ECON STRIVING FOR Increasing Access to Justice for Unrepresented Individuals Facing Economic Hardship Civil Legal Advice and Resource Office (CLARO)
These limited-scope clinics are known as Civil Legal Advice and Resource Offices or CLARO. CLARO is staffed by volunteer lawyers and consumer law experts who provide limited-scope legal assistance to unrepresented individuals. Volunteer law students, undergraduates and interpreters offer informational assistance and interpretation to facilitate the consultations. The Feerick Center recruits and trains volunteer attorneys on consumer law issues to equip them with substantive knowledge and skills needed to assist individuals in restoring their financial stability and easing economic distress. CLARO operates under the auspices of the New York State Court System’s Office for Justice Initiatives and the Access to Justice Program. The CLARO Program furthers the judiciary’s commitment to expand access to justice by supporting pro bono work to help address the unmet civil legal needs of low- income New Yorkers. JUS
Each year, approximately 97% of individuals who are served with legal papers in consumer debt proceedings appear in court without legal representation. The Feerick Center, in partnership with local bar associations, legal services lawyers, academic institutions, and student groups, administers and operates limited-scope legal advice clinics (in-person, in courthouse offices prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and virtually during the pandemic) in the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island. Volunteers guide individuals in handling matters arising from credit cards, auto loans, residential leases, student loans, medical debts, personal loans and cell phone contracts.
14 | Feerick Center for Social Justice Biennial Report 2018–2020
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