Goddard Riverside Law Project

- 51 W 109th St, New York, NY 10025

In a city where the cost of living is high and legal battles can be expensive, having access to free, high-quality legal representation is a lifeline for many New Yorkers. The Goddard Riverside Law Project stands as a vital resource for low-income residents in Manhattan, providing dedicated legal services and advocacy to protect and preserve affordable housing. They understand that a stable home is the foundation of a stable life, and their work is centered on ensuring that vulnerable individuals and families have the support they need to fight for their rights. For those navigating the complexities of housing court, eviction notices, or landlord harassment, the Goddard Riverside Law Project offers a team of knowledgeable attorneys who are deeply committed to their clients and the community they serve.

The Goddard Riverside Law Project is known for its specialization in housing-related issues. They provide free legal representation to low-income individuals, families, and groups of tenants on the west side of Manhattan. This specialized focus allows their attorneys to become experts in housing court proceedings, tenant rights, and city regulations. A long-time client praised the firm's lawyers, calling them "the best" and stating that they are "par non the best there is" in the housing court circle. This glowing review highlights the firm's deep respect within the legal community and their ability to achieve results for their clients. The client went on to say that having their representation is "like having a good paid housing court lawyer," which is a powerful testament to the quality of their work and their unwavering dedication to those who need it most. They don't just provide services; they provide a high level of advocacy that can make a profound difference in a person's life.

While the firm receives significant praise for its excellent legal work, it also faces the reality of being a high-demand service. A different review from a prospective client highlights the challenges of accessing their services due to overwhelming demand. The person noted that despite calling "1000 times" and leaving messages, they never received a call back. This feedback is a crucial piece of information for potential clients, as it underscores that while the services are exceptional, they are also in extremely high demand. This situation is not a reflection of a lack of care, but rather a sign of the immense need for free legal services in the city. The reviewer's comment that "they must be way too busy" and their suggestion for better communication about capacity reflect a common issue for non-profit legal aid organizations. The fact that the organization is so sought after speaks volumes about its reputation and the quality of its work. It shows that they are a go-to resource for those in need, even if they are unable to help everyone who contacts them.

The Goddard Riverside Law Project is more than just a law firm; it is a community-based legal and organizing project. The staff includes not only attorneys but also tenant organizers who work together to educate tenants on their rights and build a community-wide response to housing issues. This holistic approach empowers tenants, helps them identify and obtain housing-related benefits, and works toward systemic change through advocacy before elected officials and legislative bodies. This collaborative model is a key feature that sets them apart, as they address the root causes of housing instability, not just individual cases. For a New Yorker facing housing challenges, knowing that there is an organization with a strong reputation and a powerful mission is incredibly reassuring.

Location and Accessibility

The Goddard Riverside Law Project is located at 51 W 109th St, New York, NY 10025, USA. Situated in the West Side of Manhattan, their office is easily accessible to the community they serve. The project provides services to low-income tenants in the west side of Manhattan, from 14th Street north, and specifically to apartment tenants in the area from 100th to 116th Streets. The location is convenient to public transportation, making it a viable option for clients traveling from various parts of the neighborhood. The organization is committed to accessibility for all clients. Their office features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible restroom. While there is no mention of a parking lot, these features are essential for clients who may have mobility challenges. To ensure that you receive the necessary attention, the project recommends making an appointment. This is particularly important given the high demand for their services.

Services Offered

The Goddard Riverside Law Project specializes in providing free legal services to low-income tenants in Manhattan. Their services are focused on housing stability and tenant advocacy. Key services include:

• Free Legal Representation: Providing free legal representation in nonpayment, holdover, and Housing Part proceedings in the New York City Housing Court.
• Tenant Organizing and Legal Advocacy: Working with individuals and groups of tenants to advocate for their rights concerning a wide array of housing-related problems.
• Educational Workshops: Conducting "know-your-rights" trainings, workshops, and legal clinics to empower tenants with knowledge.
• Eviction Defense: Assisting tenants in fighting evictions, illegal lockouts, and other forms of landlord harassment.
• Housing Conditions: Helping tenants address poor building conditions, including lack of essential services like heat and hot water.
• Benefit Assistance: Assisting tenants in identifying and obtaining housing-related benefits and providing referrals for issues like consumer debt.

Features / Highlights

The Goddard Riverside Law Project is distinguished by several key features and highlights:

• Free Services: The project provides free legal representation, a critical service for low-income New Yorkers who cannot afford private counsel.
• Specialized Expertise: Their focus on housing law and tenant rights has earned them a reputation as "the best of the best" in housing court.
• Community-Based Model: The project combines legal representation with tenant organizing and education, fostering a more empowered and informed community.
• Client Trust: Despite the high demand, clients who have been served express deep gratitude and trust in the attorneys.
• Accessibility: The office is equipped with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and restroom, ensuring it can serve clients with diverse needs.

Contact Information

For more information or to inquire about their services, you can contact the Goddard Riverside Law Project using the following information:

Address: 51 W 109th St, New York, NY 10025, USA

Phone: (212) 799-9638

Mobile Phone: +1 212-799-9638

What is worth choosing

For New Yorkers facing housing instability, choosing the right legal partner is not just about finding a good lawyer; it's about finding an advocate who truly understands their struggle. The Goddard Riverside Law Project is a worthy choice for its unique and powerful combination of free services, specialized expertise, and a community-centered approach. While a potential client's experience with high demand highlights a challenge, it also reinforces the firm's reputation and value. The fact that the project is so highly sought after by those in need is a testament to the effectiveness and quality of its work. The stellar reviews from long-time clients who call the attorneys "the best of the best" in housing court are a powerful endorsement of their capabilities. The project's holistic model, which includes tenant organizing and education, empowers clients far beyond their individual cases, making them a more resilient community. This is not just a place for legal help; it is a place for legal advocacy and empowerment. For low-income residents in Manhattan's west side, the Goddard Riverside Law Project is more than a law firm; it is a dedicated partner in the fight to protect their homes and their rights. They are an essential part of the New York City community, providing a critical service that helps to ensure justice and stability for all.

Goddard Riverside Law Project

51 W 109th St, New York, NY 10025, USA