Legal Services NYC

At the heart of Legal Services NYC (LSNYC) is a deeply ingrained culture of justice and community-centered advocacy. For over half a century, the organization has been a formidable force in the fight against poverty, dedicated to securing racial, social, and economic justice for the most vulnerable residents of New York City. Founded in 1968 as part of the national War on Poverty, LSNYC has evolved from a small coalition of neighborhood legal programs into the largest provider of free civil legal services in the United States. The team, comprising more than 600 dedicated staff members, operates with a profound understanding that their clients are not defined by their legal struggles. Instead, they are viewed as partners who bring valuable insights and solutions to complex legal and social challenges. This collaborative ethos is central to LSNYC's mission, fostering an environment where every client is treated with the compassion, dignity, and respect they deserve.

The organizational culture is built on a foundation of holistic and trauma-informed advocacy. This approach recognizes that legal issues are often intertwined with broader social and economic hardships. LSNYC's advocates work tirelessly to address the basic necessities of life for their clients, including stable housing, economic security, family and immigration stability, education, and healthcare. They challenge systemic injustices that perpetuate poverty, leveraging every available tool to empower their clients and their communities. The leadership team, composed of some of the most astute minds in New York's legal community, provides the guidance and support necessary to cultivate a dynamic and diverse workforce. This team is constantly adapting to meet the ever-changing needs of the city's diverse communities, ensuring that LSNYC remains a powerful and effective agent for change. By building strong relationships with community-based organizations and advocates, LSNYC amplifies its impact, working collaboratively to achieve better outcomes and create a more just and equitable society for all New Yorkers.