Legal Hand

The Problem:

Civil legal problems, if unresolved, can seriously harm low-income communities and can result in forcing people out of their homes, separating families, or impose devastating financial burdens. Legal Hand neighborhood storefront centers respond by equipping community members with information to try to resolve their problems and prevent them from turning into legal actions. Legal Hand centers are easily accessible, welcome walk-ins, and no appointments are necessary.

How it Works: 

Legal Hand, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that manages the development and launch of Legal Hand sites throughout New York and the country, including operating a virtual Call-In Center serving Nassau and Suffolk Counties where trained community volunteers, who are not lawyers, provide free legal information, assistance, and referrals to help people resolve issues that affect their lives, in areas like employment, housing, family, immigration, domestic violence, and benefits, and prevent problems from turning into legal cases. All are welcomed and treated with respect. There are no eligibility requirements and all are assisted regardless of income, immigration status, and residence. No appointments are necessary. In addition to weekday hours, Legal Hand Centers are open on evenings and weekends.