The LGBT Law Project at NYLAG provides direct legal services to low-income lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community members throughout New York City. Areas of practice include representation in Family and Supreme Court matters (including orders of protection, custody, visitation), name changes, succession claims in housing, discrimination claims based on gender identity or sexual orientation, employment matters, and document preparation (Advanced Directives, Power of Attorney, Last Will and Testament).
The LGBT Project aims to address a growing need among LGBT clients for free legal services to overcome discriminatory barriers to self-sufficiency, and to change the system that keeps them disadvantaged. Strategies include providing representation and consultation to low-income LGBT clients on their special civil legal service needs, family law issues, and housing and permanency planning. The LGBT project conducts trainings for legal and social service agency staff; provides outreach and community educational operates, and opens new community-based legal clinics to provide advice on site; compiles and promulgates best practices to deliver comprehensive direct legal services to LGBT populations; and identifies opportunities for impact litigation.
The Project has partnered with LGBT organizations for both training purposes and for client referrals. Currently, we work closely with the NYC Anti-Violence Project, Queers for Economic Justice, LeGaL, Lambda Legal and Rainbow Heights.
The work of the LGBT Law Project is generously supported by The Orrick Community Responsibility Program.
