Access Justice Brooklyn

MISSION

Access Justice Brooklyn provides high-quality, pro bono legal services and community education to our neighbors in need. Using the collective talents of our dedicated staff and volunteers, we help ensure a more accessible legal system and equitable Brooklyn.

VISION

We envision an equitable Brooklyn where everyone knows their rights and has access to legal support.

VALUES

Access. We believe that the legal process should be open and available to everyone. We help remove systemic barriers that get between people and fair outcomes by providing practical, effective services for those in need.

Change. We are dedicated to changing the systems that marginalize people with low incomes. Justice—whether legal, social, or economic—is not an outcome available to all. We need to improve and expand the legal avenues for successful change in people’s lives.

Compassion. We strive to actively grow our consciousness of the systemic challenges and struggles in our community, working to redistribute power more equitably. By reinforcing the links we have in common, we believe we can foster greater connection and compassion.

Fairness. The legal system should work for everyone, especially those who don’t know their rights or don’t have access to qualified support. We are changing the legal field with equitable access to resources and representation.

Resilience. We are persistent and we are firm in our resolve to help our clients succeed. We strive every day to match their fortitude. By connecting with and building our community, we grow stronger together.

Respect. No one should have to feel hesitant when asking for support of any kind. All of our interactions are rooted in dignity and respect.

Access Justice Brooklyn partners with compassionate pro bono attorneys to provide high-quality, civil legal services that help ensure equal access to the legal system. Our primary referral areas prioritize essential aspects of life, with a focus toward family stability, aging safely and comfortably, personal finances, housing, and freedom of movement.

If you have a legal problem and you cannot afford to hire an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services. Similar to other legal service agencies, Access Justice Brooklyn uses income guidelines to determine who is eligible for free help. The guidelines are based on a percentage of the federal poverty level. We can assist residents of Brooklyn living at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. For more information on our service areas, please see below.

Advanced Life Planning: We help relieve the stress of planning for end of life concerns by assisting with the preparation of wills, healthcare proxies, and power of attorney.

Consumer Debt & Bankruptcy: We assist in reordering finances through Chapter 7 bankruptcy petitions and operate courthouse clinics, providing free legal advice and limited scope representation to help people with an array of consumer debt problems.

Family Stabilization: We provide assistance to families and individuals in crisis, providing representation and counsel on a variety of family law matters including child and spousal support, custody, visitation, uncontested divorce, and Article 17-A Guardianship.

Homeowner Assistance: We provide foreclosure intervention and prevention services to support Brooklyn homeowners.

Immigration: In partnership with other organizations, we provide critical assistance to immigrants and other foreign-born New Yorkers.

Senior Assistance: We assist with advance directives, consumer protection, foreclosure prevention, deed and mortgage scams, and other issues of particular relevance to older adults.