Language Access Volunteer

The New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) provides free civil legal services to New Yorkers experiencing poverty or in crisis. 

NYLAG is re-launching the Language Access Volunteer program to enhance its ability to provide high-quality, free civil legal services to New Yorkers who face legal challenges that threaten their economic stability and safety. Volunteers skilled in translation and interpretation will work closely with NYLAG attorneys to interpret during client interviews, meetings, screening clinics, and court proceedings. Volunteers will also help translate legal documents and outreach materials.  

The Language Access Volunteers (LAVs) will provide "on-call" availability time(s) and contact information, which NYLAG attorneys, paralegals and staff will use to contact volunteers directly when they require language assistance. All translation/interpretation work will occur on weekdays during normal business hours. Currently there are immediate and ongoing opportunities available for LAVs with a fluency in written translation for languages listed below. 

This is an excellent opportunity for bi-lingual/multi-lingual volunteers interested in law to learn about civil legal proceedings, and receive hands-on experience working with clients and in collaboration with experienced attorneys and legal staff. Law students/graduates are encouraged to apply, but note this does not count towards the 50-hour pro bono requirement. 

Languages Needed: 

• German 
• Haitian-Creole 
• Hebrew 
• Mandarin 
• Polish 
• Russian 
• Spanish 
• Turkish 
• Ukrainian 

*These languages require fluency in written translation and/or oral interpretation. 

Additional Languages: 

• Arabic 
• Bosnian 
• Cantonese 
• Dari 
• Farsi 
• Fuzhou/Fujianese 
• French 
• Greek 
• Italian 
• Japanese 
• Kachiquel 
• K'iche 
• Korean 
• Mam 
• Pashto 
• Portuguese 
• Quechua 
• Tagalog 
• Taiwanese 
• Urdu 
• Wolof 

*You are welcome to apply if the language you speak is not on this list—we are particularly interested in Central American Indigenous languages 

Requirements: 

• We are seeking volunteers who are native speakers, have bi-lingual proficiency, or professional verbal proficiency of one of the designated languages. 
• Volunteers should be comfortable working in a professional environment. 
• Written translation skills not required but very helpful. 
• Applicants will be interviewed by speakers of your designated language to assess fluency and general qualifications. Once accepted into the program, volunteers will be trained in language access and cultural competency. 

How to apply: 

Please email your resume and a brief introduction to LAV@nylag.org. Please include "Language Access Volunteer" in the subject line of your email.