Pro Bono Partnerships

Pro Bono with Build Up Justice NYC: Give back in ways that are meaningful to you

Build Up Justice NYC receives pro bono legal assistance from many law firms and individual attorneys. We provide training and support for all pro bono matters and projects, and have opportunities to fit your schedule and experience level.

Over the years, pro bono partnerships have helped us expand our capacity across all program areas. Many of these relationships have become lasting, fruitful connections, and we are incredibly grateful. 

At Build Up Justice NYC, our primary – though not exclusive – focus of service are residents of and small businesses and nonprofit organizations based in New York City.

To learn more about becoming a pro bono partner, contact Ndukwe Agwu at [email protected]. The following are our current pro bono partners:

  • Millbank LLP
  • Duane Morris, LLP
  • McDermott Will & Emery LLP
  • Proskauer Rose LLP
  • McGuire Woods LLP
  • Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
  • Akerman LLP
  • Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
  • Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison
  • White & Case
  • Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
  • DLA Piper, LLP
  • Davis Wright Tremaine
  • Brown Rudnick
  • Cozen O’Conner
  • Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP
  • Farrell Fritz PC

List updated as of August 1, 2025.

Attorney Emeritus Program

Our organization proudly participates in the New York State Attorney Emeritus Program (AEP), which connects experienced attorneys with legal service providers to deliver free civil legal assistance to New Yorkers who cannot afford counsel.

The AEP welcomes retired and active attorneys in good standing who are at least 55 years of age with a minimum of 10 years of practice experience–click here to view the program page (NYS Attorney Emeritus Program | NYS Attorney Emeritus). Volunteers commit to providing 60 hours of pro bono service over a two-year period, allowing them to give back to their communities while exploring new areas of law or deepening their expertise.

Benefits for AEP Volunteers:

  • Comprehensive training and ongoing mentorship from our staff
  • Malpractice coverage provided by our organization
  • Active attorneys can earn up to 15 CLE credits for their pro bono work
  • Retired attorneys enjoy waived registration fees and exemption from mandatory CLE requirements
  • Flexible service opportunities that fit your schedule
  • The satisfaction of making a meaningful difference in the lives of low-income New Yorkers

Our AEP volunteers provide essential legal services in (e.g., anti-eviction defense law housing and group representation housing law, domestic violence, family law, consumer rights, bankruptcy rights, and community/economic development law), helping bridge the justice gap for vulnerable community members.