Krisel is confident the program has many benefits and views it as a ''a win-win deal for the county and the lawyers, who will enhance their skills and make a difference at the same time.''
Since the September 11 terrorist attacks, New York City has initiated similar programs, but directed their recruitment efforts directly to law firms who would pay a salary to the lawyers upon acceptance into the program.
Kate O'Brien Ahlers, a spokeswoman for the city's law department acknowledges that ''since at least the beginning of the year, because of the economic downturn, we have a few lawyers who work for free, but (we) have gotten many inquiries. We expect that to expand.''
Suffolk's County Attorney Christine Amalfi, admits that Suffolk does not have any similar programs but they do use volunteer interns but not lawyers.
Krisel points out that lawyers with foreclosure experience would be valuable providing guidance in mortgage default situations working within the county's Home Ownership Center.
''In addition, some applicants have appellate experience and others have litigation experience, and will be able to actively contribute to the defense of the county in court,'' Krisel explains that she would accept volunteers who have graduated law school but haven't passed the bar yet.
She warns that individuals shouldn't volunteer based on the possibility of a paying position somewhere down the line. ''That is just too low a probability,'' she admits.
