Brooklyn VLP: Advocacy

  1. Statement in Support of the Legal Profession & Rule of Law

    Leave a Comment

    Statement in Support of the Legal Profession & Rule of Law
    March 24, 2025 (click here for PDF)

    For over 35 years, Access Justice Brooklyn has delivered essential civil legal services and community education to our neighbors in need. To achieve our vision for an accessible legal system and equitable Brooklyn, we leverage the expertise of pro bono attorneys and law firms who share in our belief that the legal process should be open and available to everyone.

    The current administration’s recent actions represent a deeply concerning challenge to the long-standing partnership that has existed between the nonprofit sector and the private bar, compromising access to justice for vulnerable communities.

    We are encouraged by the broad opposition to the President’s attempts to dismantle the rule of law – efforts which threaten the foundation of our democracy and undermine the values that allow our legal system to function. We further call on our partners in the legal community to remain steadfast in our collective obligation to defend the rule of law, and resilient in the face of these attacks on our justice system.

    Access Justice Brooklyn stands in solidarity with the many diverse voices – from within private law firms and across the legal profession – that continue to advocate for the rule of law and uphold the integrity of our legal system. Now, more than ever, it is critical that we live our values, speak up in defense of democracy, and remain committed to advancing justice.

  2. Governor Hochul Signs Deed Theft and Notary Bill

    Comments Off on Governor Hochul Signs Deed Theft and Notary Bill

    On Tuesday, November 14, 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation to protect New Yorkers from deed theft, a practice in which property owners are defrauded out of the property titles to their homes.

    The new legislation, S.6577/A.6656, strengthens existing protections against deed theft by giving the Attorney General and local District Attorneys the power to pause eviction and ownership disputes while investigating or litigating deed theft cases. The law also increases the range of crimes that prosecutors can use to invalidate fraudulent sale and loan documents, among other measures. Governor Hochul signed the bill in Brooklyn, where the Attorney General, legal services advocates, members of the Legislature, and victims of deed theft were present. To read the official press release and watch the bill signing, click here.

    On November 1, 2023, Governor Hochul signed “Notary Bill” eliminating the burdensome and often discriminatory process of requiring documents to be notarized in civil matters!

    The new legislation, S.5162/A.5772, allows parties in civil disputes to make sworn statements without the need for notarization. With the enactment of this law, New York joins the federal government and more than 20 other states in eliminating the burdensome and often discriminatory process of notarizing documents in civil matters.

    Access Justice Brooklyn is proud to have advocated for the passage of both S.6577/A.6656 and S.5162/A.5772. Thank you to Governor Hochul for making the legal system more accessible to New Yorkers!

    New Yorkers are encouraged to report deed theft and other scams to the Attorney General’s office by calling 800-771-7755 or filing a complaint here.

    Access Justice Brooklyn provides foreclosure intervention and prevention services to support Brooklyn homeowners. To learn more about our Homeowners Assistance program and access resources, click here.