At The Legal Aid Society our Civil, Criminal Defense, Juvenile Rights, and Pro Bono practices work tirelessly in and out of the courtroom to defend our clients and dismantle the hidden, systemic barriers that can prevent them from thriving in New York City. We seek to be a beacon of hope for those who feel neglected —regardless of who they are, where they come from, or how they identify. Our experienced teams provide comprehensive services, support, and advocacy that protect rights, keep families and communities together, and in many cases, saves lives. We have an intrinsic connection to the daily lives of New Yorkers. Here are a few of the places we made a difference, provided context or added valuable perspective this week:

LAS demands release of vulnerable New Yorkers as COVID-19 spreads in jails/prisons

Gothamist: As NYC Cases Rise, Rikers Island Sees Huge Jump In COVID-19 Exposure
Spectrum News: Advocates: Reduce Jail Population to Halt COVID Spread
El Diario: Aumenta presión sobre el alcalde y fiscales para que liberen a prisioneros
Queens Daily Eagle: Public defenders warn of another Rikers Island COVID crisis
NYDN: Lawyers say NY prisons are dragging their feet releasing eligible inmates
Fox5 Street Soldiers: COVID-19 and the Prison System

Arrest of Staten Island bar owner illustrates two-tier justice system

Gothamist: Bar Owner Allegedly Drove Into Sheriff’s Deputy. DA Doesn’t Seek Bail.
SI Advance: Legal Aid says D.A., court ‘preferential’ toward white, Staten Island bar owner
NY Daily News: SI pub owner who rammed sheriff was freed without bail because he was white
SI Advance: D.A. responds to criticism over Staten Island bar owner’s release without bail

LAS sues to ensure reliable internet access for homeless students

City & State: Internet access still lacking for city’s homeless students
BXTimes: One in 10 New York City public school students experience housing insecurity: Advocates
AMNY: One in 10 New York City public school students experience housing insecurity: Advocates

More LAS in the news

THE INTERCEPT: The Coronavirus Pandemic Has Exposed the Absurdities of NY’s Parole System
NYT: Racial Divide in Reopened Classrooms: More White Than Black Children
CNN: Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, here’s how you can rebuild the economy: Decriminalize sex work
Norwood News: “Jashawn’s Law” Passed; Honors 8-Year-Old Tragically Killed in 2002 Fire
Brooklyn Reporter: Federal judge approves class action settlement in homeless youth lawsuit
BKNews12: Group calls for end of NYPD Vice Squad following report exposing alleged misconduct
Crime Report: Kids Sent to Adult Court Despite New York’s Raise-the-Age Law
Patch: NY Coronavirus Rent Relief Program Will Restart, Cuomo Says
NYDN: NYPD’s top cop blames bail reform for ‘14-year high’ in NYC shootings
Gothamist: Two NYPD Officers Lied About Their Arrest Of A BLM Protester. The D.A. Cleared Them.