In keeping with CUNY’s articulated mission, “Law in the Service of Human Needs,” the CUNY model is designed to increase access to justice, re-envision the lawyer’s role in society, and revitalize the fundamental values of the legal profession.The CUNY network includes approximately 100 graduates from small or solo practice or community-based not-for-profit organizations. Members participate in one or more of four Practice Groups which each has a particular focus:
- The Family Law Practice Group: This group seeks to meet the large unmet legal need in the area of domestic relations.
- The Immigration Law Practice Group: This group consists of attorneys practicing immigration law.
- The General Practice Group: This group includes attorneys who practice in a variety of substantive areas.
- General Practice II Group: This group focuses on recent graduates and experienced practitioners from large law firms or public interest organizations who are interested in opening their own private practices.
The specialty areas in which network members practice include: family, domestic violence, immigration, elder, personal injury, criminal, real estate, labor, and employment law.
Practice Groups meet every two to three weeks at locations in Manhattan and Queens.
Services and Resources Provided: The services and resources provided by CUNY are as follows: - networking and peer technical assistance;
- reduced rates for online legal research services;
- legal research;
- access to a listserv;
- professional skills development seminars;
- a mentoring program;
- technology training; and
- a summer intern program.
