As a native New Yorker, Jasmina Chuck knows how important the services provided by The Legal Aid Society are for our city. A paralegal in our LGBTQ+ Law and Policy Initiative, Jasmina works with clients across all five boroughs, and trains staff in all three practices to make New York a better place for all.

We meet people at their most vulnerable, and it is important that our staff is compassionate and affirming.

The LGBTQ+ Law and Policy Initiative works with clients, staff members, and partner organizations on a daily basis, juggling a number of initiatives to spread awareness and make an impact for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers. As a paralegal, Jasmina is deeply involved with every facet of the Initiative’s work, most importantly supporting brave and invaluable class action litigation plaintiffs. Impact litigation makes a lasting difference by challenging the systemic injustices that members of the LGBTQ+ communities face every day.

In recent years, Jasmina and the Initiative have focused on a group of New Yorkers that have long been overlooked: homeless youth. While over 40% of homeless youth in our city identify as LGBTQ+, these young New Yorkers lack essential support. Alongside their work on the front-lines of our city’s legal reforms, Jasmina and the Initiative also focus on helping staff throughout the Society address the unique needs of LGBTQ+ clients.

Through cultural humility training, Jasmina keeps our staff informed about the different issues members of the LGBTQ+ community are facing. And the Initiative’s educational outreach doesn’t stop within the Society. In fact, as Jasmina explains, “we create a lot of resource materials” to share with our partner organizations and client communities. “It’s a mix of consultation, both internal and external.”

For Jasmina, the work of the LGBTQ+ Law and Policy Initiative is a unique look at the important impact of The Legal Aid Society. “Our work is always collaborative,” she states. “I’ve gotten to meet so many great people at Legal Aid.” But, it’s always more than just working together, it’s about making a difference in the lives of our clients. “We meet these people when they are at their most vulnerable,” Jasmina says, “and it is important that our staff is compassionate and affirming.” With her help, The Legal Aid Society can continue being there for New Yorkers in need