Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service
Public Charity Status and Public Support
Complete if the organization is a section 501(c)(3) organization or a section
4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust.
Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ. See separate instructions.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2012
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
BROOKLYN BAR ASSOCIATION VOLUNTEER LAWYERS PROJECT INC
Employer identification number
11-3155182
Part I
Reason for Public Charity Status
(All organizations must complete this part.) See instructions.
The organization is not a private foundation because it is: (For lines 1 through 11, check only one box.)
1
2
3
4
5
section 170(b)(1)(A)(iv). (Complete Part II.)
6
7
8
9
receipts from activities related to its exempt functions—subject to certain exceptions, and (2) no more than 331/3% of
its support from gross investment income and unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 tax) from businesses
acquired by the organization after June 30, 1975. See section 509(a)(2). (Complete Part III.)
10
11
e
By checking this box, I certify that the organization is not controlled directly or indirectly by one or more disqualified persons other than foundation managers and other than one or more publicly supported organizations described in section 509(a)(1) or section 509(a)(2).
f
If the organization received a written determination from the IRS that it is a Type I, Type II, or Type III supporting organization, check this box
..................................................
g
Since August 17, 2006, has the organization accepted any gift or contribution from any of the following persons?
(i) A person who directly or indirectly controls, either alone or together with persons described in (ii)
Yes
No
and (iii) below, the governing body of the supported organization?
................
11g(i)
(ii)
A family member of a person described in (i) above?
......................
11g(ii)
(iii)
A 35% controlled entity of a person described in (i) or (ii) above?
................
11g(iii)
h
Provide the following information about the supported organization(s).
(i) Name of supported organization
(ii) EIN
(iii) Type of organization (described on lines 1- 9 above or IRC section (see instructions))
(iv) Is the organization in col. (i) listed in your governing document?
(v) Did you notify the organization in col. (i) of your support?
(vi) Is the organization in col. (i) organized in the U.S.?
(vii) Amount of monetary support
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Total
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990EZ.
Cat. No. 11285F
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Page 2
Part II
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Sections 170(b)(1)(A)(iv) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) (Complete only if you checked the box on line 5, 7, or 8 of Part I or if the
organization failed to qualify under Part III. If the organization fails to
qualify under the tests listed below, please complete Part III.)
Section A. Public Support
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2008
(b) 2009
(c) 2010
(d) 2011
(e) 2012
(f) Total
1
Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") ....
396,376
330,671
415,787
300,229
329,216
1,772,279
2
Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf.......
0
3
The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..
0
4
Total. Add lines 1 through 3
396,376
330,671
415,787
300,229
329,216
1,772,279
5
The portion of total contributions by each person (other than a governmental unit or publicly supported organization) included
on line 1 that exceeds 2% of the amount shown on line 11, column (f)..
0
6
Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4.
1,772,279
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2008
(b) 2009
(c) 2010
(d) 2011
(e) 2012
(f) Total
7
Amounts from line 4..
396,376
330,671
415,787
300,229
329,216
1,772,279
8
Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources...
8,266
6,898
5,602
4,057
4,083
28,906
9
Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on..
0
10
Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part IV.)..
-9,793
5,968
1,700
2,230
620
725
11
Total support (Add lines 7 through 10).
1,801,910
12
Gross receipts from related activities, etc. (see instructions)
..................
12
13
First five years.
If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a 501(c)(3) organization,
check this box and stop here........................................
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
14
Public support percentage for 2012 (line 6, column (f) divided by line 11, column (f))
.........
14
98.360 %
15
Public support percentage for 2011 Schedule A, Part II, line 14
...............
15
98.280 %
16a
33 1/3% support test—2012.
If the organization did not check the box on line 13, and line 14 is 33 1/3% or more, check this box
and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
.......................
b
33 1/3% support test—2011.
If the organization did not check a box on line 13 or 16a, and line 15 is 33 1/3% or more, check this
box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
.....................
17a
10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2012.
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, or 16b, and line 14
is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test, check this box and stop here. Explain
in Part IV how the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported
organization
.....................................................
b
10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2011.
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, or 17a, and line
15 is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test, check this box and stop here.
Explain in Part IV how the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
................................................
18
Private foundation.
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, 17a, or 17b, check this box and see
instructions
.....................................................
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Page 3
Part III
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Section 509(a)(2) (Complete only if you checked the box on line 9 of Part I or if the organization
failed to qualify under Part II. If the organization fails to qualify under
the tests listed below, please complete Part II.)
Section A. Public Support
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2008
(b) 2009
(c) 2010
(d) 2011
(e) 2012
(f) Total
1
Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") .
2
Gross receipts from admissions, merchandise sold or services performed, or facilities furnished in any activity that is related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose......
3
Gross receipts from activities that are not an unrelated trade or business under section 513..
4
Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf...
5
The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..
6
Total. Add lines 1 through 5.
7a
Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons...
b
Amounts included on lines 2 and 3 received from other than disqualified persons that exceed the greater of $5,000 or 1% of the amount on line 13 for the year.
c
Add lines 7a and 7b..
8
Public support (Subtract line 7c from line 6.)
