NEW ONLINE APPLICATION SYSTEM

LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF MID-NEW YORK, INC. (LASMNY) PROVIDE ONLINE SOLUTIONS TO ITS CUSTOMERS DURING THE ECONOMIC CRISIS
by Tara Andryshak, Development Intern

While the Central New York region continues to battle the spread of COVID-19 and its economic impact, the Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc. (LASMNY) continues to evolve to meet the needs of our clients.

LASMNY launched a new online application system open to residents of thirteen counties across central New York. This online prescreening system will give clients a new way to provide personal information about their civil legal matters.

Paul Lupia Esq, Executive Director of LASMNY, said that the online intake system was a necessity in these unprecedented times.

“The COVID-19 pandemic created a civil legal crisis. Domestic violence and sexual assault are both on the rise. Many people have lost their jobs, their homes are in jeopardy, or they are coming close to bankruptcy,” Lupia said. “Creating an online application process was crucial because we need to provide our clients with another way to safely disclose their civil legal issues remotely. We already have a successful HelpLine that has remained active during the pandemic. This new online application will make it easier for those in our community to utilize our services.”

Through the online application, members of the community answer questions that allow LASMNY staff to prescreen an individual’s civil legal situation. After application submission, a paralegal will then contact the individual to gather additional information and determine the best course of action.

The counties eligible for the new intake system are Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Madison, Herkimer, Cortland, Chenango, Otsego, Broome, and Delaware Counties. Christina Reilly Esq, Managing Attorney, says the new system will connect residents of these counties with LASMNY like never before.

“The new website and online application process will have a transformational effect on LASMNY and the communities we serve,” Reilly said. “Individuals use our website to find answers to common civil legal questions. If they are seeking additional information or representation, they can apply online and get a prompt response from a paralegal.”

The online intake system is now live, and can be found on our website, www.lasmny.org, under the tab ‘Online Intake.’

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The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc. is a not-for-profit law office. LASMNY provides free civil legal information, advice, and representation to people who cannot afford a lawyer. We serve thirteen counties, including Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, and Otsego. We also serve agriculture workers anywhere in New York State. For more information, visit lasmny.org.

LASMANY has offices in Utica, Syracuse, Binghamton, Watertown, Oswego, Oneonta, Cooperstown, and New Paltz

Utica Office
120 Bleecker Street
Utica, New York 13501

Syracuse Office
221 South Warren Street Suite 310
Syracuse, NY 13202

Binghamton Office
168 Water Street
Second Floor
Binghamton, New York 13901

Watertown Office
215 Washington Street Suite 202
Watertown, NY 13601

Oswego Office
108 West Bridge Street
Oswego, New York 13126

Oneonta Office
183 Main Street, Suite 301
PO BOX 887
Oneonta, NY 13820

Cooperstown Office
Meadows Office Complex, Suite 6
140 County Highway 33 West
Cooperstown, New York 13326

New Paltz Office (Farmworker Law Project)
52 South Manheim Boulevard
New Paltz, New York 12561