Janet DiFiore, Chief Judge of the State of New York and the Court of Appeals. Special Recognition awards will be presented to John S. Kiernan of Debevoise & Plimpton LLP for Lifetime Service and Brenna K. DeVaney of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher, & Flom LLP for Leadership, Excellence, and Dedication to Pro Bono.
The New York City Bar launched Volunteers of Legal Service on Law Day (May 1) 1984, in response to the crisis sparked by federal budget cuts to legal services. “That initial challenge gave rise to a successful civic initiative that today celebrates its 35th anniversary,” said VOLS Executive Director Marcia Levy.
“On the one hand, VOLS rallies volunteer support from the city's major law firms and corporations. And on the other, we build on-the-ground partnerships with over 200 neighborhood-based groups. Our approach ensures that New Yorkers in underserved communities can access the justice they deserve, including: children and seniors; mothers in prison; immigrant youth; the unemployed, small business owners; veterans; and LGBTQ New Yorkers. This has never been more important as our client communities are most hard hit by the pandemic and the racial and economic disparities that exist in NYC.” In the last year, VOLS has provided access to justice for over 4,350 low-income New Yorkers through 18,000 service hours offered by over 1,000 attorneys and other volunteers from 60 law firms and legal departments.
