The Economic Justice Legal Clinic is a full-year partner clinic
offered in collaboration with the New York Legal Assistance Group
(NYLAG), a nonprofit law office offering free, comprehensive legal
services in civil law matters to low-income New Yorkers who
otherwise cannot afford or access legal services. Students in the
Clinic participate in NYLAG’s Project FAIR, Inc. (PFAIR).
Founded in 2001, PFAIR is the only agency specializing in fair
hearings and the only coalition bringing together the private bar,
public interest law firms and social service agencies to better
serve fair hearing appellants.
For eight years, PFAIR has provided direct services through its
Legal Help Desk, a portable office set up daily at the Office of
Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) Administrative Hearing
Center in downtown Brooklyn. OTDA conducts administrative fair
hearings throughout New York City on issues relating to safety net
benefits, including cash assistance, Food Stamps, Medicaid and
housing subsidies.
Working alongside seasoned welfare advocates, Clinic students staff
the Legal Help Desk, offering information and referrals to clients
whose public assistance, Food Stamps, shelter allowance and
Medicaid have been adversely affected. With attorney supervision,
they also engage in negotiations with officials at OTDA, New York
City’s Human Resources Administration, the NYC Housing Authority,
the Department of Homeless Services and other agencies. In addition
to advocating for clients outside of court, Clinic students
represent clients at fair hearings − quasi-judicial mini-trials
held before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) at OTDA’s Brooklyn
Center. Where appropriate, they prepare opening and closing
statements, enter evidence, examine witnesses and write memoranda
of law.
As part of the Clinic experience, students also hear from panels of
clients, listen to guest lectures and meet with welfare advocates
at New York City legal services provider organizations. Through the
clinic’s affiliation with NYLAG and its participation in PFAIR,
students also have the opportunity to participate in community
outreach and education, impact litigation and public policy
advocacy, including participation in advocacy coalitions like the
Welfare Task Force and REAACT [the Ready Assistance to Advocates
Coalition].
Please
contact us to learn more about the Economic Justice
Clinic.