Pro Bono Partners Program

AFC provides free individual case representation where legal action is necessary. However, AFC legal staff has the capacity to provide free representation to only a limited number of families. Our Pro Bono Partners Program was created to allow AFC attorneys to partner with law firms throughout New York City, so that more children can get the legal help they need – and hence the education they deserve. The ultimate goal of these partnerships is not only to serve our current families, but to develop a growing cadre of attorneys trained in education law and procedure, and to increase the number of trained, effective advocates available to protect the right to learn for New York City’s most vulnerable children.

Advocates for Children selects private firm partnerships based on attorney interest and availability, staff capacity, and potential for a long-term relationship. AFC’s policy is to work with firms that demonstrate a commitment to the issues as well as to building internal capacity. At present, AFC is partnered with over twenty law firms representing students and families to secure the educational support to which they are entitled by law, but for some reason have been denied.