NYS: Free Legal Resource Website for NYS

The New York LawHelp Consortium is reaching out to our communities and informing them about a resource that would be very useful in their communities. LawHelp.org/NY is a free web site that helps low-income New Yorkers access free legal services and other legal resources and information. Some things you can do include informing your staff about the web site's resources, posting the enclosed flyers, and placing a link to LawHelp on your web site.

What is LawHelp?
LawHelp (http://www.LawHelp.org/NY) is an online, legal-information clearinghouse that provides low-income people throughout the State of New York with referrals to free legal services, information about their legal rights, links to social services and government agencies, and information about the court system. The website matches a potential client with appropriate referrals and materials, based on place of residence and type of legal problem, and has the most comprehensive and up-to-date database of New York legal services providers available. LawHelp is a collaborative project of: the New York State Bar Association, the City Bar Fund, Legal Services for New York City, Pro Bono Net, The Legal Aid Society and Volunteers of Legal Service, the Greater Upstate Law Project, and the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York.

Who should use LawHelp?
Legal services and social services organizations should use LawHelp/NY to provide referrals to clients who they are unable to assist, and to distribute legal education materials and other information to those seeking assistance. Individuals who have access to a computer with an Internet connection can use LawHelp/NY independently.

What legal topic areas does LawHelp cover?
LawHelp/NY provides referrals and information the following areas: consumer, disability, education, family & juvenile, health, housing, immigration & naturalization, individual rights, life planning, public benefits, taxes and workers' rights. LawHelp also has a September 11th page containing information about legal rights, benefits and other resources relating to the tragedy. During the next year we will also be posting legal education materials in a number of new areas.

How you can help
The LawHelp staff would be happy to train your organization on the web site, provide an ad or short article for your newsletter, send additional flyers, help you link to the LawHelp site, or work with you in other ways to help poor people get the legal help they need.

Contact info:
800-462-2922 ext. 309
e-mail: anunez@lasnny.org

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