THIRD EDITION - 1999

On Your Own

Free Legal Information and Services in the Capital District

Includes Special
Sections on
the Legal Rights
of Ex-Offenders and
Navigating the
State Prison System

a publication of The Center for Law and Justice

Click Here for Directory Index

Introduction

Although it is a well-established principle that all individuals are given the same legal rights regardless of income, it is also clear that access to important legal information and help to exercise many of those rights can be sufficiently blocked. Access is also hampered by the fact that the legal system is becoming more complex all the time. Simply getting an answer to a specific legal question is an increasingly frustrating experience for many and an impossible task for others. It is difficult enough to retain the "right" lawyer, but to obtain the services of a lawyer or paralegal for free or at reduced cost is often next to impossible.

This directory offers community residents a listing of public and private legal services and information that is available in the Capital District and is free of charge or offered at modest cost. Although the included services offer information, assistance, or advice on a broad range of legal subjects, this directory is by no means complete. And, since there are plans to periodically update this directory to keep it current and useful, we welcome suggestions and updated information.

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to the New York Bar Foundation, which has awarded grants to The Center for Law and Justice for the publication of all three editions of "On Your Own." This edition was edited and designed by Robin A. Busch. Special thanks to Center student intern Patrick Council for his research and assistance.

Preface

This directory is intended primarily for those who, for a variety of reasons, may find themselves in need of a lawyer, legal services, or legal information, but cannot afford to purchase such services. Many of us do not have the luxury of retaining a "family lawyer" to call upon when we need legal assistance. Although this directory may not serve all the needs of those who seek assistance, it may be useful to some. This directory is not intended to replace the professional services of a good lawyer.

There are a number of public and private organizations and programs which offer a variety of legal services and information in our communities. This pamphlet identifies many of them in the hope that they will be made more accessible to those in need. The agencies listed in this directory are arranged alphabetically. An index of the types of services listed in this directory appears on page 12.

This edition of "On Your Own" also includes two special sections: the first, on navigating the New York State correctional system, and the second, on the legal rights of ex-offenders.

Agencies Located Within the Capital District

1/ Capital District Center for Independence

855 Central Avenue, Albany, New York 12206

518-459-6422 (voice/TDD)

Provides legal advice pertaining to disabilities, discrimination, how to receive or cancel benefits, and other issues. Although they usually do not go to hearings, they will represent clients in the Social Security benefits administrative process. Limited to persons with mental or physical disabilities.

2/ Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution

30 Watervliet Avenue, Albany, New York 12231

518-446-0356

Provides an alternative approach to court for solving disagreements. Both parties must agree to take part in mediation. Types of issues include family problems, landlord/tenant disputes, consumer/merchant disagreements, employer/employee conflicts, personal/real property issues, small claims, special education and school issues, and victim/offender mediation.

3/ The Center for Law and Justice

Pine West Plaza #2, Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, New York 12205

518-427-8361

Provides legal rights and criminal justice information and will assist with limited legal and criminal justice complaints. Also provides criminal justice advocacy and community education. Does not provide direct legal representation.

4/ Clinical Legal Studies Program of Albany Law School

Albany Law School, 80 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, New York 12208

518-445-2328

Represents persons with AIDS or who are HIV +, persons who are disabled, and victims of domestic violence in administrative proceedings. Focuses on cases of health discrimination, Social Security, fair hearings, and Family Court proceedings. Does not deal with criminal matters. Encourages service providers to call for technical assistance. Must call for an appointment.

5/ Commission on Judicial Conduct, New York State

38-40 State Street, Albany, New York 12207

518-474-5617

Receives and reviews written complaints of misconduct against judges of the state unified court system, which includes, state, county, municipal, town, and village courts. Types of complaints that may be investigated include improper demeanor, conflicts of interest, intoxication, bias, prejudice, favoritism, corruption, prohibited business or political activity, and serious financial and records mismanagement.

6/ Committee on Open Government, New York State

New York State Department of State, 41 State Street, Albany, New York 12231

518-474-2518

Administers the Freedom of Information Law, which governs the right to access of government records.

