New York Legal Assistance Group

The New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) is a non-profit organization that provides free civil legal services to low-income New Yorkers. Its services include direct representation, case consultation, advocacy, community education, training, financial counseling, and impact litigation.

Approach[]

NYLAG is able to provide services to undocumented immigrants, and individuals and families who earn above the government-designated poverty threshold because the agency does not accept Federal Legal Services Corporation funding. In the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017, NYLAG had a budget of $26 million, supplemented by partnerships with law firms and volunteers that donated over 100,000 hours in pro bono services, valued at over $26 million.^[1] On average, NYLAG provides services at an internal cost of $200 per client. In 2016, the agency served over 74,000 clients - over fifty per cent of whom were immigrants.

NYLAG has 150 community offices located in courts, hospitals, and community- based organizations in all five boroughs of New York City, Long Island and Westchester and Rockland Counties. The agency partners with 600 health and human services agencies, and provides cross-referrals.^[2]

The agency has a paid staff of 284 and uses the services of approximately 2,200 pro bono attorneys and other volunteers.

Populations Served: Immigrants, Children with special needs, Victims of domestic violence, Veterans, Elderly, Holocaust survivors, LGBTQ, Disabled, Tenants, Homeowners, Victims of natural disasters, Serious or chronically ill patients, and Consumers.^[3]

In 2008, NYLAG filed a class action lawsuit with the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund, suing the United States government for delays in the processing of Immigration Applications.^[4]

References[]

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