A video feature released today by the Huffington Post focuses on the crucial role of The Legal Aid Society and other public defenders and the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced to their day-to-day operations as they seek to ensure that every New Yorker has access to justice.

“It’s very painful actually to watch the members of our staff have such anxiety and fear about engaging in the public arena,” said Janet Sabel, Attorney-in-Chief of The Legal Aid Society. “And I think that the incursion on the personal life and bringing these fears into the workplace is taking a toll.”

The video – which showcases staff of The Legal Aid Society – speaks to the indispensable nature of legal representation in our society, and why in a time of crisis it’s more important than ever.