PWJC Pro Bono Volunteer Program

The Pace Women's Justice Center's Pro Bono Program exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and the transformative power of expanding access to justice to our most vulnerable community members. By leveraging staff resources with the extraordinary commitment of pro bono attorneys, law students, and volunteers, PWJC is able to provide life-changing legal advocacy for thousands of victims and survivors.

Over the past 20 years, volunteers have donated over 160,000 hours of their time to support PWJC and our clients. This remarkable impact is made possible through a network of highly skilled volunteers who donate their expertise to ensure that individuals facing some of life's greatest challenges are not forced to navigate the legal system alone.

Volunteers serve in multiple capacities across PWJC's programs. They provide immediate legal assistance to walk-in clients at the Family Courts in Westchester and at our Main Office in White Plains. They staff PWJC’s Legal Helpline, ensuring that every caller seeking guidance receives timely legal information and important social service referrals, a critical first step toward safety and stability. They help older adults secure essential estate planning documents—including wills, powers of attorney, and health care proxies—protecting their independence and dignity. They represent survivors of domestic violence through uncontested divorce proceedings, handling every stage of the legal process with compassion and professionalism. And they accompany our clients and lawyers to court, to provide compassionate support during proceedings that can be particularly anxious for our clients.

PWJC volunteers are part of our team and family. They work side-by-side with staff, collaborating on some of the most difficult and challenging legal issues impacting families and their safety. In addition, volunteers mentor law students by teaching them the skills, compassion, and sense of responsibility that meaningful pro bono services require and providing inspiration to students to volunteer in their post-graduate careers.

The Pace Women's Justice Center's Pro Bono Program demonstrates that when dedicated professionals contribute their time, expertise, and compassion, access to justice becomes more than an ideal—it becomes a reality. Through the generosity of its volunteers, the Program has empowered thousands of survivors to rebuild their lives with safety, dignity, and hope.

It is our honor to recognize the Pace Women's Justice Center's Pro Bono Program for its outstanding commitment to pro bono service, its unwavering advocacy for victims and survivors, and its enduring impact on our community.