New York Legal Assistance Group

NEW: Student loans pose a significant burden for borrowers across the United States, especially for those already facing racial and therefore economic inequities and injustices. Defaulting on those loans can have serious negative consequences for borrowers, but a small subset of borrowers has an even worse problem: The government files a lawsuit against them and obtains a judgment forcing them to pay back the money. NYLAG's Consumer Protection and Special Litigation Units wanted to know — to whom does the government issue judgments most? We finally got the data — after filing a lawsuit against the Department of Education for failing to respond to our Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request — and it paints a stark, albeit unsurprising picture of extreme racial and economic disparities, revealing a high concentration of student loan judgments in majority-Black neighborhoods across the country. Now, we're making the data public: https://lnkd.in/ePesqHTf

We're closing out #ProBonoWeek with a huge thank you to all our incredible partners. Team NYLAG loved every minute of celebrating you last night at our Pro Bono Awards, and you sure do give us a lot to celebrate! In Fiscal Year 2024, our pro bono firms put on a record breaking 117 legal clinics, increased attorney participation from 1,800 to 2,040 individuals, and contributed 93,000 hours to NYLAG clients, with a total value of $46 million worth of services. The numbers are astounding, but the impact is even more inspiring. A special shoutout to our award recipients: Champion of Justice Award: Sullivan & Cromwell LLP Legacy Award: Ciara Farrell Hero of Justice Award: Quinn Emanuel Spirit of Hope Award: Fenwick & West Spirit of Service Award: Ropes & Gray LLP In the words of our Director of Pro Bono and Volunteer Unit Amira Samuel, all of *you* allow us to remain a “yes we can” organization, expanding our capacity and bridging whatever gaps might stand between us and the communities with whom we work in pursuit of racial, economic, and social justice. We are so grateful that you choose to give us and our fellow New Yorkers your time, care, and expertise. Thank you.

Since the pandemic, many individuals have turned to credit cards to cover their most basic needs. Families are increasingly struggling to save money from their paychecks each month as they focus on essential expenses such as food, clothing, and housing.  Despite these challenges, there are saving strategies that can pave the way toward financial freedom and peace of mind. Learn more from NYLAG Senior Financial Counselor Ruth Cedeno and NYLAG Financial Counselor Brendan Regan on how to get there: https://lnkd.in/ec8QjVen #financialcounseling #financialstability #empowerment 

NYLAG is proud to honor Ciara with the Legacy Award this #ProBonoWeek. We’re so grateful for her commitment to addressing systemic barriers to equitable access and justice, especially within the Unemployment Insurance system. Ciara’s dedication to policy advocacy, direct client representation, and litigation exemplifies the kind of impact that can only be achieved through unwavering commitment and passion. We’re thrilled to recognize her incredible contributions tonight! Thank you for partnering with us. 💙 #probono #legalservices

For over 15 years, Ropes & Gray LLP has partnered with NYLAG in the fight against economic, racial, and social injustice. More than 80 of their lawyers, clients, and alumni have worked alongside NYLAG attorneys in immigration clinics, guiding individuals through the legal complexities of Temporary Protected Status and the path to U.S. citizenship. Their commitment to ensuring our immigrant clients receive critical legal support has had a lasting impact. This #ProBonoWeek, we are proud to honor Ropes & Gray LLP with the Spirit of Service Award for their continued dedication and partnership. #probono #legalservices

#ProBonoWeek continues! NYLAG proudly honors Fenwick & West with the Spirit of Hope Award for their exceptional partnership with our immigration clinics. Through their willingness to learn and tackle the complexities of immigration law, Fenwick & West’s team has made a profound difference in the lives of our clients navigating challenging immigration issues. We are excited to continue this impactful collaboration and are deeply grateful for Fenwick & West’s unwavering dedication to ensuring that every client receives the legal support they deserve. Thank you, Fenwick & West! 💙 #probono #legalservices

NYLAG's partnership with Quinn Emanuel has been a transformative force for justice, especially through their pro bono work on employment discrimination and housing claims cases. Through this collaboration, we’ve been able to expand access to legal representation for individuals who might otherwise face the court room alone. We’re proud to honor Quinn Emanuel with the Hero of Justice Award this #ProBonoWeek! NYLAG looks forward to continuing this vital work together. 💙 #probono #legalservices

In celebration of #ProBonoWeek, we’re acknowledging some of our steadfast partners. We’re honored to present Sullivan & Cromwell LLP with the Champion of Justice Award! Partnerships like this are crucial in addressing the ever-growing need for legal services that ensure families receive appropriate special education services and support their children are legally entitled to. NYLAG looks forward to continuing to pave a clearer path for families to access justice. #probono #legalservices

This #ProBonoWeek, NYLAG proudly celebrates our dedicated pro bono and volunteer partners, who use their skills and expertise to ensure our clients have access to justice.  We are grateful to the more than 2,500 attorneys and volunteers who contributed an astounding 93,000 hours to NYLAG clients this year, making a life-changing impact in the lives of those we serve and propelling our mission forward.  Join us as we celebrate our partners all week long, recognizing their invaluable support. #probono #legalservices #weareNYLAG  

Did you catch NYLAG Advance Planning Practice/Public Benefits Unit Staff Attorney Erin Shahinfar on BronxNet Community Television's "Today's Verdict" talking all things estate planning? Estate planning can help build generational wealth in part by protecting a family's property from predatory practices like deed theft, but those who can't afford a private attorney to prepare the documents can face precisely this vulnerability, among many others. Learn more from Erin about estate plans, how they differ from a power of attorney or healthcare proxy, and the benefit of having documents in order *before* needing them in the full segment: https://lnkd.in/eQTE_PZd