Our Impact
In 2008 and 2009, Empire Justice Center closed 1,898 cases benefiting 7,800 low-income people. Our direct legal assistance generated approximately $7.5 million in back awards and settlements. Empire Justice helped achieve restructuring and refinancing totaling more than $3 million for homeowners facing foreclosure and for every $1 invested in our work, more than $30 was returned to clients and taxpayers.
$50 Million Secured to Assist New York Homeowners :
On March 31, 2008 Empire Justice issued the first statewide analysis of subprime loans in default and foreclosure. “Curbing the Mortgage Meltdown: The Impact of Foreclosures on New York’s Economy and Upstate and Long Island Communities,”
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Protecting Funds from Illegal Seizure :
Alarmed by the number of calls coming in dealing with the improper seizure of bank accounts containing funds which are exempt from seizure under federal law, including Social Security, disability benefits, pensions, child support and other essential income, Empire Justice staff began looking at the issue more closely.
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Dickerson v. Thompson :
A woman became a victim of domestic violence after entering into a civil union in Vermont. She came to us when she was told that in order to dissolve her civil union she would have to move to Vermont and became a resident of the state for one year.
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Advocates Achieve Settlement with Suffolk County Department of Social Services :
Empire Justice Center and the National Center for Law and Economic Justice (NCLEJ) today announced a settlement with Suffolk County Department of Social Services (SCDSS) that will ensure that needy families and individuals, including those who have recently lost their jobs and those whose wages are insufficient to meet their needs, will have their applications for Food Stamps and Medicaid processed within the time frames required by state and federal law.
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