50-Hour Pro Bono Requirement - Research Assignment: Neighboring Tree DamageThe Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) is accepting applications from individuals seeking to fulfill the 50-hour pro bono service requirement for admission to the New York State Bar. Pursuant to Rule 520.16 of the Rules of the Court of Appeals, applicants who successfully pass the bar examination in New York State must demonstrate that they have performed 50 hours of qualifying pro bono service before applying for admission to practice. The requirement need not be fulfilled before a law student applies to take their New York State examination; rather, the 50 hours must be completed before filing an application for admission.About VLPVLP is a mixed-model civil legal services program that coordinates direct representation by pro bono attorneys and by our staff attorneys in our two locations: Buffalo and Batavia, NY. The Buffalo office handles a wide variety of civil legal services, with a focus on involving pro bono lawyers in the delivery of our services to clients. The Batavia office provides immigration representation to individuals detained in the Federal Detention Facility in Batavia, NY.Duties and ResponsibilitiesWe are seeking assistance with a research assignment based on the following:VLP has a client in the City of Buffalo, NY whose home sits directly on or very close to the property line. A large, mature tree on the neighboring property is located immediately adjacent to the client's home and is causing damage to the siding, roof, gutters, and foundation. The client believes the damage cannot be fully remedied unless the tree is removed. Please do not stop at the general rule that a landowner is ordinarily not liable for damage caused by a naturally occurring tree. A basic legal or AI search may produce that answer, but we are specifically looking for the exceptions, factual distinctions, and nuances in New York case law. Specifically, we are seeking an objective analysis (not a persuasive argument) of New York law concerning the following questions:What relief (monetary, equitable), if any, is available for the damage to the siding and roof of the house?What relief (monetary, equitable), if any, is available for the damage caused to the house foundation due to the roots of the tree?Can the neighboring homeowner be compelled to remove the tree even though it is their property because our client cannot be made whole unless the tree actually is removed? On this topic, we are looking for research on both monetary and equitable relief (i.e. this matter will not be brough in small claims court).Are there cases that distinguish between root damage and damages from branches?The above questions should be briefed and submitted as a Legal Memorandum.RequirementsAccess to Lexis or Westlaw. VLP will not provide access to legal research software. The use of Artificial Intelligence is strictly prohibited for this research assignment.This assignment may be completed remotely and we estimate the assignment will take approximately 10-15 hours. VLP is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply. Employer recruits without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, pregnancy-related condition, predisposing genetic characteristics, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital and familial status, domestic violence victim status, disability, military status, or protected veteran status.For more information, visit our website at www.ecbavlp.com