Programatic Model

Our Legal Services represent young people, ages 26 and under, who have had criminal legal system experience. We partner with community-based organizations to connect directly with youth across all five boroughs in New York City. Our clients help us understand what needs exist and where litigation can be used to bring about change. Where laws need to be changed or proposed, our Policy Advocacy supports young people in leading advocacy efforts. And where laws exist, but are not enforced, our Strategic Litigation investigates and files systemic impact cases.

Community Lawyering

Partnerships are the heart of our community lawyering model. Our attorneys travel across the five boroughs to deliver Know Your Rights workshops, increase the capacity of partner staff to serve justice-involved youth, and provide legal representation to young people in their own neighborhoods.  In doing so, we minimize legal barriers to reentry, so that when young people complete these programs, they are positioned for lasting success. 

See what our partners are saying about us, here. If you’re currently a community partner of ours and want more information about our services, please click, here.

Youth Driven

We work to ensure young people who have been directly or indirectly impacted by the criminal legal system participate fully in our work, guiding our legal services, strategic litigation, and policy reform activities and gaining skills and experience.