Staff News
Legal Aid's Binghamton Office Moves To A New Location
On December 21, 2010 a major fire struck downtown Binghamton. Although the fire did not occur in the building that we occupied, it occurred in the building adjacent to ours. The fire was so severe, though, that it forced the closing of the 11-story Professional Towers building where we were located, and the relocation of most of its tenants above the second floor.
Our new offices are now only two blocks from our former location, and are located at 168 Water Street, Second Floor, downtown Binghamton.
Pro Bono Attorneys Help Area Veterans
In 2009, LASMNY began working with the new veteran's drop-in center in Utica to meet the legal needs of area veterans. On the third of each month, LASMNY holds a pro bono clinic for veterans at the drop-in center at 726 Washington Street in Utica. At the clinics, veterans have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a pro bono attorney about any civil legal problem. Volunteer attorneys have included our retired Executive Director, Robert Salzman, who has rejoined us as a pro bono attorney.
Veterans can sign up for the clinics by calling Renee Kolwaite at (315) 793-7061, or by calling the Utica Center for Development at (315) 307-7270. Veterans must meet our financial eligibility guidelines to qualify. Although the clinics are held in Utica, veterans from any county in our service area are welcome. Local attorneys are also encouraged to volunteer.
LASMNY Joins Foreclosure Fight
In October 2008, LASMNY began partnering with local HUD-certified foreclosure counseling agencies to provide legal advice and representation to people facing foreclosure. With the help of grants from the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, LASMNY has been able to represent homeowners in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison and Otsego Counties. LASMNY's Foreclosure Defense Project has assisted 168 homeowners with responding to court foreclosure papers, court settlement conferences and loan modification applications.