Projecting the Integrity of Your Image
Open Hands Legal Services is a non-profit organization dedicated to upholding the cause of the poor and the oppressed in New York City. Our mission is to break down the legal barriers that prevent low-income and homeless individuals from achieving success and becoming the full persons they are intended to be. We bring free legal services directly to community members at host non-profit organizations throughout the city, meeting them where they are and overcoming the obstacles they face in accessing legal help. We believe that civil legal aid can be life-changing, helping people remain in their homes, apply for work, obtain subsistence income, access healthcare, and more.
Our Work
We conduct two main programs to bring legal assistance to those who need it most. Our mobile legal aid desks are set up at soup kitchens and shelters across the city, bringing volunteer attorneys directly to low-income and homeless New Yorkers. We provide on-site legal assistance and advocacy in civil legal matters such as family, housing, and employment law. Our "Know Your Rights" seminars inform and equip low-income and homeless New Yorkers with information about their rights and responsibilities, such as the rights of the homeless in public places and police rights. We develop seminars in response to requests from our partner non-profit organizations after they discover what legal challenges their clients typically face.
Our Partners
We partner with a variety of non-profit organizations throughout the city, including All Angels' Episcopal Church, Bowery Mission Men's Center, Bowery Mission Tribeca Campus, Bowery Mission Women's Center, City Relief, Exodus Transitional Community Center, Father's Heart Ministries, Partnership for the Homeless, Prison Fellowship Restore, The Open Door of NJNY, The Salvation Army, and Viva Uptown. These partnerships allow us to reach those in need and provide them with the legal assistance they require.
Our Team
Our team is made up of a dedicated group of individuals who are committed to upholding the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Our Board of Directors includes Crystal G. Persaud, Shareholder, Polsinelli PC; Elizabeth Leonard, Executive Director, Creative, J.P. Morgan; Eric S. Yoon, Partner, K&L Gates LLP; Jonathan Lee, Director, Internal Audit, BNP Paribas; Kenia Andujar, Palabras de Vida; Richard L. Chen, Brightstar Law Group; Tony Telesco, Sergeant, New York Police Department; Vanessa Holliday, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, Restore; and Wallace E. Larson, Member, Carson Messinger, PLLC. Our Advisory Board includes Dr. Alexander Chou, Montefiore Medical Center; Emily Schofield, Silver Regulatory Associates; Melody Smith, Stanford University School of Medicine; and Karen Wu, Perlman & Perlman LLP.
Our staff includes Matt Mahoney, Executive Director, and Christine DeModna, Legal Director. Matt Mahoney is a seasoned professional with over 27 years of experience serving the poor and marginalized in New York City. Christine DeModna started as a staff attorney and is now the Legal Director at Open Hands Legal Services, with a primary focus on family law and immigration law matters.
Our Founding Story
Open Hands Legal Services was founded in 2009 by a group of Christian attorneys who felt God calling them to use their legal skills to serve the city. Recognizing that many problems faced by the poor and the oppressed could be solved by an attorney, the group began going to an East Village soup kitchen to volunteer and provide legal services. Since then, the organization has grown dramatically in response to high demand from other soup kitchens and shelters across the city.
Overview
The reviews posted here pertain to the quality of service and experience provided by Legal Hands. The clients who have used their services have generally been satisfied with their interactions and the assistance received.
Services Provided
Legal Hands offers free or low-cost legal services, making it accessible to a wide range of clients. This is highly beneficial, especially for those who may not have the financial resources to seek legal advice.
Client Experience
The clients who have reviewed the services of Legal Hands have had generally positive experiences. Both Rafael Arvelo and Yarik Didenko praised the legal team's professionalism and expertise, highlighting specific instances of excellent service. Carolyn Li Ming Geh went so far as to describe the team as "angels" who have been kind and supportive.
Standout Team Members
Two team members, Christine Demodna and Nicole Steward, were specifically mentioned for their exceptional service. Both were praised for their knowledge, informativeness, and helpfulness.
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