The Children's Law Center

- 44 Court St Fl 11, Brooklyn, NY 11201

The Children's Law Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing legal representation to children in the Family and Supreme Courts of New York City. Founded in 1997, the organization operates with the core mission of giving a voice to children in legal proceedings that profoundly impact their lives. As a professional legal entity, the center focuses on a specific and critical area of law—acting as an "attorney for the child" in cases involving custody, visitation, domestic violence, and related child protective matters. This specialized and compassionate approach is designed to ensure that the rights and well-being of the most vulnerable members of the community are protected and prioritized.

The work of The Children's Law Center is unique because it operates on an interdisciplinary model. This means that its teams are composed not just of attorneys, but also of social workers, paralegals, and other support staff who work together to provide comprehensive and holistic advocacy for their young clients. This collaborative approach recognizes that legal issues for children often have underlying social, emotional, and educational dimensions that must be addressed for a successful and lasting outcome. The goal is to reduce the trauma of court involvement and empower children to have a say in the decisions that will shape their futures. The organization’s commitment is to act as a zealous advocate for children, fighting for their best interests in what can often be emotional and highly contentious legal battles.

Since its founding, The Children’s Law Center has represented tens of thousands of children, with a large majority of them coming from families who cannot afford legal representation. This mission-driven work fills a critical justice gap in New York City. The organization's focus extends beyond the courtroom, as they also engage in systemic advocacy, working to push for policy and legislative changes that will improve the landscape of family law for all children. This dual approach of providing direct legal service and working towards broader systemic reform makes The Children's Law Center a cornerstone of the legal community dedicated to child advocacy.

The Children's Law Center is located at 44 Court St, Floor 11, in Brooklyn, New York. This address places the organization in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn's legal and civic hub, making it easily accessible for clients, many of whom are involved in proceedings at the nearby courthouses. The central location is a significant advantage, as it provides a professional and convenient setting for meetings and legal work.

The accessibility of the building itself is a key feature. The Children’s Law Center has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, which ensures that individuals with mobility challenges can enter the premises comfortably. Furthermore, the office is equipped with a wheelchair-accessible restroom, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and ensuring a welcoming environment for all visitors. The firm operates on an appointments-recommended basis. This is a standard and professional practice that helps ensure that when a client or family arrives, the staff is ready to provide their undivided attention. It helps to manage the high volume of cases and ensures that each child’s needs are addressed efficiently and with care.

For those traveling by public transportation, the office building is exceptionally well-connected. It is located just a short walk from the Borough Hall/Court Street subway station, which serves the 2, 3, 4, 5, R, and N trains. The A, C, and F trains are also a very short distance away. This proximity to multiple major subway lines makes it highly convenient for clients coming from all five boroughs. Numerous bus routes also stop in the area, adding to the ease of access. The central location, coupled with the office's thoughtful accessibility features, makes The Children's Law Center a very practical and convenient option for those in need of their services.

As a non-profit law firm, The Children's Law Center provides specialized legal services that are vital for children and families in crisis. While a general practice attorney might handle a wide range of cases, this organization is specifically focused on legal issues related to children's well-being.

• Custody and Visitation: The center provides legal representation for children involved in high-conflict custody and visitation disputes. The role of the attorney is to act as a zealous advocate, ensuring that the child’s voice and best interests are heard in court.
• Domestic Violence: The firm represents children in cases where domestic violence is a factor. This includes assisting children who are subjects of Family Offense and domestic violence proceedings, helping to secure a safe environment.
• Child Protective Services: The center handles cases where a child is the subject of a proceeding against a parent or guardian, ensuring that their rights are protected throughout the process.
• Guardianship and Paternity: The firm also assists with legal matters such as guardianship and paternity cases, which are often crucial for establishing stability and legal relationships for a child.
• Appellate Practice: The center has a dedicated appellate unit that handles appeals, working to shape the landscape of New York family law and ensure that legal precedents are in the best interest of children.
• Interdisciplinary Advocacy: The firm’s unique model involves social workers and other staff who provide support beyond the courtroom, addressing mental health, education, and other social service needs of their young clients.

Through these services, The Children's Law Center empowers young clients, guiding them through the legal system with compassion and expertise.

The Children's Law Center possesses several key features that highlight its professional and client-centered approach.

• Specialized Expertise: The organization's sole focus on children's law allows it to develop a deep and specialized expertise in this field. This is a significant advantage over a general practice firm, as it ensures that the attorneys are well-versed in the specific nuances of family court and children's rights.
• Interdisciplinary Team: The use of a team that includes not just lawyers but also social workers is a standout feature. This holistic approach ensures that a child's legal needs are met in the context of their overall well-being, addressing issues like education and mental health.
• Commitment to Accessibility: The office has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and restroom, demonstrating a strong commitment to serving all members of the community, regardless of physical ability.
• Mission-Driven Service: As a non-profit, the organization is driven by its mission to help children, not by profit. This can lead to a more dedicated and zealous advocacy for their clients, many of whom come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Professional Approach: The practice of recommending appointments helps to ensure that each client receives dedicated and prepared attention, making the legal process more efficient for everyone involved.

For those who wish to contact The Children's Law Center, the following information is available:

• Address: 44 Court St Fl 11, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
• Phone: (646) 493-5591
• Mobile Phone: +1 646-493-5591

It is important to note that appointments are recommended to ensure that you can be seen by an appropriate legal professional.

Choosing a legal representative for a child is one of the most serious decisions a family can make. The Children's Law Center is a compelling choice for several important reasons. The organization's deep specialization in children's law is a major asset. Instead of being a general attorney who handles various cases, the lawyers at this center are experts in the specific, and often complex, area of family court. This focused expertise is critical when a child's well-being and future are at stake. The organization's interdisciplinary model, which includes social workers, is a unique and highly beneficial feature. It allows them to provide a level of support that goes beyond legal representation alone, addressing the full scope of a child’s needs. This holistic approach to advocacy can be a powerful factor in achieving positive and lasting outcomes.

The firm’s long history and established reputation in the community also speak to its reliability. Founded in 1997, it has a long-standing record of serving the needs of children in New York. The positive review from a client who praised attorney Rayna L. for being "kind, caring, and very professional" provides a personal and authentic testament to the quality of their service. This kind of feedback from a parent who was "glad and confident" in the attorney’s ability to care for their son’s best interests is a powerful endorsement. While some reviews express concerns, it is common for legal proceedings involving high-conflict family matters to generate a wide range of emotions and opinions. The organization’s commitment to accessibility, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and restroom, further shows its dedication to serving everyone in the community. For New Yorkers looking for a compassionate, expert, and professional advocate for a child in legal proceedings, The Children's Law Center stands as a credible and worthwhile choice.

The Children's Law Center

44 Court St Fl 11, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA