Build Up Justice NYC

10/06/2026

Build Up Justice NYC was proud to join New York State Attorney General Letitia James and community partners in the Bronx to raise awareness about deed theft and the importance of protecting homeowners from fraud.

For many New Yorkers, a home represents years of hard work, stability, and something to pass on to the next generation. Deed theft can put all of that at risk.

Events like this help make sure homeowners know the warning signs, understand their rights, and know where to turn for trusted legal support.

Thank you to New York Attorney General James, Center for NYC Neighborhoods and all of the partners who came together to help spread the word and protect New York homeowners.

10/05/2026

Last Friday, Build Up Justice NYC was proud to stand on the steps of City Hall alongside Sisters In Purple in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 💜

We joined advocates, survivors and community partners to raise awareness, stand in solidarity with survivors and reaffirm our commitment to helping New Yorkers experiencing domestic violence.

Through our Domestic Violence Unit, we work every day to help survivors navigate complex legal challenges and access the support they need to move forward safely.

We were honored to be part of this powerful show of support and to stand together for survivors across New York City. 💜

10/01/2026

It's never too late (or too soon!) to plan for your future. Today, we hosted a free Wills & Estates clinic in partnership with the Pride Center of Staten Island We talked through the essentials of estate planning, answered pressing questions, and provided one-on-one consultation to participants.

Big thanks to our Wills & Estates attorney Andrew Epstein and Pete Dugan from the Pride Center for making this day a success!

09/29/2026

Ever wonder how one unexpected decision can change your life—and the lives of so many others?

Meet Shadel Cole, our Deputy Director of Paralegals on the Brooklyn housing team. Nearly six years ago, Shadel almost skipped her interview. Today, she’s building a powerhouse team of advocates who fight for tenants’ rights and never stop asking, “What more can we do?”

Discover the unforgettable client who inspires her, the advice she wishes every New Yorker knew, and why Shadel is so passionate about justice for all.

Get inspired by Shadel’s story: https://buj.org/the-people-behind-the-mission-shadel/

“What I enjoy most is knowing that I’m a part of doing good things in my community.” For Shadel Cole, Deputy Director of Paralegals with Build Up Justice NYC’s Preserving Affordable Housing – Brooklyn…

09/25/2026

Rental assistance works when New Yorkers can actually use it.

While New York City’s expanded investment in rental assistance is an important first step, bureaucratic delays can prevent that assistance from reaching families when they need it most.

As Tiffany Femiano, Build Up Justice NYC Program Director, explains:

“Rental assistance works when New Yorkers can actually use it. We see firsthand how bureaucratic delays can put families at risk of losing their housing. Sometimes, by the time a voucher is approved, the landlord has decided to rent an apartment to a different family because they couldn’t afford to keep their unit vacant any longer. The City’s expanded investment in rental assistance is an important first step. The next step in this process is for City Council to pass the proposed bills to make sure the system works as intended so that New Yorkers can get the help they need to remain stably housed.”

The next step? Ensuring the system works as intended so New Yorkers can access the help they need to remain stably housed.

Read the full article: https://www.amny.com/news/nyc-expanded-rental-assistance-fix-bureaucracy/

09/24/2026

Last night, we celebrated excellence in civil legal services at the New York State Bar Association’s Denison Ray Awards!

We were especially proud to celebrate Build Up Justice NYC’s Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel, Ndukwe Agwu, as he received the Denison Ray Pro Bono Director Award.

A heartfelt congratulations to Ndukwe and all of last night’s honorees! It was a joy to celebrate alongside so many dedicated advocates whose work makes a meaningful difference in the lives of New Yorkers every day. We are so proud to see Ndukwe among them!

09/23/2026

𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗧? 𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘? 🏪

Twice a month, NYC small business owners can meet one-on-one with an attorney for a FREE 30-minute virtual consultation through our Commercial Lease Assistance Clinic.

Get answers to questions about commercial leases, landlord issues, or other legal concerns affecting your business.

Next Tuesday | September 29th | 4PM
Virtual | FREE | 30 minute one-on-one sessions

Register here: bit.ly/CLAVirtualClinic

Know someone thinking about opening a storefront or renewing their lease? 𝗧𝗮𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁!

09/18/2026

Don’t ignore those tax bills or notices! Have a tax question? Let’s talk!

We’re teaming up with our friends at Grow Brooklyn for our FREE Drop-In Tax Table.

Join us for a 15-minute consultation where we can talk through your individual tax concerns and connect you with information about tax legal assistance and other resources that may be available to you.

Reserve your 15-minute spot: https://bit.ly/taxtalkthursdays

09/14/2026

We’re proud to stand with advocates, community organizations, and New Yorkers across the city in support of COPA.

Community ownership can help preserve affordable housing, strengthen neighborhoods, and give New Yorkers a piece of equity in the communities they call home. Let’s get COPA across the finish line!

The Community Opportunity to Purchase Act (COPA), which would give some tenants and community groups pathways to bid early on certain buildings that go up for sale, finally has support of Council, city housing officials, and the

09/11/2026

📢𝗡𝗬𝗖 𝗦𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗕𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗢𝗪𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗦: 𝗛𝗔𝗩𝗘 𝗔 𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗔𝗟 𝗤𝗨𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡?

Dealing with a commercial lease, landlord issue, or another legal concern affecting your business? Get answers directly from an attorney—for free.

This Tuesday, September 15 at 10 AM
Free 30-minute, one-on-one consultation
Virtual

Our Commercial Lease Assistance Clinic provides NYC small business owners with an opportunity to speak one-on-one with an attorney, understand their options, and get answers to their legal questions.

𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗟𝗜𝗠𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗗 — 𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗡𝗢𝗪!
🔗bit.ly/CLAVirtualClinic

Know a small business owner who could use free legal help? 𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗧 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗠! It could make a real difference.

NYC Department of Small Business Services