Testimonials
If you would like to post your own testimonial about your experience in the Volunteer Lawyer for the Day Program, e-mail VLFDHousing@courts.state.ny.us.
Posted: April 23, 2013
By: Robert Peters, Esq.
"My journey to the VLFDHousing program began long ago – in 1975-1976 to be exact, when I spent a full year following graduation from law school representing tenants in nonpayment proceedings in the Manhattan Housing Court. I enjoyed working in the housing court back then, and to this day I am thankful for the experience. I am now in the midst of a later-in-life career transition – from working more than 27 years as an attorney and executive for a nonprofit organization that fights pornography to an attorney in private practice.
One area of law that I was interested in from day one of this transition was landlord-tenant law, and I am not exaggerating when I say that I was delighted to discover that the NYC Housing Courts appoint their own Guardians Ad Litem. This, I thought, is for me! But having spent most of my professional life working as an in-house attorney who didn't represent clients in court, I knew I would again need to become comfortable working in the Housing Courts if I were to become a capable GAL. I was therefore delighted to discover a program that would allow me to represent tenants on a pro bono basis. This, I thought, is what I need; and it was.
As I write this testimony, I have been serving as a Volunteer Lawyer for the Day for going on six months; and I am happy to report that when I recently received my first appointment as a Housing Court GAL I had no trepidation about speaking to a landlord attorney or about standing before a Housing Court judge. And when I sat down to look through the court file, it was a breeze.
I have taken a number of CLE courses relating to landlord-tenant law and guardianship law (both GAL and Article 81), and I intend to take more because there is a place for "book learning." But there is also a place for "doing the work," and the VLFDHousing program is a great way to be a doer of the work if a person wants to be a Housing Court GAL.
I would add that at this point in my life my goal is to earn a modest income while doing good in the process. I don't anticipate that serving as a Housing Court GAL will meet the full need for even a modest income, but if I fulfill my responsibilities as a GAL, I can do good."
Posted: December 22, 2011
By: Johannes Wetzel, Esq.
"Through the Volunteer Lawyer for the Day program I have represented a number of individuals in different Housing Courts throughout the city. I think the best thing about the program is that I get to practice a range of skills. The clients represent a variety of backgrounds and most have little knowledge of legal processes. Through my representation, I am able to practice client contact in the most fundamental way by explaining what is happening, what to expect, and the risks and rewards of any strategy.
Just as varied as the clients are the opposing attorneys with whom I negotiate extensively for every client. The nature of the cases the VLFD Program handles demands that I try to think of creative solutions to client problems, and that I try to make the best of some clients' difficult circumstances. Every case requires a slightly different approach, and this variety of experience has taught me a great deal about negotiation and litigation strategy.
Finally, through the program I have learned a tremendous amount about both Housing Court law and procedure, and about the rules and administration of public assistance programs in New York.
The program has greatly increased my confidence with clients, with opposing counsel, and in the courtroom."
Posted: December 15, 2011
By: Donna Hopkins, Esq.
“The VLFD program is a great opportunity for attorneys to serve those citizens of New York who are most in need of legal advice at a time when they can least afford it. The program allows me to contribute my legal skills in a way that can make a significant difference to someone’s life. My fellow attorneys on the program are always on hand for advice on any legal or practical issues if needed. There's a great support system for attorneys new to the program. If you want to contribute something useful to New Yorkers, this is a wonderful thing to do - I thoroughly recommend it.”
Posted: December 9, 2011
By: Bikram Singh, Esq.
"I’ve learned so much from volunteering at the VLFD program. The experience that I’ve gained is invaluable. I’ve learned to deal with a wide variety of issues at a time, manage client’s expectations, draft stipulations, deal with opposing counsel and present my case in front of the Judge. There is a great feeling of satisfaction when you have assisted an individual prevent their eviction. I am also working with a great group of people who share the same sentiment as me. I think every attorney new or experienced should volunteer at the VLFD program."
