Executive Order 53

July 8, 2025

Download Executive Order 53

MAYOR’S OFFICE TO FACILITATE PRO BONO LEGAL ASSISTANCE

WHEREAS, there is a vast unmet need for low-cost or no-cost legal services for low-income New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, the City of New York connects low-income New Yorkers to free legal assistance through city offices and agencies, including, but not limited to, the Office of Civil Justice, the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, and the Department for the Aging; and

WHEREAS, New York City is home to many legal service organizations, law schools, law firms, and individual lawyers, many of which offer pro bono legal services; and

WHEREAS, it is a significant priority of the City of New York to ensure that New Yorkers are able to identify and access such available pro bono services and ancillary support services;

NOW, THEREFORE, by the power vested in me as Mayor of the City of New York, it is hereby ordered:

Section 1. There is established a Mayor’s Office to Facilitate Pro Bono Legal Assistance. Such office shall be headed by an executive director appointed by the Mayor who shall report directly to the First Deputy Mayor.  The Office shall support New Yorkers in navigating access to low-cost and no-cost legal services and related services.

§ 2. The Office shall compile and provide information on the availability of providers that offer pro bono legal services to City residents and entities that serve them. The Office may also coordinate opportunities for individuals and entities interested in providing pro bono legal services to understand the need for and opportunities to provide such services. The Office may develop criteria in relation to the integrity and quality of the services offered by providers of such services.

§ 3. The Office shall establish an easily navigable system for New Yorkers to identify legal assistance and related support services provided by City agencies.  The Office shall liaise with the Office of Civil Justice, the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, the Department for the Aging, and other City agencies that provide legal or other support services.

§ 4. The Office shall increase public awareness of available legal assistance services in New York City, including services provided through bar associations, legal aid groups, and law school clinics. 

§ 5. The Office shall coordinate with the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs and the New York City Department of Social Services on the distribution of funds for immigrant legal services.

§ 6. This Order shall take effect immediately.

Eric Adams

Mayor