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2008
(b) 2009
(c) 2010
(d) 2011
(e) 2012
(f) Total
9
Amounts from line 6...
10a
Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources..
b
Unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 taxes) from businesses acquired after June 30, 1975.
c
Add lines 10a and 10b.
11
Net income from unrelated business activities not included in line 10b, whether or not the business is regularly carried on.
12
Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part IV.)
..
13
Total support. (Add lines 9, 10c, 11, and 12.)..
14
First five years.
If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a 501(c)(3) organization,
check this box and stop here.............................................
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
15
Public support percentage for 2012 (line 8, column (f) divided by line 13, column (f))
.........
15
16
Public support percentage from 2011 Schedule A, Part III, line 15
...............
16
Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage
17
Investment income percentage for 2012 (line 10c, column (f) divided by line 13, column (f))
......
17
18
Investment income percentage from 2011 Schedule A, Part III, line 17
.............
18
19a
33 1/3% support tests—2012.
If the organization did not check the box on line 14, and line 15 is more than 33 1/3%, and line 17 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
........
b
33 1/3% support tests—2011.
If the organization did not check a box on line 14 or line 19a, and line 16 is more than 33 1/3% and line 18 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
.....
20
Private foundation.
If the organization did not check a box on line 14, 19a, or 19b, check this box and see instructions
.....
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Page 4
Part IV
Supplemental Information.
Complete this part to provide the explanations required by Part II, line 10; Part II, line 17a or 17b; and Part III, line 12. Also complete this part for any additional information. (See instructions).
Facts And Circumstances Test
Explanation
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Additional Data
Software ID:
12000229
Software Version:
2012v2.0
-
TIN:
SCHEDULE O (Form 990 or 990-EZ)
Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service
Supplemental Information to Form 990 or 990-EZ
Complete to provide information for responses to specific questions on
Form 990 or to provide any additional information.
Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2012
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
BROOKLYN BAR ASSOCIATION VOLUNTEER LAWYERS PROJECT INC
Employer identification number
11-3155182
Identifier
Return Reference
Explanation
Form 990, Part VI, Line 19
Form 990, Part VI, Line 19: Other Organization Documents Publicly Available
WE WILL PROVIDE DOCUMENTS ON REQUEST AT THE OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION.
Form 990, Part VI, Line 12c
Form 990, Part VI, Line 12c: Explanation of Monitoring and Enforcement of Conflicts
All members are currently attorneys and subject to the NYS code of professional responsibility and must avoid even the appearance of impropriety. a. Prior to election to the Board and on an annual basis thereafter, each Director and Officer shall disclose in writing, to the best of their knowledge, any Private Interest (as defined in this Policy) such Director or Officer may have in any Corporation, organization, partnership or other entity which provides professional or other goods or services to the Corporation for a fee or other compensation, and any position or material relationship such Director or Officer may have with any not-for-profit Corporation with which the Corporation has a business relationship. b. If at any time, a Director or Officer acquires any Private Interest or otherwise a circumstance arises which may pose a Conflict of Interest, the Director or Officer shall make prompt disclosure to the President.c. When any matter for decision or approval comes before the Board or any Committee of the Board in which the Director has a Private Interest or other Conflict of Interest, such Director shall immediately disclose the Interest or other conflict of Interest to the Board or Committee, together with all material facts.The Audit Committee will make recommendations to the President and Board of Trustees on how to respond to all apparent conflicts of interest.
Form 990, Part VI, Line 11b
Form 990, Part VI, Line 11b: Form 990 Review Process
The organization's audit committee, executive director and all board members review the 990 prior to submission.
Form 990, Part VI, Line 2
Form 990, Part VI, Line 2: Description of Business or Family Relationship of Officers, Directors, Et
PAUL A. GOLINSKI, BOARD MEMBER, IS A PARTNER IN CULLEN & DYKMAN, LLP AND STEVEN L. ZELKOWITZ, BOARD MEMBER, IS "OF COUNSEL" AT CULLEN & DYKMAN, LLP.
Form 990, Part III, Line 4d
Form 990, Part III, Line 4d: Other Program Services Description
OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 4: OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 5: OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES PROVIDED, PLEASE SEE MISSION STATEMENT
Client Note 2 - STATEMENT 2FORM 990, SCHEDULE GPART I, QUESTION 2B, COLUMN iiACTIVITY, EMPIRE EVENTS IS RESPONSIBLE FOR EVENTS PLANNING,SOLICITATIONS, MAINTAINING MAILING LISTS, IN-HOUSE SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT AND DATABASE SEARCHING.
