Her Justice

Immigration has always been core to New York City's story, economy, and culture. Her Justice is grateful to our immigration clients who trust us with their journeys — you make our city strong! As the month comes to a close, here's to all the immigrants and children of immigrants in our Her Justice community! Curious how we're bringing Her Justice's immigration expertise to NYC and beyond? Read our hot-off-the-press summer newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gQvY-NEB

Looking for more smart analysis about the Supreme Court's recent U.S. v. Rahimi decision? Former Her Justice staff attorney Naomi Young provides excellent context around the case + its outcome which makes the "right call on the wrong theory." From the article: "The idea of leaning on historical legislation continues to concern some legal experts. Kari Still called it a "dangerous test," especially since there are different, modern public health and safety concerns in 2024 "that the founders could just not even envision." Rahimi presented a perfect example: Domestic violence issues hold a vastly different place in society now compared to the 18th Century. "Our nation's history and traditions aren't that kind to women, and very much permitted domestic violence," says Young. "Domestic violence has thrived in this country, not despite the law, but largely because of it."

⚖️ All women are entitled to safety. What happens when that safety is threatened by our own system of civil justice? ♀️An amazing nonprofit standing with these women is Her Justice. Last month, I was honored to host the Her Justice 2024 Annual Photography Auction and Benefit alongside hundreds of legal industry leaders who came together to raise a record $3.35 million for this important organization. Her Justice stands with women and children living in poverty in New York City – many who are mothers, immigrants, and survivors of intimate partner violence – helping them to find free legal counsel. I tell some of their stories in the video below - an excerpt from my opening remarks. In many ways, our civil justice system reinforces and exacerbates gender, racial, and economic imbalances. The work that Her Justice does with policy and advocacy reforms the system to be more equitable, efficient, and empowering to all women. Thank you for having me as your emcee, and congratulations to Jennifer O'Neil and Ira Dizengoff, recognized this evening, and to Amy Barasch, Esq. for her decade of leadership at Her Justice! #Equality #WomensRights #Nonprofit #NewYorkCity #Justice

Today’s outcome in U.S. v. Rahimi maintains a decades-old federal ban on gun possession when a restraining order is in effect. What does this mean? That we can continue to keep guns out of the hands of known abusers. This matters because research is clear. When an abuser has a gun, they’re 5x more likely to kill their partner. And most mass shooters practice control and abuse at home first – 68% of mass shooters from 2014-2019 had a history of domestic violence or killed partners/family in their spree. This case was sparked by the Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, which said courts must judge restrictions on gun rights by turning to early American history as a guide. Given that context, we’re relieved at today’s decision. Keeping guns out of the hands of abusers keeps domestic violence victims alive. And it can prevent mass shootings. We are all safer because this law remains in place. Hear from Her Justice's Executive Director Amy Barasch, Esq. below. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/dDMiyihC

Today we’re celebrating Opal Lee, a powerhouse activist acclaimed for her work establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Widely known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth, Lee was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2022, and just last month she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom! Today Lee’s advocacy spans an impressive range – it’s only skimming the surface to mention that her nonprofit Opal’s Farm tackles food insecurity, that she’s a fierce advocate for incarcerated men and women, and that she’s deeply committed to building community in her hometown of Fort Worth. At 97 years old, Lee is a beacon of what’s possible. That’s especially fitting since Juneteenth is a celebration of progress – an invitation to reflect on America’s promise of freedom, liberty, and justice and how we can make it real. Black communities in the U.S. face persistent, significant inequality. At Her Justice, we know racism is woven deeply into systems meant to serve us – including the civil justice system. That's why we're committed to standing beside our clients as they seek justice through the courts and to pursuing a civil justice system that we can count on to deliver fair outcomes. Learn more about the fantastic Dr. Opal Lee: https://lnkd.in/eBu94M_8

Join the Her Justice team! We’re hiring a Communications Assistant who will work closely with the Assistant Director, Communications to elevate the way we tell our organization’s story to a range of audiences. Sitting on the Development and Communications Team, this role provides creative and administrative support for comms campaigns and projects across the organization. Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/eAftzrpy

Her Justice is growing! Join our team as IT Technician. This role is responsible for maintaining the day-to-day administration of Her Justice’s computer systems and networks to ensure a smooth and efficient operation. Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/ezETyYGt

One of New York Legal Services Coalition's top legislative priorities is very close to passing! The Contracting Bill (S.4877-A / A.2740-A) will ensure the State makes on-time payments to the nonprofits it contracts with to carry out fundamental, needed services in the areas of family law, immigration, housing, public benefits, and more. When nonprofits get paid on time, we stay financially healthy and are better able to serve clients and carry out our missions. Learn more from our partners at Empire Justice Center: https://lnkd.in/eJMum_5N Speaker Carl Heastie and Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes — let's get this passed!

Join the Her Justice team! We're hiring a Staff Attorney for our Incarcerated Women Project. The project supports incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women by providing them with free civil legal services in the areas of family and matrimonial law. For incarcerated individuals, access to the civil court system is significantly limited, yet civil legal issues have a dramatic impact on their lives as they prepare for reentry. As Staff Attorney, you'll provide legal information and direct services to clients, as well as enhance Her Justice’s partnerships with community-based organizations to ensure we continue to provide holistic and culturally competent services. Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/e9rCifPx

Congratulations to Chief Judge Rowan D. Wilson of New York Court of Appeals for being honored as the 2024 Cyrus R. Vance Tribute by the Fund for Modern Courts! The award recognizes a notable public figure who has made the New York State court system more efficient, fair, and accessible to all. Our Executive Director Amy Barasch, Esq., Director of Law and Policy Hamra Ahmad, and Director of Policy Rachel Braunstein were thrilled to celebrate with the Hon. Rowan D. Wilson, who is a true champion for New York State Family Courts, and the Fund for Modern Courts, who we have partnered with over the years on important projects like our Child Support Court Watch Project. Read about the event and read Chief Judge Wilson's remarks here: https://lnkd.in/erquFnT2