Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York launches online application system

The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc. (LASMNY) announced it has launched a new online application system open to residents of 13 counties across Central New York.

This online prescreening system will give clients a “new way” to provide personal information about their civil legal matters, LASMNY says.

LASMNY provides free civil legal information, advice, and representation to people who cannot afford a lawyer. It has offices in Syracuse, Utica, Binghamton, Watertown, Oswego, Oneonta, Cooperstown, and New Paltz.

The nonprofit sees the new system as a way to “evolve to meet the needs” of its clients as the region deals with the spread of COVID-19 and its economic impact. 

Through the online application, members of the community answer questions that allow LASMNY staff to prescreen an individual’s civil legal situation. After application submission, a paralegal will then contact the individual to gather additional information and determine the best course of action.

The online intake system is a “necessity in these unprecedented times,” according to Paul Lupia, executive director of LASMNY.

“The COVID-19 pandemic created a civil legal crisis. Domestic violence and sexual assault are both on the rise. Many people have lost their jobs, their homes are in jeopardy, or they are coming close to bankruptcy,” Lupia said in a statement. “Creating an online application process was crucial because we need to provide our clients with another way to safely disclose their civil legal issues remotely. We already have a successful HelpLine that has remained active during the pandemic. This new online application will make it easier for those in our community to utilize our services.”

The counties eligible for the new intake system are Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Madison, Herkimer, Cortland, Chenango, Otsego, Broome, and Delaware Counties. 

The new system will connect residents of these counties with LASMNY “like never before,” Christina Reilly, LASMNY’s managing attorney, said.

“The new website and online application process will have a transformational effect on LASMNY and the communities we serve,” Reilly said. “Individuals use our website to find answers to common civil legal questions. If they are seeking additional information or representation, they can apply online and get a prompt response from a paralegal.”