Testament to our pioneering spirit of community outreach, we were the first firm to provide a pro bono externship. It is our belief that giving back to the communities in which we practice is of paramount importance and that our lawyers serve all of their clients better when they have a fuller understanding of the legal system from multiple perspectives. We currently sponsor three public interest externship programs. On a rotating basis, lawyers take on full-time positions at one of two New York legal service organizations or in the New York City Law Department’s Tort Division.
MFY Legal Services, Inc. We have sponsored an externship at MFY Legal Services since 1969. MFY provides legal representation and community education to nearly 5,000 low-income households annually. The firm’s externs generally work in MFY’s housing department and represent indigent New Yorkers in housing court.
Lawyers Alliance for New York. Since 1989, we have had an externship with Lawyers Alliance for New York, the city’s largest provider of free and low-cost legal services to nonprofit and community development organizations. Last year, LANY helped more than 440 organizations.
Corporate Counsel. We also place lawyers in the New York City Law Department’s Tort Division, which defends the city against the myriad lawsuits brought against it each year. The city confronts liability relating to a number of issues, including housing, education, childcare, firefighting, sidewalks, roadways, recreational facilities and medical services. Due to its size, the city is one of the most commonly sued entities in the nation. Externs are given the opportunity to hone their litigation skills through participation in a high volume of diverse cases.