Legal Resources
The organizations listed below indicate that their physical offices have temporarily closed, but that they are still able to provide legal assistance remotely. Please call or visit their websites for more information.
American Civil Liberties Union: LGBT Project
(212) 549-2500
aclu.org/lgbt
125 Broad St 18th Fl
Advocacy, impact litigation and legal services for LGBT people focusing on: LGBT rights, relationships/marriage, parenting, youth & schools and TGNC discrimination.
Anti-Violence Project
(212) 714-1141
avp.org/get-help/legal
Legal Services Department increases access to civil legal services, which increases safety for LGBTQ and HIV-affected survivors of all types of violence, including intimate partner violence, sexual violence and hate violence. Provides free, holistic legal services to LGBTQ and HIV-affected survivors in all five boroughs of New York City in Family Court, Housing Court, Civil Court and with immigration matters.
Community Health Advocates
(888) 614-5400
communityhealthadvocates.org
105 E 22nd St 10010
Guides individuals, families and small businesses through the health care system with information, advice and advocacy on all types of health insurance. Very trans friendly!
HIV Law Project
(212) 577-3001
hivlawproject.org
15 Maiden Ln 18th Fl 10038
Serves HIV+ Bronx and Manhattan residents with housing, immigration, benefits and healthcare.
Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund
(212) 209-8585
lambdalegal.org
120 Wall St Ste 1500 10005
Serves LGBT and HIV+ people through impact litigation, education and public policy work.
Legal-Aid Society
(212) 577-3300
legal-aid.org
199 Water St 10038
Provides Civil and Criminal legal services to low-income New Yorkers.
Legal Services of New Jersey
(888) 576-5229
Web Intake: lsnjlawhotline.org
Provides legal assistance on civil matters to low-income New Jersey residents. Offers guidance on name changes on the telephone (but does not represent clients for the name change process). Experience with TGNC people.
LGBT Bar Association of New York
(212) 459-4873
lgbtbarny.org
799 Broadway #340 10003
Resource center, lawyer assistance program, LGBT Life Planning, Legal Walk-In Clinics on Long Island and in Manhattan.
LGBT Law Project at NY Legal Assistance Group
(212) 613-5000 x5107
Intakes: 212.659.6161
https://www.nylag.org/lgbtq-rights/
7 Hanover Sq 18th Fl 10004
Free representation regarding discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity; Landlord/Tenant disputes; Legal name and document change; Immigration Issues; Orders of Protection; Public Benefits; Second Parent or Joint Adoption; Relationship dissolution; Custody and Visitation; Will, Health Care Proxy and Living Will Preparation.
The LOFT-LGBT Community Services Center for the Lower Hudson Valley
(914) 948-2932
loftgaycenter.org
252 Bryant Ave White Plains 10605
Pro-Bono Name Change Project for TGNC people and Drop-In Legal Clinic for LGBT legal questions.
Long Island GLBT Community Center
(631) 665-2300
liglbtcenter.org
34 Park Ave Bay Shore 11706
Long Island Trans Experience (LITE) offers support services for TGNC people, including Name Change Clinic.
Email: info@lgbtnetwork.org
New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU)
(212) 607-3300
nyclu.org
125 Broad St. 10004
Provides legal services, advocacy and public education to fight for civil rights.
Modern Military Association of America
(202) 328-3244
https://modernmilitary.org/
PO Box 65301 Washington, DC 20035
Legal services, watchdog and policy work that supports LGB and TGNC service members and is dedicated to full equality and ending discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Free legal services to active service members and veterans.
Law Enforcement Bureau
(212) 306-7450
Enforces the NYC Human Rights Law. Call to make an appointment to meet with staff attorney.
Peter Cicchino Youth Project
pcyp.urbanjustice.org
Free legal services for LGBT young people; drop in clinics at Ali Forney, Streetwork Project and Hetrick Martin Institute.
Note: If you are under 25 years old and experiencing homelessness, the Peter Cicchino Youth Project can be reached at pcyp@urbanjustice.org. Will also continue monitoring voicemails on 877-LGBT-LAW.
Sanctuary for Families
(212) 349-6009
sanctuaryforfamilies.org
Provides counseling, shelter, legal and other services to victims of domestic violence and their children in New York City. Work with clients from all backgrounds, with specialized services for immigrants (including targeted outreach to African women and Spanish-speaking women), LGBTQ people and victims of sex trafficking.
Note: main office, shelters, and EMPOWER Center remain open with limited staff. Helpline hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Mon-Fri
Sex Workers Law Project
(646) 602-5617
swp.urbanjustice.org
Offers legal advocacy and therapeutic support to survivors of human trafficking and people who engage in sex work, regardless of whether they do so by choice, circumstance or coercion. Advocacy, education and organizing to build a movement to protect the human rights of sex workers.
Sylvia Rivera Law Project
(212) 337-8550
srlp.org
147 W 24th St 5th Fl 10001
Representation for low-income TGNCI people and TGNCI people of color in three main areas: Survival & Self-Determination, Immigrant Justice and Prisoner Justice.
Transgender Legal Defense and Education
(646) 862-9396
transgenderlegal.org
20 W 20th St Ste 705 10011
Provides education on trans rights, connects low-income TGNB people with pro bono attorneys to assist with legal name changes.
Urban Justice Center
(646) 602-5600
urbanjustice.org
123 William St 16th Fl 10038
Provides direct legal service, advocacy, community education and political organizing to NYC’s most vulnerable residents.
Women’s Prison Association
(646) 292-7740
wpaonline.org
110 Second Ave 10003
WPA’s mission is to partner with criminal justice-involved women and their families so they can lead safe, productive and lawful lives in the community. Since our founding, WPA has promoted the use of holistic, community-based responses to crime. Our program services make it possible for women to obtain work, housing and health care; to rebuild their families and to participate fully in civic life.