Legal Services NYC (LSNYC) fights poverty and seeks racial, social and economic justice for low-income New Yorkers. For over 60 years, we have challenged systemic injustices that trap people in poverty and provided legal services that help our clients meet basic needs for housing, income and economic security, family and immigration stability, education, and health care.
LSNYC is the largest civil legal services provider in the country; our staff of more than 700 people in neighborhood-based offices and outreach sites across all five boroughs helps hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers annually. We partner with scores of community-based and client-run organizations, elected officials, public agencies, pro bono lawyers, and the courts to maximize our effectiveness. Our work fights discrimination and helps to achieve equity for all low-income New Yorkers.
LSNYC employees have numerous opportunities for growth and professional development, including access to our internal Justice Learning Center, which provides opportunities to earn free CLEs and gain experience as a trainer.
At LSNYC, we embrace equity and challenge injustice, internally and externally, in partnership with clients, low-income communities, and other allies. Our goal is to foster belonging and promote an inclusive environment in which all employees are able to: perform at their best; feel valued, respected, and motivated; share views and ideas for continuous improvement; access professional development, leadership, and learning opportunities; and work collaboratively to cultivate a supportive, client-centered environment and culture.
ABOUT OUR BOROUGH OFFICES
Bronx Legal Services’ housing unit is the largest housing unit at LSNYC, and serves the community with the highest need. The Bronx has the highest share of rent regulated and affordable units in NYC, and our office strives to preserve the affordable housing stock, allowing Bronx residents to stay in their homes. The office creates community across its teams, frequently holding picnics, potlucks, and happy hours. The office is conveniently located in the South Bronx, just 2-3 subway stops from Manhattan, near the 2 and 5 subway lines and several bus lines, making it easy to access from all over the City and surrounding areas.
Staten Island Legal Services’ housing unit delivers an outsized impact for the historically underserved communities of low-income tenants in Staten Island. As a small, tight-knit team, the Staten Island housing unit is able to tailor its work to the emerging needs of Staten Island communities, as well as the evolving needs of its staff. The housing stock in Staten Island consists of public housing, regulated housing, and single-family homes, leading to a multifaceted housing practice. The office is located conveniently near St. George’s transportation hub and the Staten Island ferry.
Queens Legal Services’ housing unit consists of a friendly, cooperative, team serving one of the most diverse communities in the world. This diversity is reflected in the exceptional food and culture available throughout the borough, where more than 50% of the population is bilingual. The housing stock in Queens is also diverse, including multi-family dwellings as well as single-family homes allowing Queens advocates to engage with a wide-variety of housing litigation. The office is located conveniently across the street from Queens Housing Court, near the E, J, Z, and F trains, as well as the Long Island Railroad.
Manhattan Legal Services’ housing unit represents tenants in the geographically smallest, but most densely populated borough of New York City. Manhattan’s housing team is close and collaborative, representing long-term tenants in iconic New York City neighborhoods like Harlem and Chinatown. The main Manhattan office is in Harlem, near the historic Apollo Theatre, Adam Clayton Powell Plaza, and the A, C, 2,3, and 4,5,6 subways, as well as many bus lines. Manhattan also has a downtown office near Housing Court and the 1, 2, 3, and A, C, E subway lines.
Brooklyn Legal Services’ housing unit represents tenants in the most populous borough of New York City. Over the past few decades, Brooklyn has experienced rapid gentrification, and our housing advocates have been at the forefront of protecting Brooklyn communities. Housing Court in Brooklyn continues to be one of the most contentious and litigation heavy courthouses in the City. The downtown Brooklyn office, situated in a bustling commercial area with access to every subway line and several bus routes, fosters a strong sense of community that enhances our commitment to defending and advancing tenants’ rights and preserving Brooklyn neighborhoods.