Justice Center News
The Justice Center News blog features our advocacy on issues affecting low-income New Yorkers today and the latest CBJC happenings. For press releases, click here. For publications, click here.
Social Security Benefits Extended to Same-Sex Partner Survivors after Years of Legal Battles
by Sofia ColosimoMay 11, 2022
For decades, LGBTQ partners experienced setbacks in accessing social security benefits upon a partner’s death, often due to discriminatory marriage laws. However, recent legal developments have increased accessibility to these benefits for same-sex couples, declaring the unconstitutionality of previous qualifications and making previously-denied survivors eligible for back pay.
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VA Establishes New Rule for Reporting VA Debts to Consumer Reporting Agencies
by Makedah Salmond, Esq.May 3, 2022
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a final rule in the Federal Register amending VA’s procedures for reporting benefits and medical debt to consumer reporting agencies, effective March 4, 2022. The change in this rule and the conversations that have sparked as a result, come at a crucial time for veterans as the VA has resumed debt collection.
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Micro-Entrepreneurs Go Digital: How the Pandemic Stimulated Online Business Growth and Opportunities
by Deborah PantaleonApril 26, 2022
When the Covid pandemic swept through New York two years ago, our city looked to the online business community to access goods and services that were once found in brick-and-mortar stores. As a result, most business owners were forced to re-evaluate their business models to accommodate the growing demand for online shopping if they hoped to survive the pandemic.
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Serving Those Who Serve: CBJC’s 2022 Gala raises over $1 Million to Support Access to Justice for New Yorkers
by Michaela FleischerApril 13, 2022
On April 6, 2022, New York’s legal community came together for the City Bar Justice Center’s 2022 Gala, Serving Those Who Serve, at the New York City Bar Association. In case you missed it, or to relive the memorable experience, click here to watch the Gala.
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5 Important Considerations for Preparing a Durable Power of Attorney
by Vivienne Duncan, Esq.March 21, 2022
Though you may be managing your financial matters without help, over time changes in your physical or mental health may affect your ability to stay on top of those demands. For many, facilitating this assistance will come down to a Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) or guardianship.
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CBJC’s Immigrant Justice Project Helps a Family from Peru Reunite for the New Year
by Caitlin Miner-Le Grand, Esq.February 18, 2022
2022 will be an unforgettable year for a client of the Immigrant Justice Project (IJP), Ms. Doe. For the first time in almost fifteen years, she celebrated the New Year with all three of her children–her two oldest children who recently flew in from Peru and her youngest son who was born and resides with her in the United States.
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