Legal Hand Project
Addressing problems before they escalate into legal proceedings.
NYLAG participates in the Legal Hand Project—which brings together community volunteers from New York City neighborhoods—to provide free legal information, assistance, and referrals to local residents. A NYLAG staff attorney is onsite, training and assisting volunteers at Legal Hand’s Crown Heights Brooklyn location.
Legal Hand community volunteers provide assistance in areas of concern, including housing, family matters, immigration, divorce, domestic violence, and public benefits. The goal is to prevent issues community members face from turning into legal actions that can seriously harm vulnerable residents, forcing people out of their homes, separating families, or imposing additional financial burdens.
876
people served last year
Services
Volunteers can help with a range of issues including the following:
- Applying for, checking eligibility for, or appealing a denial of public benefits
- Resolving custody or child support issues and other related matters (including divorce)
- Applying for unemployment benefits, resume help, and more
- Addressing housing issues (i.e. NYCHA issues, affordable housing, repair issues etc.)
- Repairing credit, resolving identity theft, or stopping harassment from debt collectors
- Addressing health needs (i.e. health insurance, guardianship, getting care for a sick family member etc.)
Need free legal services or financial counseling?
Help us prevent legal issues from escalating.
NYLAG protects and advances the rights of New Yorkers.
Pix11: Free Legal Advice, Lawyer Could Be Driving Around Your Neighborhood
NYLAG’s William Steiner spoke with PIX11 about the services provided by our Mobile Legal Help Center van . “Our goal is to make the legal system less intimidating for some people.”
NYLAG free legal services, with a mobile unit that reaches all five boroughs (Spanish)
NY1 Noticias spotlights the services offered by the NYLAG Mobile Legal Help Center van. Article text in Spanish.
Systematic Barriers Prevent Non-English Speakers from Accessing Unemployment Benefits in New York: NYLAG Attorney Comments
Language access barriers have systematically affected the ability for people with limited English skills to receive benefits from unemployment insurance programs in New York State. NYLAG volunteer attorney Ciara Farrell contributed to a report from the NCLEJ detailing these issues and their impact on clients.
