Sen. Foley and Touro Law Center Launch Pro-Bono Foreclosure Clinic in Central Islip

Foreclosure/Bankruptcy Law Clinic will be first of it's kind, provide free services to local communities battered by foreclosure crisis

On Friday, March 19, 2010, State Senator Brian X. Foley (D – Blue Point) and Touro Law Center officially launched a new Mortgage Foreclosure and Bankruptcy Clinic that will serve communities in Suffolk County battered by the ongoing foreclosure crisis.
The clinic will pair exceptional law students specializing  in foreclosure and bankruptcy law with faculty supervisors who will offer free-of-charge legal services to local residents. Clients for the law clinic will include home owners in danger of losing their homes, individuals filing for bankruptcy, and people who have received notices from their bank.

“The Foreclosure and Bankruptcy Law Clinic is a major step towards helping residents in Central Islip, Brentwood, and surrounding communities confront the foreclosure crisis,” said Sen. Brian X. Foley. “I am proud to work with Touro Law Center in establishing this law clinic and securing the funds necessary to get this effort underway. The clinic will be an important tool to support families in danger of losing their homes and  help stabilize communities.”
 
The law clinic, the first of its kind in New York State, will help individuals and families manage complicated legal and financial processes. From assisting with case intake to paperwork to meetings with banks, the law clinic will offer comprehensive assistance pro-bono. At a time when local communities are struggling with the foreclosure crisis, the Foreclosure and Bankruptcy Law Clinic will help working families who need help staying in their homes.

“This clinic is serving both law students and community members,” said Professor Rubinstein. “Local members of the community will have a place to turn and a resource to help them when facing foreclosure and bankruptcy while providing students with hands-on practice skills that will assist them in becoming experienced attorneys.”

Senator Foley, Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, secured a $50,000 grant for the clinic. Additional funding has been secured by private donors including Capital One Bank (USA), N.A.; Bank of America. Additional funding provided by Citibank, N.A. and Astoria Federal Savings.