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Q&A
Access to pro bono legal support in light of recent events
3:08:28
ยท
86 sec
Council Member Restler expresses concern about recent attacks on private law firms and their potential impact on the city's access to pro bono legal support. Corporation Counsel Goode-Trufant provides insight on the current situation.
- Recent events, such as the Paul Weiss firm agreeing to $40 million worth of pro bono services at the Trump administration's behest, have raised concerns about access to pro bono support.
- The Law Department still has access to pro bono attorneys, particularly from mid-size or smaller firms who are willing to assist.
- The landscape for pro bono support may be changing, but some partners are still available to help the city.
Lincoln Restler
3:08:28
I've been I found the the Trump administration's attacks on private law firms to be chilling and I was really saddened by how Paul Weiss folded this week and I think agreed to $40,000,000 worth of pro bono services at the Trump administration's behest.
3:08:53
We rely a lot on pro bono partners in New York City.
3:08:56
Do you believe that we'll be able to access support from pro bono attorneys and the law firms of New York on federal cases, or will that is that landscape now muddled?
Muriel Goode-Trufant
3:09:11
It depends on the particular partners.
3:09:17
I have for matters that I can't discuss here, but I I have talked to people who are at mid size or smaller firms who are glad to be of assistance.
Lincoln Restler
3:09:37
Great.
3:09:39
That's good to hear.
3:09:40
We should recognize folks who who are willing to step up.
3:09:49
I have I will pause here if councilmember Brewer would like to jump in.
Gale A. Brewer
3:09:54
Thank you.