This initiative connects pro bono attorneys with disabled, low-income clients who need representation at Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability (SSD) administrative hearings. SSI is a need-based program available to extremely low-income, disabled individuals. SSD provides benefits to disabled individuals based on their employment history. These benefits dramatically improve the quality of life for people without means. Pro bono attorneys argue the hearings, cross-examine experts, take testimony, draft supporting papers, and work directly with clients. Experts at Legal Services NYC (LSNYC) screen and evaluate the cases, and provide supervision throughout. Cases take approximately 40 hours.
Scope of work for pro bono volunteers includes:
a. Meet with the client and confer with LSNYC attorneys about the contours of the case.
b. Gather medical records as needed—LSNYC often has most of these already.
c. Draft and submit pre-hearing papers.
d. Prepare client for examination as witness at hearing.
e. Represent client at hearing. Conduct direct examination and defend cross. In some cases the government will put up an expert witness. If so, cross-examine this witness.
Law firms, corporations, law firm lawyers, and in-house counsel who are interested in partnering with LSNYC are encouraged to reach out to learn more. Please contact Adam J. Heintz, Director of Pro Bono Services, at 646-442-3582 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Volunteer Application