RURAL LAW CENTER OF NEW YORK INC

:THE RURAL LAW CENTER IS A NON PROFIT CIVIL LEGAL SERVICES PROVIDER. WE SERVE LOW INCOME NEW YORKERS IN THE 44 RURAL COUNTIES OF NEW YORK STATE. OUR WORK INVOLVES PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE BY TELEPHONE OR VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS WITH RURAL, INCOME-ELIGIBLE CLIENTS REGARDING CIVIL LAW ISSUES. WE ALSO ENGAGE IN LIMITED SCOPE REPRESENTATION AND PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR VOLUNTEERS TO LINK WITH RURAL CLIENTS FOR ADVICE AND DOCUMENT PREPARATION ON SEVERAL CIVIL LEGAL SERVICE MATTERS. WE HANDLE A VARIETY OF SUBJECT MATTERS INCLUDING: CONSUMER DEBT AND DEBT COLLECTION, CHAPTER 7 BANKRUPTCY FILINGS AND PREVENTION SERVICES; HOUSING MATTERS FOR TENANTS AND FACING COURT PROCEEDINGS FOR EVICTION AND ISSUES WITH REPAIRS AND CONDITION OF PROPERTY;FORECLOSURE REPRESENTATION AND PREVENTION; SSD/SSI BENEFITS; UNEMPLOYMENT; UNCONTESTED DIVORCE PROCEEDINGS; PREPARATION AND EXECUTION OF WILLS, HEALTH CARE PROXIES, AND POWERS OF ATTORNEY. WE ALSO GO INTO OUR COMMUNITIES TO PROVIDE PRESENTATIONS AND CLINICS IN SUBJECT MATTERS SUCH AS ELDER LAW, BASIC ESTATE PLANNING, CONSUMER DEBT AND FRAUD PREVENTION. OUR SERVICES ARE TAILORED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF OUR RURAL BASE INCLUDING PROVIDING TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS, IN HOME VISITS, AND COMMUNICATION WITH OUR CLIENTS THAT FITS THEIR SITUATION. WE ARE AWARE OF LIMITATIONS ON TRAVEL INCLUDING LACK OF PERSONAL TRAVEL MEANS AND LACK OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SUPPORT, IN ADDITION TO NO OR SLOW INTERNET SERVICES IN RURAL AREAS.THE RURAL LAW CENTER IS A COMMUNITY DISPUTE RESOLUTION CENTER (CDRC) PROVIDING MEDIATION SERVICES IN THREE RURAL COUNTIES. WE ASSIST PARTICIPANTS IN RESOLVING DISPUTES IN MATTERS INCLUDING LANDLORD/TENANT, CONSUMER DEBT, CUSTODY, DIVORCE, AND THE WORKPLACE. WE HAVE ENGAGED IN PROGRAMS IN OUR LOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS, COMMUNITY CENTERS, AND COLLEGES.THE RURAL LAW CENTER PROVIDES APPELLATE REPRESENTATION IN BOTH CRIMINAL AND FAMILY COURT MATTERS AS CONTRACTED THROUGH VARIOUS COUNTIES IN THE STATE. OUR APPEALS ARE HANDLED BY EXPERIENCED APPELLATE ATTORNEYS WHO ARE WELL VERSED IN APPELLATE ISSUES THAT FACE LITIGANTS IN FAMILY COURT AND CRIMINAL DEFENDANTS.THE RURAL LAW CENTER ENGAGES IN ADVOCACY FOR CHANGE IN GOVERNMENTAL POLICY INCLUDING RIGHT TO COUNSEL FOR TENANTS IN EVICTION MATTERS, CONSUMER PROTECTIONS IN DEBT COLLECTION, AND PAY PARITY FOR CIVIL LEGAL SERVICE ATTORNEYS WHO PROVIDE THESE MUCH NEEDED SERVICES.