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Volunteer Legal Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Executive Legal Assistant

Rochester, NY ยท On-site

$44K - $55K/yr

... Voluntary Supplemental Disability. ยท Dental Insurance (employee paid). ยท Vision Insurance ... Legal Officer's (CLO) role as General Counsel, including confidential administrative support to ...

Executive Legal Assistant

Rochester, NY ยท On-site

$44K - $55K/yr

... Voluntary Supplemental Disability. โ€ข Dental Insurance (employee paid). โ€ข Vision Insurance ... Legal Officer's (CLO) role as General Counsel, including confidential administrative support to ...

... voluntary legal plan, identity theft, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage. In addition to our extensive benefit offerings, we provide paid vacation, wellness/sick time ...

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Volunteer Legal information

See Rochester, NY salary details

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How much do volunteer legal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer legal in Rochester, NY is $18.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $19.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a volunteer legal professional?

Volunteer Legal professionals are individuals, often lawyers, law students, or paralegals, who offer their legal expertise and services without charge to support individuals, nonprofits, or communities in need. They may provide legal advice, represent clients in court, draft documents, or assist with legal education and outreach. Their work helps bridge the justice gap for those who cannot afford legal representation and supports various causes such as human rights, immigration, housing, and more.

What types of legal projects or cases do volunteer legal professionals typically assist with, and how is work assigned?

Volunteer legal professionals often support nonprofit organizations, legal aid clinics, or community groups by assisting with projects such as drafting legal documents, conducting legal research, and providing pro bono advice under supervision. Assignments are usually based on the volunteer's expertise, interests, and the needs of the organization, with work often coordinated by supervising attorneys or project managers. Volunteers may work individually or as part of a team, and regular check-ins or meetings help ensure alignment and provide guidance. This structure allows volunteers to gain hands-on experience and make a tangible impact while developing their legal skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a volunteer legal professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Volunteer Legal professional, you need a foundational understanding of legal principles, research skills, and often a degree in law or ongoing legal studies. Familiarity with legal research databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis and proficiency in document drafting tools like Microsoft Office are typically required. Strong communication, empathy, and organizational skills are essential for collaborating with clients, attorneys, and community organizations. These skills and qualities ensure accurate legal assistance, effective advocacy, and meaningful support for underserved populations.

What is the difference between Volunteer Legal vs Paralegal?

AspectVolunteer LegalParalegal
Required CredentialsOften no formal certification, legal knowledge beneficialTypically requires paralegal certification or associate degree
Work EnvironmentNon-profit, community service, legal aid organizationsLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageLegal aid organizations, nonprofits, volunteer programsLaw firms, legal departments, courts
Common Search & ComparisonVolunteer Legal vs Paralegal

Volunteer Legal roles focus on providing legal assistance without formal certification, often in nonprofit or community settings. Paralegals typically have formal training and work in professional legal environments. Both roles support legal work but differ mainly in credentials and employment context.

What are the most commonly searched types of Legal jobs in Rochester, NY?

The most popular types of Legal jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What are popular job titles related to Volunteer Legal jobs in Rochester, NY?

For Volunteer Legal jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Volunteer Legal jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Volunteer Legal jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Volunteer Legal jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Volunteer Legal job openings:

Infographic showing various Volunteer Legal job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,274 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

DRNY is pleased to welcome experienced Volunteer Attorneys to provide legal advocacy for people with disabilities. The Volunteer Attorney provides legal services and supports litigation to protect clients’ civil rights.


Possible Functions

Volunteer Attorneys may engage in a wide range of advocacy activities such as:

  • Provide legal, administrative, and other appropriate means of support to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities;
  • Investigate allegations of abuse and neglect and draft investigative reports;
  • Monitor service providers for abuse, neglect, and compliance with federal and state laws and draft monitoring reports;
  • Analyze new and existing cases as well as other matters to determine if they present systemic issues; which may be appropriate for DRNY to address, and, with the Director or their designee, formulate strategies for their prevention, reduction, or elimination;
  • Consult with professionals such as attorneys, physicians, psychologists, therapists, educators, and others to identify options and barriers for individuals and groups;
  • Support DRNY projects, project teams, and initiatives that foster self-determination and self-advocacy, and coalition building;
  • Participate in committees, task forces, and other organization-wide groups;
  • Conduct and participate in training and outreach activities;
  • Maintain accurate, confidential files;
  • Maintain accurate time records and client records, including accurate use of the client tracking database for DRNY to meet its programmatic and fiscal responsibilities, and to obtain prevailing party attorney fees when appropriate;
  • Timely open and close case files regarding client matters;
  • Travel throughout New York State and outside of New York State as agreed;
  • Perform related tasks consistent with skills, abilities;
  • Other assignments as mutually agreed.

Qualifications

  • Be a member in good standing of the New York State Bar;
  • Interest and commitment to public interest law;
  • Ability to work efficiently, independently, and collaboratively as part of a team;
  • Excellent communication skills;
  • Relationship-building skills;
  • Strong organizational skills;
  • Strong problem-solving skills;
  • Demonstrated professionalism and ethical judgment;
  • Multilingual skills preferred;
  • Ability to work with diverse groups of individuals.

Preferred Experience

  • Public interest, civil rights, or disability law experience;
  • Litigation and administrative hearing experience;
  • Experience working with diverse populations.
  • NYS Driver's license preferred.

Working Conditions

The Volunteer Attorney usually performs work remotely or in an office environment. The mission of the organization may sometimes take a Volunteer Attorney to non-standard workplaces. The Volunteer Attorney may be invited to travel to various events.

The position is unpaid.

To view more about our organization, check out our YouTube videos highlighting DRNY’s mission in advocating for the civil rights of individuals with disabilities. Please visit our DRNY YouTube Channel and review our DRNY Press Releases.