Pro Bono props from The Bronx Defenders!

April 16, 2015

The Bronx Defenders works with a number of pro bono law firms on a range of matters, from isolated client case issues to ongoing projects. This support plays a crucial role in advancing our mission to combat the systemic challenges driving indigent people into the justice system, and to redefine public defense.

To highlight just a few recent pro bono achievements:

  • Last month, The Bronx Defenders and attorneys from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP sought leave to file an amicus brief in the New York Appellate Division, First Department on behalf of 15 organizations supporting the rights, interests, and health of parents and pregnant women. Our brief argues that the New York Family Court Act’s protection of a “child” in cases alleging abuse and neglect does not encompass a fetus, and that the application of the child welfare statute to fetuses threatens significant harm to the health, well-being, and constitutional rights of pregnant women.
  • Just this week, attorneys from Debevoise & Plimpton LLP together with attorneys from The Bronx Defenders Immigration Practice filed a habeas petition in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York based on prolonged detention and derivative citizenship.
  • The law firm of Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP and The Bronx Defenders partner on a Speedy Trial Project aimed at addressing delays in the court system. As part of this project, Darryl Stein of Cleary Gottlieb argued in New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Term, First Department that the New York State speedy trial statute should apply to traffic infractions when charged alongside misdemeanors, even if the misdemeanor is later dismissed. He further argued that such delay violates the Sixth Amendment of the Constitution.
  • In an ongoing pro bono project, the law firm of O’Melveny & Myers LLP works with The Bronx Defenders to represent individuals facing the loss of their driver licenses in refusal hearings at the DMV, an issue which can have devastating consequences for our clients who rely on their vehicles to get to work or care for their families.

On behalf of everyone at The Bronx Defenders, thank you to all of our pro bono partners!

To learn more about pro bono opportunities at The Bronx Defenders click here.