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The Legal Aid Society is the primary public defender for New York City youth. We are committed to providing our clients with continuous, comprehensive, and zealous representation. In New York City’s Family and Criminal Courts we counsel youth and families impacted by the Juvenile Justice system—including preventing police interrogations, arranging for safe surrenders, and avoiding court filings through early engagement of legal support and intervention.
Every day, in courthouses and communities across the city, we advocate for the rights of young New Yorkers. Learn more about the services we provide.
Our Juvenile Rights and Criminal Defense Practices ensure that children and adolescents charged with offenses in New York City’s courts receive the most vigorous, informed, and effective defense possible. Our interdisciplinary trial teams and specialized units ensure comprehensive, meaningful representation and support for our youngest clients at every stage of their cases and beyond.
Adolescent Defense
Education Advocacy Project and Education Law Project
Juvenile Rights Practice Special Litigation and Law Reform Unit
Shashwat Dave is serving his community. As a Staff Attorney in our Juvenile Rights Practice, Shashwat gives a voice to children in need, defending their rights in the courtroom.
The Legal Aid Society and Milbank LLP have filed a lawsuit against the City of New York over the New York Police Department’s (NYPD) practice of illegally accessing, using, and disclosing sealed arrest-related records of youth ages 7 through 17.
The suit seeks to end this unlawful practice and enforce the statutory rights of thousands of New Yorkers, predominantly Black and Latinx youth.
As the public defender for New York City’s children and youth, our Juvenile Rights Practice works on juvenile delinquency cases from arraignment to appeal and beyond, creating systemic change through legislative reform, policy advocacy, and impact litigation.
We represent 90% of children in family court.
Juvenile Rights interdisciplinary teams of Attorneys, Social Workers, Paralegals, and Investigators amplified the voice of children in 70,000+ appearances in Family Court.
Youth clients diverted to Family Court where kids will be treated in a developmentally appropriate manner pursuant to Raise The Age.
The Legal Aid Society changes the lives of our clients with the help of our generous supporters.