Gita Rayavarapu, a Supervising Attorney in NYLAG’s Consumer Protection Unit, and Cole Bodell, Coordinating Attorney for NYLAG’s Mobile Legal Help Center and Community Access Programs, recently spoke with QNS reporter Shane O’Brien about NYLAG’s partnership with New York City Council Member Sandra Ung’s office and what it means for those in Flushing, Queens.
This week, NYLAG teamed up with CM Ung to host a workshop with nearly 100 people to walk through New York State’s new Transfer on Death Deed, which makes leaving one’s home or condo to someone in their family easier and cheaper while simultaneously combatting deed fraud. Deed fraud, or deed theft, disproportionately harms communities of color by disrupting the transfer of intergenerational wealth, which is why we’re proud to support initiatives aimed at protecting New Yorkers’ homeownership rights.
Gita Rayavarapu, supervising attorney for NYLAG’s Consumer Protection Unit, praised the City Council’s support of the initiative. “NYLAG is so thrilled that the City Council has provided funding for us to represent homeowners in ensuring that upon their death their homes are being protected from the various scams that are prevalent today and that the rightful heirs will inherit,” she said.
Cole Bodell, coordinating attorney for NYLAG’s Community Access Programs, said the mobile center allows NYLAG to deliver impactful legal services where they are most needed. “We’re thrilled to partner with Councilmember Ung to be able to literally meet folks where they are by bringing free comprehensive civil legal services, advice and advocacy to District 20 residents in their own community and on their terms.”
Read the full story in QNS, originally published on May 20, 2025.