7/ Committee on Professional Standards, New York State

Alfred E. Smith Office Building, Box 7013, Albany, New York 12225

518-474-8816

Handles complaints against attorneys related to all aspects of their professional career, malpractice, and personal life if it interferes with their ability to practice law.

8/ Community Dispute Settlement Program

Troy Area United Ministries, 17 First Street, Troy, New York 12180

518-274-5920

Offers free or low-cost mediation services as a way of settling disputes or conflicts. Trained, neutral mediators assist individuals and groups in discussing issues and agreeing to mutually acceptable solutions. Limited to residents of Rensselaer County. Part of a statewide network of mediation centers funded in part by the New York State Unified Court System, and a program of Troy Area United Ministries (TAUM).

9/ Comprehensive Crime Victims Assistance Program

112 State Street, Room 1110, Albany, New York 12207

518-447-5500

Provides legal advocacy for victims of violent crime. Provides court advocacy, including accompaniment to criminal and family court, and will explain laws. Also provides Crime Victims Board compensation assistance.

10/ Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau

800-771-7755

Mediates consumer complaints such as false advertising claims, non-delivery of mail-order merchandise, home improvement problems, and landlord/tenant security deposit problems.

11/ Consumer Protection Board, New York State

5 Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York 12223

518-474-4759

Receives and investigates consumer complaints. Will represent consumer interests before federal, state, and local agencies. Intervenes on behalf of the consumer in Public Service Commission hearings.

12/ Crime Victims Board of New York State

845 Central Avenue, Suite 107, Albany, New York 12206

518-457-8727 or 800-247-8035

Reimburses crime victims for casualty-related, unreimbursed expenses including medical or funeral expenses, loss of earnings, and essential personal property repair or replacement. Also provides information, referrals, and victim advocacy. Crime victims must file a police report and be an innocent victim of a crime.

13/ Department of Health Division of Legal Affairs, New York State

Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza, Room 2438, Albany, New York 12237

518-474-7553

Provides legal information on issues related to health, such as clean air and AIDS.

14/ Department of Labor Public Information Office, New York State

Building 12, Room 586, State Campus, Albany, New York 12240

518-457-5519

Will connect a person who has legal questions concerning labor, such as wages, safety, or unemployment benefits, with the office within the Department of Labor equipped to answer the particular questions.

Department of Social Services

Answers legal questions regarding family matters, home energy, and food stamps. Investigates allegations of neglect and abuse of adults and initiates legal proceedings to protect them, and provides investigative and other "field services" to working parents in child support proceedings for a nominal cost set by law.

15/ Albany County

162 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12210

518-447-7300

16/ Rensselaer County

1801 Sixth Avenue, Troy, New York 12180

518-283-2000

17/ Schenectady County

487 Nott Street, Schenectady, New York 12308

518-388-4470

18/ Developmental Disabilities Legal Clinic of Albany Law School

518-445-2328

Serves people who are developmentally disabled, as defined by federal legislation. Provides legal advice and representation at court and administrative hearings. Investigates and negotiates solutions to problems of the developmentally disabled and their families. Provides clients and their families with information on their rights and how to protect them.

19/ Disability Advocates

6 Clinton Square, 3rd floor, Albany, New York 12207

518-432-7861

Provides legal protection and advocacy to people with disabilities. Also offers legal advice and direct representation. Serves 16 northeastern New York counties including Albany, Rensselaer, and Schenectady.

20/ Dispute Resolution Program

Law, Order, and Justice Center, 144 Barrett Street, Schenectady, New York 12305

518-346-1281

Provides an alternative approach to court for solving disagreements. Both parties involved must agree to take part in mediation. Types of issues include consumer/merchant disagreements, employer/employee conflicts, family problems, landlord/tenant disputes, personal/real property issues, small claims, special education and school issues, and victim/offender mediation. The Law, Order, and Justice Center also assists with bails/fines.

District Attorneys' Offices

There is an officer on duty daily during regular business hours who will answer legal questions concerning criminal law.

