Legal Services NYC was founded in 1968 as part of the War on Poverty. What started as a loose confederation of neighborhood-based legal services programs has grown into the nation’s largest civil legal services provider. Our citywide force of more than 600 staff helps over 106,000 low-income New Yorkers annually.
For low-income New Yorkers facing a life crisis, legal help is often the most effective tool in resolving it. Roughly 1.6 million city residents are currently living below the poverty line—a mere $25,000 for a family of four. They are often made more vulnerable by discrimination, immigration status, age, or disabilities. For the last 50 years, our dedicated staff has challenged systemic injustices and made real, tangible improvements in their lives of communities across the city. This work includes preventing evictions and preserving housing; demanding access to high-quality education, health care, and economic security; ensuring safety and stability for survivors of domestic violence and immigrants; and fighting for the dignity and respect of all New Yorkers, including LGBTQ communities, New Yorkers with disabilities, and people of color.
With deep roots in communities in all five boroughs, Legal Services NYC has handled more than two million cases since our founding. We are proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to continuing to expand the scope of our work. Thank you for standing with us to demand justice.
