Family Court Help Desk - Spring Internship (unpaid)

THIS IS AN IN-PERSON INTERNSHIP IN DOWNTOWN BUFFALO, NY.

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE AVAILABLE IN-PERSON DURING THE HELP DESK HOURS LISTED BELOW BEFORE APPLYING.

We currently have two (2) Family Court Helpdesk Unpaid Internship opportunities available for the Spring 2027 semester.

About VLP: The Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project, Inc. (VLP) is a not-for-profit corporation that provides free civil legal services to low-income people and small non-profit groups in a variety of legal matters including, but not limited to: detained and non-detained immigration, family law, eviction defense, matrimonial matters, consumer matters, estates, and end of life planning. Intern with VLP and help give a voice to those who are not heard!

Benefits of Interning with VLP:

• Direct client interaction
• Court observation
• Development of writing sample
• Opportunity to network with local Attorneys
• In-house training, supervision, and mentorship
• Potential for Court appearances with Student Practice Order (for qualified law students)
• Complimentary attendance at VLP-sponsored Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs
• Monetary stipend (for qualified law students; Limited to certain programs)
• Commitment Letters for those seeking alternate sources of funding for positions at VLP

Minimum Qualifications: Current student or recent graduate.

Location: Erie County Family Court, One Niagara Square, Buffalo, New York 14202

Time: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11:15 am to 2:00 pm

Description: VLP's Family Court Help Desks are the 8th Judicial District's resource for unrepresented, low-income parties with legal questions about filing petitions, obtaining emergency relief, general handling of cases, and the overall Court process. Volunteer attorneys from the Family Court Bar, along with VLP staff attorneys, offer limited-scope consultations to clients, discussing the matter and related law with the student intern.

At the Help Desk, students will meet with pro se litigants, conduct intakes to determine eligibility, develop and improve interviewing and issue-spotting skills, discuss cases with experienced family law litigators, establish mentoring relationships, and participate in networking opportunities.

VLP attorneys also handle full representation cases for clients in a variety of family law matters. There may be opportunities to shadow the attorneys and conduct research for their cases. The work is fast-paced and emotionally challenging, but also very rewarding. Students must cover at least two of the three Help Desk shifts per week.