The New York State Unified Court System established the Attorney Emeritus Program (AEP) in January 2010. The program aims to engage senior attorneys, who are at least 55 years old (whether retired or active), in good standing, with a minimum of 10 years experience, and willing to provide at least 30 hours annually of unpaid legal assistance, in civil pro bono service. The program involves partnerships among the courts, legal services providers, bar associations, and law schools. Since its launch, Fordham Law School’s Feerick Center for Social Justice has provided administrative and programmatic support to the AEP, serving also as a liaison among various stakeholders.
Over the years, the AEP has grown steadily, with over 1,500 attorneys enrolled in the program, either by changing their registration with the Office of Court Administration (OCA) or by submitting an online application. To date, there are nearly 150 emeritus volunteers currently volunteering and 60 legal services providers approved to serve as AEP host organizations. Attorneys who meet all the requirements and are interested in participating in the AEP can do so by submitting an online application or by changing their attorney registration status to emeritus.
The Feerick Center for Social Justice recruits, places, and supports senior attorneys in civil pro bono positions to help address New York State’s “justice gap.” Emeritus attorneys volunteer with approved pro bono legal services and court programs help meet the civil legal services needs of New Yorkers who cannot otherwise afford counsel. As part of its recruitment efforts, the Feerick Center is organizing an AEP Information Session, which will be held on Thursday, March 10, 2016 from 12:00pm to 1:30pm. The information session will take place at the law firm of Willkie, Farr & Gallagher LLP. Please note that preregistration for this program is required.