Through the LeGaL Foundation, the organization provides vital legal services to hundreds of members of the LGBT community each year and hosts a network of free weekly walk-in legal clinics, anchored by the flagship at Manhattan's LGBT Community Center.
The Foundation also publishes LGBT Law Notes, the most comprehensive monthly publication summarizing legal developments affecting the LGBT community here and abroad, sponsors the Dr. M. L. "Hank" Henry, Jr. Judicial Fellowship Program, and runs the area's only career fair dedicated to first-year LGBT law students.
Learn more about some of our Foundation's initiatives below:
Legal Services
LGBT Bar NY seeks the creation and expansion of legal services initiatives which provide meaningful consultations, referrals, and representation where possible, to members of our community.
Law Notes
LGBT Law Notes has been reporting on the fight for LGBTQ+ equality since 1980. Under Editor-in-Chief Arthur S. Leonard, the publication provides innovative, high-quality articles written by scholars, law students, and practitioners.
Law Student Programs
LGBT Bar NY is committed to the advancement and development of aspiring LGBTQ legal professionals. We offer several programs, events, and networking opportunities to further the growth of LGBTQ law students.
Podcast
LGBTQ+ lawyers, policy experts, and activists discuss the latest legal and political news affecting the LGBTQ+ community both in the U.S. and abroad. Hosted by Shain Filcher, Executive Director of the LGBT Bar of NY, with regularly featured guest Prof. Emeritus Arthur S. Leonard of New York Law School.
Amicus Briefs
An amicus curiae brief or “friend of the court” brief may be filed by an individual or organization that is not a party to the case. Periodically, LGBT Bar NY is asked to author or sign an amicus brief to help educate judges about LGBTQ+ issues and experiences. The Amicus Committee reviews these requests according to our Amicus Brief Policy.