Client Note 1 - STATEMENT 1FORM 990, PAGE 1, LINE 1In 2012, the VLP provided legal services to 6,748 Kings County, New York residents in need of assistance in highly-consequential civil legal matters, achieving positive results in obtaining federal bankruptcy protection, preventing foreclosure and negotiating loan modifications, halting or reducing debt collection, stabilizing custody, visitation and support obligations, obtaining a divorce, and addressing end of life issues. The VLP's clients all had incomes below 200% of the 2012 Federal Poverty Guidelines established by the Department of Health and Human Services and published in the Federal Register.The VLP's services were provided on a Pro Bono basis by approximately 400 volunteer attorneys under the direct supervision of the 4 VLP Staff Attorneys, who also manage a small case load in-house. Law student interns from a number of New York law schools also provide services in compliance with the VLP's Student Practice Order under the supervision of VLP Staff Attorneys.The VLP Audited Financial Statements for the Years Ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 included revenues and expenses reflecting 8,300 and 9,750, respectively, hours of attorney time at $250 per hour (2012), and $150 per hour (2011), the rates used by New York State Interest on Lawyers Account Fund in valuing volunteer attorney time by legal service organizations throughout New York State. The legal services for the Years Ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were valued at $2,075,000 and $1,462,500, respectively. The VLP also received donated services from members of its Board of Directors in conjunction with governance issues, fund raising and Client representation. Only hours donated for Client services were included in the 2012 Financial Statement.The VLP office space at 123 Remsen Street, Brooklyn, New York, is donated by the Brooklyn Bar Association. In Fiscal Year 2012 civil legal services were provided to Clients in the following areas of legal services:1. The Foreclosure Intervention Program. The VLP represents and assists Brooklyn residents facing foreclosure as a result of subprime or unconventional loan products through the Pro Bono Foreclosure Panel, a panel of trained pro bono attorneys recruited, trained, supervised and mentored by the VLP. The VLP provided assistance in 181 foreclosure matters in 2012. 2. The Haitian Immigration Legal Assistance Program ("HILAP") was organized by the VLP and its partners, Brooklyn Defender Services and the Lutheran Social Services of New York, shortly after the January 12, 2010 Haitian earthquake to provide emergency legal assistance to Haitian immigrants in Brooklyn. Advice and counsel are provided on legal issues including: obtaining Temporary Protective Status for persons living here prior to the earthquake; extension of authorized stays in the United States; and obtaining deferred action status. 3. Family Law Program. VLP volunteer attorneys provide assistance to families and individuals in crisis, providing representation and counsel on a variety of family law matters, including child support, custody, visitation, uncontested divorce and spousal support. The family law program is designed with special concern for women who are victims of domestic violence and with a keen sensitivity to resolving familial conflicts with a minimum of disruption and animosity. The VLP has an active self-represented uncontested divorce program that assists many women and men whose lives are in crisis or at a standstill because they were abandoned or are victims of domestic violence and/or emotional abuse. Most are referred to the VLP by the Office of the Self-Represented in Supreme Court. Others learn about the VLP clinic from other legal service providers. Brooklyn residents must have income of no more than 200% of the applicable Federal Poverty Guidelines for assistance through this program. 4. Uncontested Divorce. The VLP has an active pro se uncontested divorce program that assists many women and men whose lives are in crisis or at a standstill because they were abandoned or are victims of domestic violence and/or emotional abuse.5. Article 17A Guardianship. Article 17-A Guardianship. Volunteer attorneys assist with Article 17-A guardianship proceedings in Kings County Surrogate's Court to designate a parent, sibling, other relative friend or an organization to act on behalf of a person with mental retardation and/or developmental disabilities who has attained the age of 18. Before the court will appoint a guardian, it must be satisfied that the guardianship is necessary and that it is in the best interest of the disabled person. - In Family Law matters, uncontested divorce assistance, and Article 17-A Guardianship matters, in 2012 the VLP closed 996 cases, directly affecting 1,742 Brooklyn residents. 6. Bankruptcy and the Civil Legal Advice and Resource Office ("CLARO") in Kings County Civil Court. In its Bankruptcy program, VLP volunteer attorneys assist individuals who need to re-order their finances by drafting bankruptcy petitions and by representing them in Chapter 7 proceedings in the United State Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of New York. At CLARO, volunteer attorneys assist unrepresented debtors. Staffed by volunteer attorneys and specially trained and supervised Brooklyn Law School interns, CLARO is open from 2:30 to 4:30 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. each Thursday. CLARO offers self-represented litigants a chance to receive advice and guidance, primarily with debtor/creditor and consumer issues. The total number of consumer debt matters closed by the VLP in 2012 was 1,797, directly affecting 2,668 Brooklyn residents.7. Senior citizens have special needs that often make it more difficult for them to gain access to the justice system, and indigence compounds the problem. The primary goal of the VLP's Elder Law program is to empower seniors by educating them about their legal rights and options. Volunteer attorneys make scheduled presentations at senior centers across Brooklyn to teach the elderly about the importance of advance medical directives. Following presentations, a question and answer session identifies other areas of concern to seniors. Follow-up appointments may be made with seniors who have specific legal issues and meet the VLP financial eligibility criteria. In a number of these projects, the VLP partnered with New York State Courts and the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of New York, as well as other Brooklyn service providers, including South Brooklyn Legal Services, Lutheran Social Services, and Brooklyn Defender Services.In 2012, the VLP, an accredited Continuing Legal Education provider under the rules and regulations of the Continuing Legal Education Board of the New York State Office of Court Administration, ran 12 CLE programs, training 276 attorneys in the VLP's practice areas as described above.
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.