Information for Prospective and Current Host Organizations
The New York State Attorney Emeritus Program (AEP) partners with legal service providers, bar associations, and court-sponsored volunteer lawyer programs to expand access to civil legal services for low-income New Yorkers. The New York State Unified Court System’s Office for Justice Initiatives and Fordham Law School’s Feerick Center for Social Justice co-administer the program. The AEP connects seasoned attorneys—aged 55 and older, with at least 10 years of legal experience and in good standing—with approved host organizations in need of skilled pro bono volunteers.
If you are a current host organization looking for resources or guides, please click here.
We ask all host organizations interested in participating in the Attorney Emeritus Program to agree to the following expectations and practices:
A) Data Collection and Reporting
Host organizations are responsible for:
- Tracking and reporting the names and contact information of all Attorney Emeritus volunteers as well as some other limited impact data;
- Tracking start and end dates and hours of service for each Emeritus volunteer. Host organizations may coordinate with AEP to utilize the program’s new volunteer management platform if needed;
- Completing the Annual Survey distributed in the first quarter of each calendar year.
B) Communication
To ensure smooth coordination and appropriate placement, host organizations must:
- Notify the AEP coordinators when an Emeritus volunteer reaches out directly or begins volunteering with your organization; and
- Respond promptly to inquiries from AEP volunteers and program coordinators.
C) Legal Malpractice Insurance
All host organizations must:
- Maintain active legal malpractice insurance that extends coverage to AEP volunteers serving under their supervision.
D) Program Development and Engagement
As partners in advancing access to justice, host organizations are encouraged to:
- Keep their AEP host profile updated on the AEP website, including current contact information and pro bono opportunities for Emeritus attorneys;
- Encourage eligible attorneys to join the Attorney Emeritus Program;
- Participate in convenings and community of practice sessions aimed at strengthening the quality of civil legal services provided through AEP;
- Promote and help facilitate training programs for AEP volunteers and staff.
E) Application and Review Process
Organizations interested in becoming an AEP host site should submit an application here. All applications will be reviewed by the New York State Unified Court System’s Office for Justice Initiatives, and a decision will be communicated as soon as possible.
For additional details regarding the AEP or assistance in the application process, please contact the program coordinators at aepcoordinator@fordham.edu, aep@nycourts.gov, or call (646) 386-4441.
