Rise of the Queens Defenders

The Queens Law Associates, a public defender organization, has rebranded as the Queens Defenders. Their attorney stand on the steps of Queens Borough Hall. Photo courtesy of the Queens Defenders.

By Victoria Merlino

The Queens Law Associates, a public defender organization based in Kew Gardens, have a new identity: the Queens Defenders.

The 24-year-old Queens law organization officially became the Queens Defenders on Jan. 1, renewing its mission of equality within the justice system and serving all residents of Queens. 

The organization said it will also continue to offer Know Your Rights workshops, immigration assistance, afterschool programming, paid mentorships and workshops on domestic violence, employment training and other community needs.

"We believe that prevention is the best defense and we are expanding our services, in particular to help young people stay out of the criminal justice system and to support recently released individuals from returning to prison," said Queens Defenders’ Executive Director and founder Lori Zeno.

The Queens Defenders will also continue their work in schools, courts, outreach centers and libraries across Queens as the move into a new decade. 

"We have seen such positive results with so many of our clients — from young people charged with felonies who are now in college studying criminal justice to clients who have been able to find fulfilling employment and stability after incarceration. This is the kind of work that motivates every employee at Queens Defenders," Zeno said.