New York Legal Services Coalition

20/04/2026

So many New Yorkers are struggling to get by right now with an ever-increasing cost of living, a housing crisis, and day-to-day setbacks that put stability just out of reach. Thankfully, Legal Services NYC is here to help see them through another day, but we need Gov. Hochuls' support in fully funding IOLA (interest on lawyers account) in this year's budget to meet New Yorkers' growing demand for our services. Read more about what's at stake in the link: https://qns.com/2026/04/new-yorkers-homes-funding-civil-legal-services/

09/04/2026

For transgender people, a name carries weight. It can determine whether one moves through the world safely — or faces discrimination and danger.

31/03/2026

For every immigrant served by nonprofit legal providers in New York, 10 are turned away. The system is being strained.
A new New York Legal Services Coalition report details how the Trump administration’s devastating immigration crackdown is driving unprecedented demand for legal help—while leaving thousands without representation.

“The stakes in these cases could not be higher: family separation, prolonged detention, and return to life-threatening conditions,” said Sal Curran of Volunteer Lawyers Project of CNY, Inc.

The report also spotlights real stories behind the data. Adelso, an asylum applicant detained by ICE earlier this year, was released in just weeks because he had access to an attorney. But others without representation remain detained for months or longer.
Without a lawyer, immigrants are far more likely to face detention or deportation, regardless of the strength of their case.

📰 Read Rebecca Lewis’ coverage in City and State NY:

Immigrant rights advocates want state leaders to approve landmark new funding and legislation to improve access to attorneys for immigrants amid a hostile federal government

19/03/2026

Yesterday, Empire Justice Center was proud to join lawmakers, civil legal service providers, bar leaders, and advocates in Albany to call for full funding of IOLA— a critical funding stream that supports access to justice across New York.

As our President & CEO, Kristin Brown Lilley shared:

“Civil legal services help families facing eviction, survivors of domestic violence, immigrants seeking stability, and older adults protecting their income navigate a complex legal system.

In 2024 alone, IOLA grantees closed nearly 341,000 cases, impacting over 11 million New Yorkers.

IOLA is one of the core sources of funding allowing us to do this work. And importantly, it is not taxpayer money. The funding is generated from interest on attorney escrow accounts and held for the sole statutory purpose of supporting the provision of civil legal services to low-income New Yorkers. However, the funds do need to be appropriated through the budget process, which is why we are here today."

(photo credit: Anat Gerstein, Inc.)

19/03/2026

We're grateful to the Legislature for restoring full funding for the lOLA Fund in their one-house budget proposals. Civil legal services help New Yorkers facing eviction, domestic violence, immigration challenges and more access justice when they need it most.

19/03/2026

Interest on Lawyer Account Fund deserves full support, because vulnerable New Yorkers should not have to navigate life-altering legal crises alone.

19/03/2026

LASNNY staff were spotted yesterday at an IOLA press conference at the capital!

Along with The New York Legal Services Coalition, we are advocating for the Interest on Lawyers Account (IOLA) to be fully funded in the budget.

12/03/2026

Good news for access to justice in New York.

The Legislature’s one-house budget proposals restore full funding for the IOLA Fund, which supports civil legal services for low-income New Yorkers.

Both houses restored IOLA to $102.5M, and the Senate proposal goes even further by adding $50M more for civil legal services.

This progress reflects strong leadership from lawmakers who prioritized access to justice, including Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Speaker of the New York State Assembly Carl E. Heastie, State Senator Liz Krueger, Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda, Charles Lavine, and J. Gary Pretlow.

Now we urge Governor Kathy Hochul and the Legislature to ensure full IOLA funding is included in the final enacted budget.

12/03/2026

A board controlling funds for civil legal services provided to low-income New York is being undermined by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

12/03/2026

With legal service providers facing federal budget cuts once again, IOLA funding (Interest on Lawyer Account Fund) is more important than ever in stabilizing providers like us. Gov. Hochul must include the fully requested $102.5m in this year's state budget so we can continuing helping New Yorkers fight evictions, access life-saving benefits, and escape dangerous domestic violence situations. Read more at the link: https://www.law360.com/pulse/articles/2440795/nyc-bar-pushes-gov-to-free-legal-aid-funds-in-budget

12/03/2026

New York Legal Services Coalition is grateful to the Legislature for restoring full funding for the IOLA Fund in their one-house budget proposals.

Both the Senate and Assembly restored IOLA to $102.5 million, and the Senate proposal goes even further — adding $50 million more for civil legal services, bringing the total proposed investment to $152.5 million.

This progress reflects strong leadership from lawmakers who prioritized access to justice, including Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Honorable Speaker of the New York State Assembly Carl E. Heastie, State Senator Liz Krueger, Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda, Assemblymember Charles Lavine, and Assemblymember J. Gary Pretlow.

IOLA funding does not come from taxpayer dollars — it comes from interest earned on attorney escrow accounts and is dedicated by law to supporting civil legal services for low-income New Yorkers.

We now urge Governor Kathy Hochul and the Legislature to ensure full IOLA funding is included in the final enacted budget.