New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) Company Profile
Background
Founded in 1990, the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free civil legal services to low-income New Yorkers. Its mission is to combat economic, racial, and social injustice by advocating for individuals experiencing poverty or crisis. NYLAG offers comprehensive legal services, financial empowerment, impact litigation, policy advocacy, and community partnerships, aiming to ensure that wealth does not determine access to justice.
Key Strategic Focus
NYLAG's strategic focus encompasses:
- Comprehensive Legal Services: Providing free civil legal assistance across various domains, including housing, immigration, public benefits, family law, and consumer protection.
- Financial Empowerment: Offering financial counseling to help clients achieve economic stability.
- Impact Litigation and Policy Advocacy: Engaging in class actions and advocating for policy changes to address systemic issues affecting low-income communities.
- Community Partnerships: Collaborating with over 150 community sites, such as hospitals, schools, and libraries, to deliver services directly to underserved populations.
Financials and Funding
In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, NYLAG reported:
- Total Revenue: $47,414,824
- Total Expenses: $46,474,690
- Net Assets: $19,880,477
Revenue sources included:
- Government Grants: $35,823,295
- Foundations: $4,411,026
- Hospitals and Corporations: $4,246,177
- Individuals: $392,869
- Special Events: $1,511,180
- Court Awarded & Earned Fees: $511,571
- Miscellaneous: $72,287
Additionally, in-kind contributions were valued at $39,301,848, bringing the total revenue to $86,270,253.
Pipeline Development
NYLAG continually develops and expands its services to meet emerging legal needs. Recent initiatives include:
- Housing Rights Advocacy: Representing 9,547 tenants facing eviction, displacement, or homelessness in 2024.
- Economic Justice Programs: Assisting 2,881 individuals through the Financial Empowerment Unit, resulting in the elimination of $61,242 in debt.
- Systemic Change Efforts: Engaging in impact litigation and policy advocacy to address systemic injustices.
Technological Platform and Innovation
NYLAG leverages technology to enhance service delivery:
- Mobile Legal Help Center: Launched in 2011, this is New York State's first-ever civil legal services office on wheels, bringing legal assistance directly to underserved communities.
- Pro Bono and Volunteer Management: Utilizing digital platforms to coordinate over 2,500 pro bono attorneys and volunteers, who contributed 93,000 hours valued at $48 million in 2024.
Leadership Team
- Lisa Rivera: President and CEO. Rivera has been with NYLAG since 2003, previously serving as Managing Attorney of the Domestic Violence Law Unit and as Associate Director. She became President and CEO in 2022.
- Sara Meyers: Chief Operating Officer. Meyers has been with NYLAG since 2003, overseeing operations and strategic initiatives.
- Randye Retkin: Director of LegalHealth. Retkin founded the LegalHealth division, which integrates legal services into healthcare settings.
Leadership Changes
In 2022, Lisa Rivera succeeded Beth Goldman as President and CEO. Rivera's tenure has focused on expanding services and addressing systemic inequities affecting low-income New Yorkers.
Competitor Profile
Market Insights and Dynamics
The legal aid sector in New York City is characterized by a high demand for services, with numerous organizations striving to meet the needs of low-income residents. Key trends include:
- Increased Demand: Rising housing costs and immigration challenges have led to greater demand for legal assistance.
- Funding Challenges: Non-profits face financial constraints, impacting their ability to expand services.
Competitor Analysis
- Legal Services NYC (LSNYC): Founded in 1967, LSNYC is the nation's largest organization exclusively devoted to providing free civil services to the poor, serving over 100,000 clients annually.
- The Legal Aid Society: Established in 1876, it is the oldest and largest provider of legal aid in the U.S., handling over 200,000 indigent criminal cases annually.
- Urban Justice Center: Founded in 1984, it provides legal services and advocacy, focusing on vulnerable New Yorkers through direct civil legal aid, political organizing, and policy education.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
NYLAG collaborates with various organizations to enhance service delivery:
- Healthcare Partnerships: LegalHealth operates in 53 hospitals and healthcare facilities, providing legal services to patients.
- Community Organizations: Partnering with over 150 community sites, including schools and libraries, to offer accessible legal assistance.
Operational Insights
NYLAG's strategic considerations include:
- Community-Based Service Delivery: Operating from over 200 community sites to ensure accessibility.
- Pro Bono Engagement: Leveraging a robust network of volunteers to expand service capacity.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
NYLAG aims to:
- Expand Services: Address emerging legal needs, particularly in housing and immigration.
- Enhance Financial Stability: Advocate for increased funding to sustain and grow programs.
- Strengthen Community Partnerships: Deepen collaborations to reach underserved populations.
Contact Information
- Website: NYLAG Official Website
- Social Media:
Note: Physical address and phone number are omitted as per instructions.
