Dear Northern District of New York Bar Member:
I wanted to take this opportunity to announce the creation of a new section on the Northern District of New York’s web page dedicated to honoring those bar members who have provided pro bono service to Northern District litigants who were unable to afford legal representation. Unfortunately, these difficult economic times have increased the number of litigants attempting to pursue a cause of action pro se. Without the public service of these dedicated professionals, the legal needs of the underprivileged may have gone unfulfilled.
The pro bono honor roll can be accessed via the following link:
http://www.nynd.uscourts.gov/probono
I would also like to take this opportunity to invite members of the Northern District Bar to consider volunteering for a pro bono assignment. The typical assignment takes place after all discovery and dispositive deadlines have passed and the case is about to proceed to trial. While these cases can be challenging, they provide attorneys with a unique and invaluable trial experience which often pays dividends in the future. If you would like to be considered for a pro bono assignment or have any questions about the Northern District’s Local Rule requiring pro bono service, please feel free to contact Larry Baerman, Clerk of the Court, at 315-234-8516 and he will be glad to assist you.
Again, on behalf of the entire Northern District of New York bench, I want to thank the attorneys listed on the Northern District’s pro bono honor roll for their professionalism and dedication to providing legal services to the underprivileged.
Gary L. Sharpe, Chief Judge