Register to Judge at The Downtown

Register to Judge at The Downtown

Empire Mock Trial (Opportunity to Judge)

Empire Mock Trial is excited to invite attorneys to judge at Empire New York, scheduled for November 18-19. The program is run by Empire Mock Trial, an education nonprofit.  The organization is asking attorneys to serve as a judge or juror for one three (3) hour trial, which includes a complimentary meal and brief orientation session.  The remarkable high school students hail from 6 countries and 16 states, and attorneys receive 3 free CLE credits for volunteering.

More program information can be found on the website here—it takes less than 5 minutes for volunteers to register.

For the event flyer, click here.

This is a win-win opportunity for everyone: the local community gets to empower the next generation of leaders, while students learn from their knowledge and expertise.

For more information, please contact 917-426-3682 or judge@empiremocktrial.org.

Pro Bono Monthly Clinic on Wednesday, August 9

Our Pro Bono Monthly Clinic was held on Wednesday, August 9 (second Wednesday of the month).

Please join us in thanking all attorneys and interpreters that evening who assisted 30 clients:

Attorneys:

  • Michelle Yeung
  • Judy Lee
  • Jonathan Hernandez
  • May Chiang
  • Yun Gao
  • Kelly Diep
  • Kwok Ng
  • Asako Aiba
  • Chris Kwok
  • Tim Wong

Interpreters:

  • Wei Li
  • Mani Chander
  • Yiwen Feng
  • Wei Ling Huang

PALS Mentoring Reception: Building Effective Mentoring Relationships

Date: Thursday, February 4, 2016

Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Location: Chadbourne & Parke LLP, 1301 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 

This networking reception will provide students and lawyers, presently participating in the PALS Mentoring Program, an opportunity to meet.

We also encourage all New York City area law students of color and attorneys interested in future participation to come and learn about PALS and our Mentoring Program.

A New Open Enrollment Period Will Commence
on Friday, February 5th!

Mentoring relationships are rewarding to both parties and are essential in the professional world.  We encourage all attorneys to share their own experiences on the giving and receiving end of mentoring relationships.

Please spread the word about this reception to attorneys who may be interested in volunteering as a mentor to a law student of color.  We continue to have a tremendous demand from students interested in obtaining a mentor.

REGISTER HERE and invite your fellow colleagues/classmates. Deadline to register is Monday, February 1st.

Volunteer Mock Trial Judges Needed! Earn CLE Credit!

Volunteer Mock Trial Judges Needed! Earn CLE Credit!

Chance to Fulfill Pro Bono Requirements – MinKwon Center Naturalization and DACA Renewal Clinics

The MinKwon Center will be hosting several Naturalization and DACA Renewal Clinics this fall and they have recently added some new clinic dates. The new clinic dates are indicated with asterisks below. These clinics are great opportunities to assist low-income community members with immigration law forms. Each clinic will be held at the MinKwon Center’s office in Flushing, Queens (a few blocks from the 7 train stop). 

No prior experience is necessary, and training will be provided on the day of each clinic. The Center keeps a log of all volunteer hours and they’re glad to certify your pro bono hours for the NY bar admission requirement. If you’re interested in volunteering, please read the following clinic descriptions and sign up using the links below:

Naturalization Clinics –

The Center will be helping eligible LPRs complete their applications to become naturalized U.S. citizens. They are searching for assistance from attorneys, students and interpreters. Korean and/or Chinese language ability is especially helpful. Please sign up here to join for a Naturalization Clinic on any of the following dates:

  • Friday, September 26
  • Friday, October 10*
  • Saturday, October 18*
  • Saturday, November 8*
  • Friday, November 21*
  • Friday, December 5*

DACA Renewal Clinics –

The Center will be helping undocumented youth complete their applications to renew their DACA status. Successful applicants will receive an additional two years of protection against deportation and renewed work permits. They are searching for assistance from attorneys, students and interpreters. No foreign language ability is required. Please sign up here to join for a DACA Renewal Clinic on any of the following dates:

  • Friday, September 12
  • Saturday, September 13
  • Friday, September 19
  • Friday, October 3*
  • Friday, October 17*
  • Friday, October 31*
  • Friday, November 7*
  • Friday, November 14*
  • Friday, December 12*
  • Friday, December 19*

Please see below the contact information of the MinKwon Center:

MinKwon Center for Community Action (formerly YKASEC)
136-19 41st Ave. 3rd Fl. Flushing, NY 11355
Tel.718.460.5600 ext. 204 | Fax.718.445.0032 

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK SEEKING CANDIDATES FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACT MENTORING PROGRAM

NOTICE TO THE BAR

CONTACT: Peter Quijano, 212-686-0666; or Anthony L. Ricco, 212-791-3919

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK SEEKING CANDIDATES FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACT MENTORING PROGRAM

The United States District Court for the Southern District of New York is seeking candidates for its Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Mentoring Program. Ideal candidates are attorneys with five or more years of experience litigating in state court, with fifteen felony trials to verdict as lead counsel or comparable in-court experience under their belt. Under the supervision of a member of the CJA Panel, CJA Mentees would represent defendants in federal court who qualify for appointed representation under the Criminal Justice Act.

The purpose of the CJA Mentoring Program is to diversify the composition of the CJA Panel—a roster of private attorneys who are authorized to serve as appointed defense counsel pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3006A—and to expose experienced state court practitioners to federal practice. While the mentee’s initial 15 hours of service will be done pro bono, mentees may earn a reduced rate of $65 per hour for their services after the pro bono requirement has been fulfilled.

Candidate interviews will be conducted in early June. To apply for the program, please e-mail your resume by June 4 to:

Peter Enrique Quijano
Quijano & Ennis, P.C.
peter@qandelaw.com

“The CJA Mentoring Program offers attorneys a unique opportunity to expand their practice and learn from some of the top criminal defense attorneys in the nation,” said Chief Judge Loretta A. Preska. “The Court is fortunate to benefit from such an excellent program and grateful for the time and attention contributed by the mentor lawyers.”

The mentorship program is open to anyone who qualifies, and women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply. Participation in the mentorship program does not guarantee appointment to the CJA Panel.