To address the backlog of immigration cases in our courts and connect New York state residents with services, we’re launching a groundbreaking program to recruit and train licensed attorneys across disciplines and practice areas to work in immigration law. The new program is in partnership with the New York State Office for New Americans (ONA).
The ONA Pro Bono Immigrations Attorney Program aims to increase capacity and provide free legal services and support to qualifying New York residents.
IIB is the only organization in Western New York, and one of eight statewide, selected for this exclusive program. Over the next year, the Institute will recruit attorney volunteers who want to deepen their expertise, learn about immigration law, satisfy their pro bono license requirements, and help people right here in the local community.
The Institute is looking for at least 20 volunteer attorneys licensed to practice law in any state and 10 non-attorney volunteers to support them, including retirees. IIB Supervising Immigration Attorney Claire Ty will provide training in immigration law. Volunteer attorneys will have the opportunity to use their training by representing IIB clients in their immigration cases. Through this program, the Institute will also offer some Continuing Legal Education (CLE)-accredited classes.
Additionally, IIB will provide technical, legal, and staff support to volunteers and mentor law students in immigration law. Law students and non-attorney volunteers will be paired with volunteer attorneys to work as a team on IIB cases when possible.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for attorneys at any stage of their careers to do meaningful work on behalf of people who desperately need it and will appreciate it,” said Jennifer Rizzo-Choi, executive director of the International Institute of Buffalo. “Non-attorney volunteers and students will significantly help people overcome the legal hurdles that prevent them from achieving the American Dream.”
Rizzo-Choi, an immigration attorney herself, adds that it’s vital for those who understand the importance of accepting and welcoming foreign-born people to stand up to help an overburdened legal system in Western New York during a time when immigrants’ needs are great.
During the intake of legal clients, IIB will also ascertain if they are eligible for help from IIB’s other departments, including Employment Services, New American Integration, Interpreting & Translation, and Education.
For more information on volunteering for this important program, email Claire Ty at cty@iibuff.org.