21/ Albany County

County Courthouse, Albany, New York 12207

518-487-5460

22/ Rensselaer County

County Courthouse, Troy, New York 12180

518-270-4040

23/ Schenectady County

County Courthouse, 612 State Street, Schenectady, New York 12305

518-388-4364

24/ Division of Human Rights, New York State

Agency Building 2, Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York 12223

518-474-2705

Administers the New York State human rights law which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, disability, marital status, age, arrest record, and conviction in employment, housing, places of public accommodations, and credit. Accepts and helps to prepare and process complaints from individuals who feel that they have been discriminated against. Serves 16 northeastern New York counties including Albany, Rensselaer, and Schenectady.

25/ Fathers' Rights Association of the Capital Region

P.O. Box 13534, Albany, New York 12212

518-374-2346

Provides information and referrals concerning fathers' rights when dealing with child custody and child support issues. The organization is committed to addressing the full range of public policy considerations affecting father-child relationships. Must make an appointment.

26/ Greater Upstate Law Project

119 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12210

518-462-6831

Provides free civil legal representation and other advocacy services on issues including food stamps, Medicaid, disabilities, public and subsidized housing, homelessness, child support, and domestic violence. Clients must meet financial eligibility requirements. Also publishes a regular newsletter on issues affecting low-income people.

27/ Human Rights Commission, City of Albany

Administrative Services, City Hall, Room 301, Albany, New York 12207

518-434-5284

Investigates discrimination complaints based on race, gender, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability. Must make an appointment with an investigator.

28/ Human Rights Commission, City of Schenectady

612 State Street, Schenectady, New York 12305

518-388-4290

Receives complaints of alleged discrimination on the basis of race, creed, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, or age. Serves as a fair housing office. Seeks to eliminate discrimination through community conferences and conciliation.

29/ Human Rights' Commission, City of Troy

City Hall, Monument Square, Troy, New York 12180

518-270-4520

Investigates complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, criminal justice, legal aid, and other public and private agencies.

30/ Hunger Action Network of New York State

94 Central Avenue, Suite 2, Albany, New York 12206

518-434-7371

Provides food stamp pre-screenings for clients eligible for social services. Assists clients in filling out applications for Albany County social services.

31/ Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley

Troy Atrium, Troy, New York 12180

518-274-0701 (voice/TTY)

Answers questions concerning disability law. Offers employment advocacy services, independent living skills training, information and referral, consumer-directed personal assistant services, and employment.

Lawyer Referral Service

Provides referrals to attorneys. The first consultation with an attorney will cost between $25-30 for the first half hour. Further payments are left up to the individual attorney. Areas of law are comprehensive.

32/ New York State Bar Association

1 Elk Street, Albany, New York 12207

518-463-3200

Provides a series of informational pamphlets on an individual's rights under law.

33/ Albany County Bar Association

Albany County Courthouse, 16 Eagle Street, Albany, New York 12207

518-445-7691

Pro bono (free) referrals are sometimes possible, if applicants qualify.

34/ Rensselaer County Bar Association

297 River Street, Troy, New York 12180

518-272-7220

35/ Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection

119 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12210

518-434-1935 or 800-442-FUND

Provides reimbursement to law clients who have lost money or property due to a lawyer's dishonest conduct in the practice of law, such as the wrongful taking of client's money or other property. Typical losses covered include theft of money from estates, escrow funds in real property transactions, and settlements in personal injury actions.

36/ Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York

55 Columbia Street, Albany, New York 12207

518-462-6765 or 800-462-2922

Provides representation for individuals in the following civil law fields: housing, welfare, Social Security, disability, food stamps, emergency assistance, Medicaid, and employment. Applicants must meet financial eligibility requirements. The Albany-based office serves Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, and Schenectady counties. The Saratoga Springs-based office (587-5188 or 800-870-8343) serves Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties.

37/ Mental Hygiene Legal Service, Capital District Psychiatric Center

75 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, New York 12208

518-447-9664

Protects and advocates for the rights of people admitted to all mental health, developmental disability, or alcoholism facilities, including residences. Offers free legal representation, advice, and assistance to all patients concerning their admission, transfer, care, and treatment.

