After a successful visit to the Mitchell-Linden Library earlier this month, Flushing Councilwoman Sandra Ung announced on Monday, Jan. 30 that the New York Legal Assistance Group’s Mobile Legal Help Center (MLHC) will return to Council District 20 to provide free legal consultations.
Council District 20 includes the neighborhoods of Flushing, Mitchell-Linden, Murray Hill, Queensboro Hill and Fresh Meadows.
The Mobile Legal Help Center will be at the Coffee Factory, located at 718 Barton Ave. in Murray Hill, on Friday, Feb. 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“I am happy to work with NYLAG to bring these legal resources to my constituents,” Ung said. “The Mobile Legal Help Center’s first visit to my district attracted more people that could be assisted that day, so I know there is a demand for this type of service. I strongly encourage people to make a reservation in advance.”
Founded in 1990, NYLAG is a leading civil legal services organization combating economic, racial and social injustice by advocating for people experiencing poverty or in crisis, according to its website.
NYLAG attorneys can assist with tenant and homeowner rights, accessing public benefits, identity theft and consumer credit concerns, immigration matters, and divorce and custody issues. If a person’s particular case is in an area of law that NYLAG specializes in, the consultation could result in free legal representation.
“We believe that in order to serve the community, we need to be in the community, so we are on the road almost every day providing legal services,” said NYLAG Senior Coordinating Paralegal Maria Barrientos. “If the person there has expertise, they may get advice on the spot; otherwise we conduct a thorough intake and triage it internally.”
Law graduate Michael Kramer will be on site in Murray Hill on Friday, while another attorney will be available for remote consultations. Depending on the complexity of each case, NYLAG should be able to assist anywhere from 10 to 12 people.
People who do not have the opportunity to meet with an attorney will be asked to leave their contact information and a brief description of their issue, and they will be contacted by an attorney at a later date.
“Even if it is something we would generally oversee and do, if we don’t have the capacity to take it on, we at least still do a brief service and consultation and explain what the rights are and next steps,” Kramer said. “If we can’t take on a case, we will give referrals to the exact person who can take on those legal issues.”
The NYLAG MLHC will return to Ung’s district on the first Friday of both March and April. Exact locations will be determined at a later date.
Walk-ins are welcome, but interested residents can RSVP by calling 718-888-8747, or by sending an email to district20@council.nyc.gov. If necessary, interpreters will be available via telephone.
