May 10, 2013 -- The LGBT Bar Association Foundation of Greater New York (LeGaL Foundation) and the LGBT Law Project of the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) are pleased to announce the award of a $9,000 grant from the Stonewall Community Foundation in support of the organizations' LGBT Life Planning Clinic. The grant, already being used to support expansion of the clinic, was among those awarded specifically to community organizations working in collaboration on a new or existing project.

"We're so pleased to receive this support," said Virginia Goggin, Coordinating Attorney of NYLAG's LGBT Law Project. "The grant not only enhances our ability to serve the community but also further strengthens our organizations' collaboration."

The LGBT Life Planning Clinic assists community members of modest means with the preparation of long-term life planning documents, including health care proxies, living wills, wills, and powers of attorney. As a result of the grant award, the clinic is now held regularly each Tuesday night at The Center alongside the LeGaL Foundation's existing legal clinic; additionally, a law student fellow has been hired for the project.

"We're thrilled to see a service that began as a pilot project receive the support needed to expand," said LeGaL's executive director, Brad Snyder. "We're looking forward to reaching more community members throughout New York City."

The clinic was created in response to the increasing need for life planning documents, which are vital to ensuring the greatest protections possible for the LGBT community in the face of continuing inequality under the law and ever-changing legal developments.

The law firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, a generous supporter of both organizations, will host a complimentary May 20 CLE for attorneys & law students interested in volunteering for the project or learning more about this important area of the law (details at le-gal.org).  

Attorneys interested in volunteering for the clinic should e-mail volunteers@le-gal.org. 

Inquiries from individuals in need of assistance should be directed to lgbtlaw@nylag.org.

For a pdf of the announcement visit here.  

About NYLAG 

Founded in 1990, NYLAG is a not-for-profit law office that provides free civil legal services to low-income New Yorkers. A full-service agency, NYLAG provides consultations, representation and advocacy on a broad range of legal issues. Last year, NYLAG handled 17,991 cases benefiting 31,057 low-income individuals. NYLAG is a beneficiary of UJA-Federation of New York. NYLAG launched its LGBT Law Project in 2008. For more information on the LGBT Law Project at NYLAG, please visit www.nylag.org/lgbt.

About the Stonewall Community Foundation

Stonewall Community Foundation is the public charity for New York City's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community.

Since 1990, the Foundation has invested more than $15 million in over 450 organizations via our donor advised funds and annual grant making. The Foundation inspires social change through strategic initiatives designed to engage the community, empower our leaders and invest in grassroots LGBTQ organizations across the five boroughs.