Application Guide
How to Apply for Pro Bono Staff Attorney
at Family Legal Care
🏢 About Family Legal Care
Family Legal Care is a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to justice for unrepresented litigants in New York Family Court. They pioneered a remote pro bono program that leverages technology to connect underserved communities with volunteer attorneys, making legal help more accessible. Working here means being at the forefront of innovative access-to-justice initiatives.
About This Role
As the Pro Bono Staff Attorney, you will supervise and mentor volunteer attorneys, prepare case referrals, and directly assist clients in virtual legal consultations. This role is impactful because it directly enables unrepresented parents and caregivers to navigate family court, ensuring they have the support they need to self-advocate effectively.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing and preparing case referrals, then supervising volunteer attorneys during their virtual consultations. You would also mentor legal interns, collaborate with the Pro Bono Team on program improvements, and occasionally directly assist clients with their legal questions.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Family Legal Care Is Looking For
- A licensed attorney with experience in New York family law, particularly in Family Court proceedings.
- Strong supervisory and mentoring skills, with the ability to guide volunteer attorneys and legal interns.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills to manage case referrals and coordinate virtual consultations.
- Passion for access to justice and using technology to serve underserved communities.
📝 Tips for Applying to Family Legal Care
Highlight any experience you have with pro bono programs or supervising volunteers, as this is central to the role.
Emphasize your familiarity with New York Family Court procedures and the specific legal issues faced by unrepresented litigants.
Demonstrate your comfort with remote legal services and technology platforms, as the program is fully virtual.
Tailor your resume and cover letter to show your commitment to the mission of increasing access to justice.
Mention any experience working with diverse or underserved populations, as this is key to the company's work.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your passion for access to justice and how it aligns with Family Legal Care's mission.", 'Specific examples of your experience supervising or mentoring attorneys or legal interns.', 'Your familiarity with New York family law and the challenges faced by self-represented litigants.', 'Your ability to adapt to remote work and use technology to deliver legal services efficiently.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review Family Legal Care's website to understand their programs, particularly the Pro Bono Program and its remote consultation model.
- → Look into recent news or publications about Family Legal Care to see their impact and any new initiatives.
- → Familiarize yourself with the New York Family Court system and common issues faced by litigants, such as custody, visitation, and orders of protection.
- → Check the organization's social media or blog for insights into their culture and team.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid applying without tailoring your resume to highlight relevant family law and supervisory experience.
- Do not overlook the remote aspect - make sure to convey your ability to work effectively in a virtual environment.
- Avoid generic cover letters; show that you understand the unique mission and program of Family Legal Care.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Family Legal Care!