Addabbo and NYLAG Team Up To Counsel Rockaway Residents
/By David Brand
Queens Daily Eagle
Next month, a mobile legal center will pull up to Rockaway Beach Boulevard and provide free legal assistance to peninsula residents. It is one of the latest Queens stops for the innovative van.
The Mobile Legal Help Center is staffed by attorneys from the New York Legal Assistance Group and the Rockaway visit is sponsored by State Sen. Joseph Addabbo, Jr.
State Sen. Joseph Addabbo, Jr. joins NYLAG attorneys during a recent visit by NYLAG’s Mobile Legal Help Center. //Photo courtesy of Joseph Addabbo’s office.
NYLAG’s van will park in front of Addabbo’s office on Sept. 7 and assist people from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“Being a former practicing attorney, I understand the hurdles that come along with trying to find good legal assistance. By partnering with the New York Legal Assistance Group, I hope to alleviate some of these issues for my constituents, all at no cost to them,” Addabbo said. “The experienced legal experts at NYLAG will be able to give advice and counsel on a wide variety of issues, right on site. I would like to thank NYLAG for once again partnering with my office to bring legal assistance to my constituents.”
On Sept. 5, the van will visit Woodside to assist residents with the support of Assembly Member Brian Barnwell and on Sept. 17, the van will visit Flushing. NYLAG will return to Addabbo’s Senate District 15 on Oct. 10.
NYLAG established the Mobile Legal Help Center in partnership with the New York State Courts Access to Justice Program.
Inside the vehicle’s four private meeting areas, attorneys counsel low-income clients on a range of issues related to domestic violence, immigration, employment, housing and foreclosure, among other concerns. Mobile Legal Help Center staff will also make referrals to other NYLAG attorneys.
Staff members work with individuals affected by Hurricane Sandy, an issue of particular interest to Rockaway peninsula residents.
“Attorneys provide counseling, advice, and direct representation without leaving the vehicle,” the NYLAG website states. “A video link with the courts enables access to judges for emergency hearings, including domestic violence and eviction cases.”
