Language Access Volunteer

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The New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) provides free civil legal services to low-income New Yorkers.

NYLAG is launching the Language Access Volunteer program to enhance its ability to provide high-quality, free civil legal services to poor and near-poor New Yorkers in one of the most diverse metropolitans in the world. Volunteers skilled in translation and interpretation will work closely with NYLAG attorneys to interpret during client interviews, meetings, and court proceedings, and to translate legal documents. Language Access Volunteers will significantly increase NYLAG’s capacity to work with low-income clients of diverse backgrounds.

Language Access Volunteers (LAVs) will be added to a roster that indicates their "on-call" availability. NYLAG staff will contact volunteers directly when they require language assistance. Staff should contact volunteers at least 2 days in advance to set up meetings, but in emergency situations may contact "on-call" volunteers last-minute. Staff will only contact you about volunteering during the hours you have indicated you are available, and you are not obligated to volunteer should you be contacted during an "on-call" period. All translation/interpretation work will occur on weekdays during normal business hours.

This is an excellent opportunity for bi-lingual/multi-lingual volunteers interested in law to learn about civil legal proceedings, and receive hands-on experience working with clients and in collaboration with experienced attorneys and legal staff. Law students are encouraged to apply.

Languages needed:

Arabic

Bangla

Cantonese

French

Haitian-Creole

Hebrew

Hindi

Japanese

Korean

Mandarin

Russian

Spanish

Urdu

Yiddish

*You are welcome to apply if the language you speak is not on this list.

Applicants will be interviewed by speakers of your designated language to assess fluency and general qualifications. Once accepted into the program, volunteers will be trained in language access and cultural competency.

Requirements:

- We are seeking volunteers who are native speakers, have bi-lingual proficiency, or professional proficiency of one of the designated languages.

- Applicants should have some college education, and/or experience with interpretation.

- Volunteers should be comfortable working in a professional environment.

How to apply:

Please email your resume and a brief introduction to LAV@nylag.org. Please include "Language Access Volunteer" in the subject line of your email.