NAACP

Provides legal information and referrals in areas such as employment, discrimination, police impropriety, and general rights violations.

38/ Albany Branch

95 Livingston Avenue, Albany, New York 12207

518-462-1823

39/ Schenectady Branch

955 State Street, Schenectady, New York 12307

518-377-0522

40/ Troy Branch

195 River Street, Troy, New York 12180

41/ New York Civil Liberties Union (Capital Region Chapter)

90 State Street, Albany, New York 12207

518-436-8594

Seeks to preserve and extend constitutional rights and privileges found mainly in the Bill of Rights. Provides information and assistance on matters involving individual civil liberties. Will accept for direct litigation only test cases which involve precedent-setting civil liberties issues. Does not provide direct representation in criminal defense cases. Serving Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren, and Washington counties and adjoining areas.

42/ New York State Defenders Association

194 Washington Avenue, Suite 500, Albany, New York 12210

518-465-3524

Provides research, consultation, and training to public defenders. Works to improve the quality of defense representation statewide. Does not provide individual criminal defense representation.

43/ Office of Consumer Protection

City Hall, Room 204, Schenectady, New York 12305

518-382-5061

Investigates complaints of fraud, deception, or unfair dealings with consumers. Represents those who have problems with Schenectady city businesses.

44/ Prisoners' Legal Services of New York

105 Chambers Street, New York, New York 10007

212-513-7373

Provides legal services to prisoners in New York State prisons who cannot afford legal representation. Will only handle cases that other attorneys and other legal services are unlikely to handle. Does not handle criminal trials or direct criminal appeals. NOTE: Most PLS offices have been temporarily closed. If state funding is restored, PLS is expected to resume normal operations.

Public Defenders' Offices

Provide representation for all criminal matters. Applicants must qualify based on income and other conditional factors.

45/ Albany County

112 State Street, Room 700, Albany, New York 12207

518-447-7150

46/ Rensselaer County

County Courthouse, Troy, New York 12180

518-270-4030

47/ Schenectady County

519 State Street, Schenectady, New York 12305

518-386-2266

48/ Public Utility Law Project of New York

90 State Street, Albany, New York 12207

518-449-3375 or 800-235-7857

Provides information regarding utility law, such as rates for gas and electric. Provides legal representation, education, and advocacy for low- and fixed-income people on energy and utility issues.

49/ Rape Crisis Center of Albany

112 State Street, Room 1100, Albany, New York 12207

518-447-7716

Provides comprehensive treatment services to recent and past victims of sexual assault. Operates a 24-hour hotline. Staff and volunteers accompany victims to the emergency room for the forensic examination and to the police station if necessary. Free treatment for Albany County residents.

50/ Rape Crisis Services of Schenectady County

Planned Parenthood, 414 Union Street, Schenectady, New York 12305

518-374-5353 or 518-346-2266

Provides crisis counseling and legal referrals for victims and families of victims of rape and sexual assault. Will accompany victims to hospital, police, and courts.

51/ Senior Services of Albany

25 Delaware Avenue, Albany, New York 12210

518-465-3322

Provides information and referrals, tax and legal advice, adult day program, home-delivered meals, and senior commuter service to area residents 60 years of age and older. Suggested contribution for most services.

52/ Sexual Assault and Crime Victims Assistance Program

Samaritan Hospital, 2215 Burdett Avenue, Troy, New York 12180

518-271-3445 or 518-271-3257

Provides confidential assistance for victims of rape and sexual abuse; crisis intervention; individual, couple, and family counseling; support and advocacy though medical and legal procedures; and information and referrals.

53/ Statewide Youth Advocacy

17 Elk Street, Albany, New York 12207

518-436-8525

Provides free legal representation for youths under 21 years of age. Specializes in education law, public assistance law, and the legal rights of children and adolescents. Must call for an appointment.

54/ United Tenants of Albany

33 Clinton Avenue, Albany, New York 12207

518-436-8997

Provides housing information and referrals on a wide range of housing issues.

