ECBA Volunteer Lawyers Project - VLP

06/02/2026

🚨 FREE LEGAL RESOURCE EVENT 🚨

Need answers to legal questions but not sure where to start? Free legal advisors will be available to help community members with a variety of civil legal issues — at no cost.

📍 Resurrection Life Food Pantry
2145 Old Union Road, Buffalo, NY 14227

📅 June 4th
⏰ 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Get guidance on:
✔️ Evictions & Foreclosure
✔️ Public Benefits & Disability
✔️ Divorces & Family Law
✔️ Consumer Debt & Student Loans
✔️ Immigration
✔️ Elder Law

Presented by ECBA Volunteer Lawyers Project, Assigned Counsel Program, WNY Law Center, Neighborhood Legal Services, and Center for Elder Law & Justice.

Please share to help spread the word throughout the Buffalo community.

06/01/2026

We’re proud to celebrate our CEO, Gretchen Gonzalez, who is featured in Buffalo Business First’s “Power People” series!

Gretchen’s journey—from social work and psychology to legal advocacy and nonprofit leadership—reflects her lifelong commitment to serving others. Since joining VLP in 2012, she has helped grow our organization from a team of 15 to 64 staff members, while strengthening partnerships that expand access to justice throughout Western New York.

Her leadership, vision, and dedication to collaboration have helped VLP serve thousands of individuals and families facing critical legal challenges.

Congratulations, Gretchen, on this well-deserved recognition! 🎉

For Gretchen Gonzalez and her staff at the Volunteer Lawyers Project, working on the weekend isn't allowed. Recharging is too important for the stressful work they do.

05/28/2026

The FY27 New York State Budget includes major investments in civil legal services that will help providers meet rising demand across the state.

At a time when many New Yorkers face eviction, immigration proceedings, domestic violence, and loss of essential income without guaranteed legal representation, these investments are critical.

The budget: • Restores full IOLA spending authority ($102.5M)

• Increases OCA civil legal services funding by $25M • Adds $10M for immigration legal services through ONA Thank you to Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda, Assemblymember Charles Lavine, and Chief Judge Rowan Wilson for recognizing the importance of stable, sustained funding for civil legal services.

We look forward to continuing work on nonprofit contracting reforms before the end of session.

05/19/2026

VLP’s Supervising Immigration Attorney, Hollis DeAbreu Davis, is featured in a new Investigative Post article examining how today’s immigration court system is impacting migrants and families seeking due process.

“At a time when access to justice matters more than ever, legal representation and advocacy remain critical.”

Read the full story below:

Migrants are now more likely to lose cases, have their asylum applications disqualified, and be detained and deported by ICE.

05/18/2026

VLP relies on dedicated volunteer attorneys, law students, and community members to help families stay housed, support survivors of domestic violence, and guide immigrants through complex legal processes.

When you volunteer with VLP, you’re not just offering legal skills — you’re offering hope, safety, and stability to someone who needs it most.

💛 Make an impact. Commit to volunteering today.
👉 Sign up at: www.ecbavlp.com/probono

05/14/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Marissa Wenzel on receiving the 2026 President’s Pro Bono Service Award from the New York State Bar Association!

Marissa was recognized for her extraordinary commitment to pro bono service and access to justice, including her impactful work on immigration appeals with VLP.

Her dedication to serving vulnerable individuals and advocating for justice reflects the very best of the legal profession. We are grateful for Marissa’s partnership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to pro bono advocacy.

Please join us in celebrating this well-deserved honor! 👏⚖️

https://www.wilmerhale.com/en/insights/news/20260506-wilmerhale-counsel-marissa-wenzel-receives-2026-presidents-pro-bono-service-award

05/13/2026

📣 We’re Hiring at VLP!

ECBA Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) is looking for a dedicated Human Resources Generalist to join our team serving both Buffalo and Batavia, NY!

If you’re passionate about people, workplace culture, and making a difference in your community, this could be the perfect opportunity. At VLP, you’ll help support a mission-driven organization that provides free civil legal services to low-income individuals across Western New York.

✨ Hybrid work opportunity
✨ Excellent benefits
✨ Collaborative and supportive team environment
✨ Meaningful nonprofit work that impacts lives every day

We’re seeking someone with HR experience who is organized, compassionate, and excited to help foster a positive workplace culture.

📍 Buffalo & Batavia, NY
📅 Full-time position

Apply today and join a team committed to justice and community service:
https://ecbavlp.isolvedhire.com/jobs/1767396

05/12/2026

⏳ Happening THIS WEEK!

Don’t miss your chance to find out if New York State is holding money in your name 💰

Volunteer Lawyers Project is teaming up with the NYS Comptroller’s Office to help you search for and claim unclaimed funds - for FREE.

📅 Thursday, May 14
⏰ 12:30 – 3:30 PM
📍 West Side Community Services, 161 Vermont St., Buffalo

Millions of dollars are returned every day… some of it could be yours.

Stop by, get help from trusted partners, and take a few minutes that could pay off.

05/05/2026

⏰ Happening TOMORROW!

If you or someone you know could benefit from a family preparedness plan, don’t miss this free event.

Join the Volunteer Lawyers Project and Jericho Road Community Health Center to:
• Make a plan for your family
• Put important documents in order
• Get trusted, confidential guidance

📅 Wednesday, May 6
⏰ 10:00 AM
📍 Hope Refugee Drop-In Center (248 W Ferry St, Buffalo)

✔️ Free & open to all
✔️ No appointment needed—drop in anytime
✔️ Interpretation in Kinyarwanda available

A little preparation today can make a big difference tomorrow.

05/05/2026

📢 THIS WEEK! Don’t miss your chance for FREE legal help
Our Free Legal Resource Event is happening soon — and it’s your opportunity to speak directly with a legal advisor at no cost.
🗓 May 7
⏰ 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Resurrection Life Food Pantry
2145 Old Union Rd
✔ No appointment needed
✔ Free and confidential
✔ Open to the community
Stop by and get the answers you need.