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About Nassau/Suffolk Law Services

Established in 1966, Law Services was the first Legal Services Corporation program in New  York State and is one of the largest in New York State.

The program is committed to helping the poor vindicate their rights under the law. It provides free legal service in thousands of cases each year as well as legal support to every church, agency and grass roots organization that works with the poor.

The staff is comprised of attorneys, paralegals, social workers and support staff. The social work component is a unique feature of the program and is based on the recognition that some of our clients may need special support and services to manage and deal effectively with the legal system.

Many staff members are outstanding experts in their field and have been recognized at a state and national level for the quality and critical importance of their work.

Experts in Poverty Law

We are experienced poverty law specialists and from our beginnings, have specialized in cases dealing its the survival needs of poor people, involving shelter, food, health care and family issues.

Public benefit programs and the preservation of housing are priority areas. We help our clients combat the severe housing problems they face, especially evictions and poor housing conditions. we are also committed to ensuring that government benefits, particularly public assistance, Medicaid, food stamps, SSI and emergency services, including temporary shelter, are provided fairly to those who are eligible.

Services for the Homeless

Owing to the serious problem of homelessness on Long Island, we have devoted a large portion of our resources to representing the homeless.

Three of our lawsuits, Sharp, Holmes and Golding, resulted in judicial orders to the Department of Social Services to supplement rental payments for homeless or near-homeless families as an alternative to the shelters. With thousands of families intervened in these lawsuits, Law Services has become a major facilitator of affordable housing for low income people on Long Island.

Eligibility

For most of our programs, eligibility is based on the poverty level. Most persons receiving need-based benefits such as public assistance, SSI, Medicaid or food stamps are eligible. Others may be eligible depending on income, dependents, and factors such as medical expenses. Immigration status is a consideration, as well. We do not accept criminal cases or cases which could generate a fee for a private attorney.

Fee

Law Services charges no fee for its services.

Volunteer Attorneys

Since the early '80s, Law Services has worked closely with the Nassau and Suffolk Bar Associations to increase the availability of legal services to the poor. Our joint programs, the Pro Bono Project in Suffolk and the Volunteer Lawyers Project in Nassau, have recruited hundreds of private attorneys who represent low income persons without charge. These projects have greatly expanded our capacity and have become models for other pro bono programs throughout the country. Our volunteer attorneys handle a wide array of cases ranging from bankruptcies and health care issues to matrimonial matters and wills.