JustCause (formerly VLSP)

🎉 We were proud to honor Charles Genese and Warren Welch with the William E. McKnight Volunteer Service Award this past Wednesday during MCBA Law Day! The McKnight Award recognizes extraordinary pro bono attorneys whose dedication to justice reflects the legacy of Bill McKnight—one of the first African American partners at a major Rochester law firm and a lifelong advocate for equal access to legal representation. Thank you, Charles and Warren, for your unwavering service and impact in our community! 💙⚖️

📢 Upcoming CLE – DEI in 2025: What is Legal Now? Join us on Thursday, May 8th from 2:00–3:00 PM for a free CLE on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in 2025, hosted at Harter Secrest & Emery LLP in Rochester, NY. ✅ 1.0 CLE credit in Diversity, Inclusion, and Elimination of Bias 📍 In-person and virtual attendance available 💼 Open to attorneys and advocates interested in staying current on DEI legal standards 🔗 Scan the QR code on the flyer or register HERE ➡️ https://lnkd.in/e-iJWrFM Contact hello@telescacenter.org for more information.

🚨 We're Hiring! Join the JustCause Team! 🚨 Are you passionate about access to justice and making a meaningful impact in your community? We're looking for dedicated, mission-driven individuals to join our growing team at JustCause! ✨ Be part of a team that stands up for fairness, equity, and community empowerment through pro bono legal service. 🔗 Apply now and help us make justice more accessible for all. Learn more here➡️ https://buff.ly/FjEZAR2

🎉 We’re thrilled to share that The New York Bar Foundation has awarded JustCause a $7,609 grant to support our Debt Management Advice Clinic and Consumer Debt Program! 🙌💸 This vital program provides free, limited-scope legal assistance to low-income individuals facing debt challenges. At our clinics, pro bono attorneys offer guidance on stopping creditor harassment, responding to court summons, and understanding bankruptcy options — empowering clients with the knowledge they need to regain control of their financial futures. We’re grateful to The New York Bar Foundation for helping us close the justice gap in Rochester and support our community on the path to financial stability. 💼⚖️

📢 Upcoming CLE Alert! Join us on Wednesday, April 9th from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (EST) for our Family Preparedness CLE! ⚖️🛡️ This training will cover essential topics to help attorneys support families in planning for the unexpected—ensuring stability, safety, and peace of mind. 🔗 Don’t miss this important opportunity to expand your knowledge and support your community. 📅 Register now and be part of the effort to empower families through legal preparedness! Register HERE➡️ https://buff.ly/xWPx9nR

🏡 AEP Volunteer Spotlight: Michael Schnittman 🏡 A huge thank you to Michael Schnittman, one of our dedicated Attorney Emeritus Program (AEP) volunteers, for his incredible work in assisting "Blake" with obtaining a mortgage modification and helping him keep his home! Michael’s dedication to justice and his commitment to pro bono service truly make a difference in the lives of our clients. Thank you, Michael, for standing up for those in need!

🚨 Attention JustCause Attorney Volunteers! 🚨 Looking for your next pro bono opportunity? The JustCause Pro Bono Portal is your go-to resource for browsing available cases and finding opportunities that match your expertise. With just a few clicks, you can take on a case and make a real difference in someone’s life. 🔗 Already a volunteer? Log in and find your next case today! 🆕 Not a volunteer yet? Sign up now and join our mission to provide access to justice! Login or Sign Up ➡️ https://buff.ly/iFIfj5F Become a Volunteer➡️ https://buff.ly/YPY1Z7H

We are thrilled to honor our William E. McKnight Award recipients, Warren Welch and Charles J. Genese, for their outstanding dedication to pro bono service and access to justice. Join us in celebrating their contributions during the Monroe County Bar Association Law Week Awards Reception!

🎉 Volunteer Spotlight: Clayton Dubin & Cary Jensen! 🎉 A huge thank you to Clayton Dubin (Harter Secrest & Emery LLP) and Cary Jensen (Journey's End Refugee Services) for their incredible dedication in securing successful Naturalization outcomes for two of our clients!✨ Their hard work and commitment to immigrant justice have made a life-changing impact, helping clients achieve their dream of U.S. citizenship. We are so grateful for their expertise, compassion, and willingness to go the extra mile! 👏 Please join us in celebrating Clayton and Cary for their outstanding pro bono service! 💙⚖️

🌟 Volunteer Spotlight: Attorney Beth Wilkens! 🌟 Our Future Planning Unit asked volunteers to take on at least four clients this year—and Beth Wilkens went above and beyond by taking four in January alone! 🎉 Beth’s dedication to helping clients navigate estate planning is truly remarkable. Her friendly and organized approach not only ensures that legal needs are met but also puts clients at ease during an important process. Thank you, Beth, for your commitment to serving our community and meeting the growing need for estate planning services. We appreciate you! 💙⚖️ "Over the years I regularly volunteered at the Help Desk in the courthouse, but I was always dependent on the JustCause paralegal to help me with the nuances of litigated matters. After I retired from practice as a corporate/finance attorney at Harris Beach (now Harris Beach Murtha), I wanted to stay involved but also wanted something non-litigation related. I settled upon writing wills and related planning documents for clients. I really enjoy the wide variety of clients with whom I have worked, and really appreciate the support JustCause provides in screening, helping with will witnesses, and the like. " - Beth Wilkens