Civil Legal Services

RECENT NEWS

State Budget Hurts Social Services

A number of non-profits are calling on the Legislature to restore millions of dollars...

The Case of the Disappearing NY Legal Services?

The providers of civil legal services for those who can't afford a lawyer to fight su...

POLICY ADVOCACY

Empire Justice Center Urges Governor to Sign Bill to Provide Private Right of Action

Memo in support of legislation that would provide a private right of action to victim...

Empire Justice Center’s Statement on Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman’s Plan of Action for Access to Justice in Civil Courts

Empire Justice Center applauds New York’s Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman for his leader...

NEWSLETTERS

Winter 2009-2010 :

In this issue of the Legal Services Journal, you will find Empire Justice Center's Legislative Agenda for 2009-2011 and articles on Domestic Violence, Immigration, Child Care, Public Benefits, Child Support and Consumer and Community Development. Read More


 

 

URGENT!  ACTION NEEDED:  STATE CUTS FUNDING BY 70%
The public protection budget bills passed by the Legislature include a devastating cut in funding that if allowed to stand, will devastate the civil legal services delivery system.  We need your help to preserve these critical services!  Please take a moment to click here to send an email to your legislators asking them to make access to justice a top priority!

Watch January Senate and Assembly Hearing on the Future of the IOLA Fund:  Hearing in Albany begins with Cheif Judge Johnathan Lippman's testimony and moves on to feature Fund For Modern Courts, Empire Justice Center, NYSBA, providers and clients from Capital District and Hudson Valley.  View Video

Recent Civil Legal Services Articles

Gene Doyle Receives Legal Services Award from the New York City Bar Association
August 19, 2010
On Wednesday, May 19, 2010 Eugene Doyle, Founder & Director, of People Organized for Our Rights (P.O.O.R.) was honored by the New York City Bar Association for his outstanding work providing legal assistance to low income individuals. Read More

Status of Civil Legal Services Funding in 2010-11 State Budget
June 24, 2010
The Public Protection Budget Bills passed by the Legislature deal a devastating blow to legal services providers across the state. While the legislature was able to restore domestic violence funding and one core funding stream almost completely, two other core funding sources were left with less than 30% of last year’s funding level. Read More

NY State Bar Urges Vital Funding for Civil Legal Services to be Included in Emergency Budget Appropriations
May 17, 2010
President Getnick Renews the Call to Ensure Access to Justice for all New Yorkers. Read More

New York Times: The Right to, and Need for, Counsel
May 16, 2010
New York Times editorial on the state's constitutional duty to provide counsel as affirmed by the State Court of Appeals and Chief Judge Lippman. Read More

Syracuse Post Standard Editorial in Support of Civil Legal Services
May 14, 2010
For too long, civil legal services in New York state have been vulnerable to boom and bust cycles. Read More