Haitian Creole and Vietnamese Language Access Volunteers (Interpretation and/or Translation)

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Founded in 1990, the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) is a leading not-for-profit civil legal services organization advocating for adults, children, and families that are experiencing poverty or have low income. We tackle the legal challenges and systematic barriers that threaten our clients’ economic stability, well-being, and safety. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and constantly improving how we respond to systemic issues of racism that affect our clients in their pursuit of justice. We address emerging and urgent needs with comprehensive, free civil legal services, direct representation, impact litigation, policy advocacy, financial counseling, medical-legal partnerships, and community education and partnerships.

NYLAG launched the Language Access Volunteer (LAV) program to increase the accessibility of high-quality, free civil legal services to people in New York who are experiencing poverty or who have low-income. 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.

The Language Access Volunteers (LAVs) will provide "on-call" availability time(s) to better aid NYLAG attorneys, paralegals and staff in their endeavors to increase accessibility. Most translation/interpretation work will occur on weekdays during normal business hours, but there may be times outside of business hours in order to accommodate the needs of our clients. Currently there are immediate and ongoing opportunities available for Language Access Volunteers (LAVs) with a fluency in oral interpretation and/or written translation for languages listed below.

For this position, we are looking for skilled, certified translators and interpreters to act as a liaison between clients and their legal advocates. Bi-lingual/multi-lingual volunteers interested in law and law students/graduates may still apply, but please note this opportunity does not count towards the 50-hour pro bono requirement. This opportunity is unpaid.

Languages Needed:

• Vietnamese (needed immediately)
• Haitian-Creole (needed immediately)

*These languages require fluency in written translation in addition to oral interpretation. *

Requirements:

• Certification or Degree related to translation and interpretation a plus
• Written and/or oral interpretation and translation skills required
• Some college education, and/or experience with legal interpretation
• Volunteers should be comfortable working in a professional environment.

How to Apply:

Please email your resume and a brief introduction/cover letter to LAV@nylag.org. Please include "Language Access Volunteer: Haitian Creole or Vietnamese" in the subject line of your email.