Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic Serving Consumers Virtually: Launching Remote CLARO Pilot Project The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has presented new challenges in delivering legal services to unrepresented individuals. In spring 2020, the center coordinated with Brooklyn Volunteer Lawyers Project, The Legal Aid Society, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, Mobilization for Justice, New York Legal Assistance Group, Queens Volunteer Lawyers Project and TakeRoot Justice to establish a Remote CLARO Pilot Project to assist clients virtually during the pandemic while in-person court operations are limited and pro bono programs are suspended. Staff attorneys conduct limited-scope consultations remotely and, when indicated, can offer a referral to a client who may require further assistance. The center anticipates that this project will continue to expand to meet the increasing demand for legal services in consumer credit matters as court operations are scaled up. Beyond the pandemic, there is intrinsic value for virtual CLARO programs to serve clients who face challenges to personally access the courthouse.
IMPACT Advocacy During the Pandemic Protected Consumers
The Feerick Center spearheaded successful efforts in collaboration with consumer advocates leading to the: • Imposition of a moratorium by the New York City Human Resources Administration on all debt collection, including enforcement of judgments, in lawsuits brought by the City against individuals for overpayments and public benefits – usually involving Medicaid benefits. • Adoption of an order that New York City Civil Court deem applications by defendants to set aside default judgments “essential matters” during the pandemic.
18 | Feerick Center for Social Justice Biennial Report 2018–2020
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