The VOLS Unemployment Insurance Advocacy Project recruits, trains, and mentors volunteer lawyers to represent individuals denied unemployment insurance benefits in administrative hearings before the New York State Department of Labor. Lawyers interview clients, review documents, develop case theory, conduct direct and cross-examinations, and make closing arguments before an administrative law judge. On average, preparation for a case involves between 12-15 hours, and the time frame for a case from its inception to completion is about six weeks.

At a time of widespread economic distress, this project provides an opportunity for lawyers to relieve some of the suffering being experienced by fellow New Yorkers. Project participants will assist individuals who find themselves jobless, some unable to meet basic living expenses, like rent. At hearings following denial of benefits by the New York State Department of Labor, an unrepresented claimant will prevail only twenty-eight percent of the time. When represented at a hearing, a claimant's success rate more than doubles.