Poverty Justice Solutions
Poverty Justice Solutions is a new initiative that seeks to improve access to justice for low-income New Yorkers facing eviction.
New York State Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman addresses the inaugural class of Poverty Justice Solutions Fellows.
Each year, thousands of New Yorkers undergo eviction proceedings in Housing Court without the benefit of representation. The consequences for families can be far-reaching, including long-term poverty.
In response, Poverty Justice Solutions places 20 recent law school graduates in two-year fellowships with civil legal service providers across New York City. In the process, it seeks to achieve multiple goals:
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Helping families avoid eviction, homelessness, and long-term poverty.
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Enhancing the representation of low-income New Yorkers in Housing Court.
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Supporting legal service providers across New York City.
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Training law school graduates to become effective lawyers and civil justice leaders.
Speaking at the launch, New York State Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman hailed Poverty Justice Solutions for "closing the justice gap, bridging the disconnect between those coming out of law school today, often without jobs, and the dire need for legal services for the poor and disadvantaged."
Poverty Justice Solutions is a partnership involving the Center for Court Innovation, New York State Court System, Robin Hood Foundation, New York City Human Resources Administration, and a host of legal service providers. Mayer Brown LLP is providing training support.