JustCause

JustCause (formerly Volunteer Legal Services Project of Monroe County) provides free legal assistance to people who cannot afford an attorney when facing serious civil legal problems. Established in 1981, JustCause’s staff of 25 employees coordinates the work of more than 1,500 volunteers who donate their time and talent to ensure that everyone in Monroe County has access to the justice system.

The JustCause Mission is to improve the quality of life of low-income residents of Monroe County by ensuring the existence of a readily available panel of skilled volunteer attorneys to resolve serious legal problems. Working with partners in the Rochester Legal Services Coalition (RLSC), JustCause strives to ensure that there are no unmet civil legal needs of the poor in our community. JustCause's pro bono opportunities include traditional case referrals as well as limited legal services at a variety of clinics.

Attorneys, paralegals, and law students can assist with cases through JustCase. With the participation of volunteers, JustCause holds clinics to provide information and guidance with form completion. Currently these are being held in-person and there are three to choose from - family law, immigration and family preparedness, and the micro-entrepreneur clinics.

 JustCause collaborates with the 7th Judicial District to manage a live Help Center at the Hall of Justice.  Requests vary from legal forms, questions about the court system or procedures, Small Claims Court, landlord tenant matters, and other civil legal issues. 

A more recent volunteer option is the Tenant Defense Project which assists clients facing eviction, both in and out of court. These matters are held in various town and village courts as well as Rochester City Court. 

Another opportunity for volunteers is to provide translation or interpretation services. The need is most urgent in the areas of Spanish, Ukrainian, Pashto and Dari, and American Sign Language.