55/ Veterans' Service Agency

1600 Seventh Avenue, Troy, New York 12180

518-270-2760

Provides assistance to veterans, widows and children of veterans in all phases of benefits due from the Veterans Administration. Helps fill out forms for pensions, burial allowances, and educational assistance. Provides advocacy and referrals for veterans and helps hospitalized veterans. Assists in obtaining documentation and discharge upgrades from the Department of Defense. Will appoint accredited representatives for veterans, widows, and children of veterans in disputes before the V.A. Board regarding any services they provide.

56/ Women's Bar Association Legal Project

Sponsors free legal clinics on a monthly basis (September-June) which offer 30-minute consultations at six locations in the Capital District. Open to all members of the community. Cover all areas of civil law. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (518) 432-3972. Locations available: the Women's Building (Albany); the YWCA (Schenectady); Unity House Street Ministry (Troy); Albany County Mental Health Center; the Urban League (Albany) and Trinity Institute. In addition, the Legal project offers pro bono and reduced rate legal representation in Family Court for domestic violence victims. Call Domestic Violence Legal Connection at (518) 432-3985. The Legal Project also provides educational workshops which helps make the law more understandable to community groups or organizations. All legal topics can be covered. Call Legally Speaking at (518) 432-3972 to schedule a workshop.

Agencies Located Outside of the Capital District

57/ Legal Action Center

135 Waverly Place, New York, New York 10014

212-243-1313

A public interest law firm which generally handles test cases or law reform litigation. The firm has a program which focuses upon challenging discrimination against ex-offenders, especially in employment. Provides assistance to all state residents.

58/ National Lawyers' Guild

126 University Place, New York, New York 10003

212-225-4181

Refers prisoners to legal assistance. Also operates a Prison Law Project.

59/ Prisoners' Rights Project

Legal Aid Society, 90 Church Street, 13th floor, New York, New York 10007

212-577-3300

Assists New York State prisoners with problems related to medical care, correction officer misuse of force, assault or risk of assault by other inmates, and with issues related to jail time credit.

Area Criminal Justice Agencies

Local and regional police, probation, and parole departments; county jails; and courts can often provide information regarding their mandates, jurisdiction, and procedures. For more information, consult the blue pages in your telephone book.

Area Family Courts

Family courts provide legal solutions to family problems such as juvenile delinquency, adoptions, child abuse and neglect, support, and family offenses.

60/ Family Court of Albany County

1 Van Tromp Street, Albany, New York 12207

518-427-3500

61/ Family Court of Rensselaer County

Court House Annex, Troy, New York 12180

518-270-3761

62/ Family Court of Schenectady County

620 State Street, Schenectady, New York 12208

518-388-4305

Area Small Claims Courts

Small claims courts will hear claims made against a resident of the particular county. Courts have jurisdiction of up to $3,000.

63/ Albany Small Claims Court

City Hall, Room 209, Albany, New York 12207

518-434-5113

64/ Schenectady Small Claims Court

City Hall, Room 215, Jay Street, Schenectady, New York 12305

518-382-5077

65/ Troy Small Claims Court

City Hall, Troy, New York 12180

518-273-2434

Area Law Libraries

66/ Albany Law School Library

Albany Law School, 80 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, New York 12208

518-445-2340

Provides a complete law library and will supply basic instructions on the use of the library. Cannot provide legal advice. Please call for days and hours that the library is open.

67/ New York State Library

Cultural Education Center, 7th floor, Albany, New York 12230

518-474-5355

Provides an extensive law library and will supply basic instructions on the use of the library. Cannot provide legal advice. Open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Located above the State Museum.

68/ Thomas E. Dewey Library for Public Affairs and Policy

135 Western Avenue, Albany, New York 12222

518-442-3691

Provides an extensive collection of American law materials including statutes, case reporters, law reviews, and monographs. Emphasis is on criminal law, public law, and social welfare. Reference assistance is provided regarding the use of the collection. Cannot provide legal advice. Please call for days and hours that the library is open.

Directory Index

Numbers correspond with the agency numbers in the directory listings.