Whether you are a law student finding your footing, an experienced practitioner, or a member of the judiciary, there are countless ways to make an enduring impact through the Association and our 501(c)(3) Foundation. Explore the avenues below and help shape our growing legal community.
- Join a Standing Committee or Section: Drive substantive legal work, public policy advocacy, and community building through our active working groups (complete this form to get involved: Interest Form
- Judicial Screening & Candidate Evaluations: Participate in rigorous candidate interviews, background reviews, and screening panels through our Judiciary Committee to evaluate judicial hopefuls, advise appointing authorities, and promote a highly qualified, inclusive, and diverse bench across all New York courts.
- Run for the Board of Directors: Step into organizational governance and help guide the long-term strategic vision, fiduciary oversight, and philanthropic priorities of the Association or Foundation.
- Institutional & Firm Champions: Connect your firm’s pro bono or DEI leadership with LGBT Bar NY to sponsor the Annual Gala, underwrite a judicial fellow, or co-host a legal event.
- Volunteer at Tuesday Night Legal Clinics: Provide free, confidential legal consultations, client intake, and referrals to LGBTQ+ New Yorkers navigating housing, family law, immigration, and civil rights issues.
- Name & Gender Marker Changes: Join pro bono projects assisting transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming community members in securing affirming legal documentation.
- Lawyer Referral Network (LRN): Join our referral panel to receive vetted case referrals and represent community members in direct advocacy and court proceedings.
- NYS Attorney Emeritus Program: Experienced attorneys (age 55+ with 10+ years of practice) can transition their seasoned skills into meaningful pro bono service through our clinic and referral network.
- Write for LGBT Law Notes: Contribute case summaries, appellate digests, and scholarly commentary to the nation’s oldest continuously published LGBTQ+ legal journal.
- Speak on a CLE Panel: Share your substantive practice expertise as an instructor or panelist for our accredited Continuing Legal Education programs.
- 1-on-1 Mentorship & Judicial Pathways: Guide the next generation of legal talent by serving as a mentor to law students and newer attorneys, or participate as a judicial mentor and help prepare qualified attorneys for the bench: LGBTQ+ Judicial Pathway Program
- Host a Career Workshop: Share insights on practice areas, judicial clerkships, or resume and interview prep for law students and early-career attorneys.
- Attend Seasonal Networking Mixers: Build lasting professional and personal relationships at our complimentary social gatherings hosted each spring, summer, and fall across NYC.
- March with Us at NYC Pride: Stand visible and proud alongside fellow LGBTQ+ judges, attorneys, judicial clerks, and students in the annual NYC Pride March.
- Signature Community Traditions: Celebrate with colleagues at our marquee gatherings, including our Annual Pride Party, Judicial Reception and Holiday Party.
- Plan or Host an Event: Partner with us to curate practice-area roundtables, law firm receptions, or cross-affinity bar events.