October 2024

A Call to Make a Difference in the Community and Beyond

In today's busy world, daily routine and stress often impact mental health and well-being, it is important to acknowledge the value of balancing responsibilities with service to our community. Serving the Queens community is not just a way to give back, but also a crucial part of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

When attorneys volunteer or provide pro bono services, they significantly impact the Queens legal community. Beyond helping those in need, lawyers also gain valuable professional and personal experiences. The difference between volunteering and pro bono work is mainly semantic; the key is the positive effect on the community and the lives these acts of service improve.

The Queens Volunteer Lawyers Project (QVLP) allows attorneys to assist in areas such as foreclosure defense, consumer debt, family court, housing, and more. By offering pro bono services, lawyers can help bridge the justice gap while earning CLE credit. For more information on volunteer opportunities, please contact Mark Weliky at (718) 291-4500.

The New York Attorney Emeritus Program (AEP) offers a valuable volunteer opportunity for attorneys aged 55 or older with ten or more years of legal experience. Participants provide pro bono services across the state, including virtual representation for residents in rural areas. The AEP aims to ensure quality legal representation for low-income New Yorkers. Participants are exempt from the $375 registration fee and Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements if they complete 60 hours of pro bono work within two years. For more information, contact aepcoordinatory@fordham.edu or (212) 930-8871.

The rewards of volunteer work in the community are deep-rooted. Legal assistance can mean the difference between not paying rent and not having enough food to feed your family.  The benefits outweighs the challenges to assist one to navigate the court system that would otherwise be insurmountable for a person with modest means. For many residents of Queens County, the support of a volunteer lawyer can be life-changing. It fosters a sense of community and trust, showing that the legal profession is committed and compassionate to the community's legal needs.

Engaging in pro bono work can improve mental health by providing a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It allows attorneys to reconnect with the core reasons they entered the legal profession: to help others and promote justice. The positive impact on their client's lives and the opportunity to use their skills in meaningful ways can significantly enhance well-being and reduce stress. According to recent statistics, approximately 50% of lawyers report symptoms of depression and 21% report symptoms of anxiety. Volunteering can assist in dealing with these challenges.

Make no mistake, volunteerism in the legal profession is not limited to providing direct legal services. Lawyers can also make a difference by:

o   Judging Moot Court Competitions
o   Assisting with Mock Trials
o   Providing Internships
o   Speaking at schools and the community

Participating in the above activities, and other service-oriented activities can be transformative for students, particularly those who may not have had such opportunities otherwise. It also provides those in the legal profession with a platform to share their knowledge and experience, inspiring the next generation of legal professionals and contributing to the growth of the legal community.

So, for the good of our community, our health and to extend goodwill between QCBA and the community, please consider participating in the Queens Volunteer Lawyers Program, the Attorney Emeritus Program, or another volunteer program that will allow you to be a part of something bigger and play a vital role in the ongoing quest for justice across New York State. 

I encourage you to participate in one of the many upcoming events our committees are planning for the next few weeks including: 

Landlord & Tenant Committee CLE: “Landlord & Tenant Update”
Academy of Law CLE: “Implications of Technology in Domestic Violence and Family Court Cases”
Elder Law Committee CLE: “Intersection of Mental Hygiene Law Article 9 Proceedings and Article 81 Guardianships”
Civil Court and Supreme Court Committees CLE: “No Fault Litigation Update”
Surrogate’s Court, Estates and Trusts Committee CLE: “Kinship Proceedings – Proving the Family Tree”
Criminal Law Committee CLE: “Drug Treatment Courts”
Family Law Committee CLE:  Symposium – “Supporting Safe Parent-Child Relationships: Substance Misuse, Cybersecurity and Domestic Violence”

Young Lawyers Committee: “Friendsgiving”, an evening to network and socialize while raising money to support Dancing Dreams, a local nonprofit program
LGBTQ+ Committee: “Fall Social Mixer” at The Beast Next Door in Long Island City
Holiday Party Committee: “Annual Holiday Party” at Jericho Terrace in Mineola

Details and registration information for each of these events can be found on our website at www.qcba.org.

As we approach Veteran’s Day on Monday, November 11th, please take a moment to honor those who have bravely served our country and defended our freedoms.  Their sacrifices remind us of the importance of participating in our democracy, especially in this presidential election.  Your vote is a tribute to their service and a commitment to the values they fought to protect.  Therefore, I urge each of you to vote in the upcoming elections.  Voting is a fundamental civic responsibility. Your vote matters, regardless of your political affiliation.  Remember, even a handful of votes can determine the outcome of an election. 

Sincerely,

Zenith T. Taylor