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Global Law Firm Shearman & Sterling Helps Legal Nonprofit Expand NY COVID-19 Legal Resource Hotline

For Immediate Release  
Contact: bpacheco@nylag.org | c: 917.771.9845

Leading legal non-profit New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) today announced that global law firm Shearman & Sterling is helping expand its NY COVID-19 Legal Resource Hotline. Given the disproportionate impact COVID-19 has on communities of color and immigrant communities with diverse language needs, Shearman & Sterling will be increasing language capacity, thanks to their international staff pool, to help with translations to NYLAG’s Spanish, Russian and Mandarin-speaking clients.

“While this crisis has affected everyone, our clients—those experiencing poverty or with low-income—are uniquely affected. Many have lost employment, have urgent housing concerns, and face myriad other crises as a result of the economic downturn. Others work essential low-wage jobs where they risk exposure to COVID-19. Undocumented immigrants have been shut out of so many relief programs. Our communities need expert legal help to know and assert their rights and know where they are protected under the law. We are so grateful to Shearman & Sterling for joining us to provide free legal expertise to those New Yorkers who need it most but can’t afford it,” said Beth Goldman, NYLAG’s President & Attorney-in-Charge

“As the pandemic continues to inflict hardships on people around the world, and particularly in densely populated cities like New York, Shearman & Sterling has dedicated pro bono legal resources and support to those who need it most. It is no surprise that low-income individuals are disproportionately impacted by the current crisis and we are proud to partner with organizations such as the New York Legal Assistance Group to offer clients critical legal advice they need to stay afloat,” said Saralyn Cohen, Pro Bono Counsel and Director at Shearman & Sterling.

Those in need of free legal support due to the coronavirus can call the NY COVID-19 Legal Resource Hotline at 929-356-9582 from Monday- Friday from 7 am-1 pm ET. Individuals may also contact the hotline at any time by filling out NYLAG’s online form. Either way, NYLAG and attorneys at Shearman & Sterling will call back within two business days.

NYLAG’s COVID-19 hotline can offer advice on the following:

  • Advanced Planning (Standby Guardianship, Power of Attorney, Healthcare Proxy, Wills)
  • Consumer Debt (Debt Collection, Wage Garnishment)
  • Employees’ Rights (Paid Leave, FMLA, Working Conditions)
  • Housing (Eviction, Rent Arrears, Foreclosure, Mortgage Relief Options)
  • Unemployment Benefits
  • Public Benefits
  • Special Education issues (K-12)
  • Stimulus Payment questions

The hotline launched in April 2020 and to date has helped more than 1,500 NYC residents impacted by COVID-19 (coronavirus) get answers to their legal questions. For more information on the NY COVID-19, Legal Resource Hotline visit nylag.org/hotline.

About NYLAG

The New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) is a leading nonprofit that provides free civil legal services and financial counseling and engages in policy advocacy efforts to help people experiencing poverty. Learn more at nylag.org. 

About Shearman & Sterling

With more than 850 lawyers in 24 offices, Shearman & Sterling is a global law firm that partners with corporations, major financial institutions, emerging growth companies, governments and state-owned enterprises to provide the legal and industry insight needed to navigate the challenges of today and achieve their ambitions of tomorrow.

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