Volunteer Resources
To be added to our list of attorneys willing to take cases:
Please fill out this form or contact Maria Valeri: mvaleri@ecbavlp.com Ext. 321
Current volunteers with questions/concerns or to update your information:
Please contact Maria Valeri: mvaleri@ecbavlp.com Ext. 321
To volunteer with the Family Court Help Desk:
Please contact Lori Genovese: lgenovese@ecbavlp.com Ext. 305
To volunteer with Attorney of the Morning (L/T):
Please contact Rachel Bieger: rbieger@ecbavlp.com Ext. 353
FREE PRO BONO TRAININGS AVAILABLE ON DEMAND:
Post Eviction Moratorium Madness: What Happens Now
Learn how the courts handle evictions in this post-moratorium world, particularly in Erie County.
Speakers: Christine McMenamin, Esq., VLP Housing Senior Staff Attorney
Christopher Szczygiel, Esq., VLP Housing Staff Attorney
Duration: 1.5 hours
CLE Credits: 1.5 Professional Practice
Cost: Free in exchange for volunteering with our eviction defense program for a minimum of three hours.
To Register: mvaleri@ecbavlp.com
Wills & Advance Directives
This program will provide the basic instruction and forms needed to prepare essential future planning documents and advance directives with a special emphasis on serving low-income populations.
Speakers: Nikole M. Wynn, Esq., VLP Supervising Attorney
Duration: 1 hour
CLE Credits: 1 Professional Practice
Cost: Free in exchange for representing one VLP client with preparation of essential documents.
To Register: mvaleri@ecbavlp.com
Representing Taxpayers Facing IRS Audits
Join us as we highlight the major issues low-income taxpayers face when responding to an examination of their federal tax return, as well as the tools and methods to address such issues.
Speakers: Michael Tedeso, Esq. and Heather Marello, Esq. of Andreozzi Bluestein LLP
Duration: 1.5 hours
CLE Credits: 1.0 Professional Practice and 1.5 Skills
Cost: Free in exchange for representing one VLP client with a federal income tax dispute.
To Register: mvaleri@ecbavlp.com
Child Support: Show Me the Money
A deep dive into establishment of income in child support cases.
Speakers: John J. Aman, Erie County Support Magistrate
Brian R. Welsh, Esq. of Brian R. Welsh PLLC
Vanessa C. Gabriele, Esq. of Gabriele Law, PLLC
Duration: 1 hour
CLE Credits: 1 Skills
Cost: Free in exchange for handling a support case on referral from VLP or covering two shifts
at our Family Court Help Desk.
To Register: mvaleri@ecbavlp.com
Utilizing Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act Article 17-A
An examination of the rules surrounding guardianship of an intellectually or developmentally disabled adult
Speakers: Courtney J. Donahue Tasner, Esq. and Jessica Peraza, Esq. of Lippes Mathias LLP
Kimberly Colaiacovo, Esq. Of Erie County Surrogates Court
Duration: 1 hour
CLE Credits: 1 Professional Practice
Cost: Free in exchange for representing one VLP client in an Article 17-A case.
To Register: mvaleri@ecbavlp.com
WNY Lawyers have a proud history of service to others. They embody the occupational goal by (Rule 6.1 of NY Rules of Provisional Conduct) donating fifty or more hours of free legal services to low-income people. They generously contribute to our regions legal services organizations.
At VLP over 2,000 attorneys have gained volunteer their legal expertise to our clients. We are grateful to our volunteer attorneys. It is a wonderful and rewarding experience to help those in need.
