FALDEF offers FREE Legal Clinic

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund (FALDEF) held an event at the Philippine Consulate in New York on Friday June 7^th, 2013. It was a free legal clinic that had a plethora of lawyers with a wide variety of different specializations. The lawyers for the event ranged from various fields including immigration, prosecution, and criminal and even included a judge. The team that was involved in this event was highly prepared to tackle any case presented to them. There were a sense of diversity and well-rounded professionalism in the room.

Not even the heavy summer rain could stop the volunteers from FALDEF, National Federation of Filipino American Associations Region 1 (NaFFAA R1), Pilipino American Unity for Progress (UniPro) , Filipino American Lawyers of NY (FALANY), South Asian Bar Association of NY (SABANY) and the Philippine Consulate General of NY (PCGNY). The men and women, from different stations, became one in hope and aspiration for others.

 As a welcoming to the lawyers and the volunteers, FALDEF President, Attorney JTS Mallonga, gave a few words of appreciation and expectations to get the event started. The way it was organized began at two tables of 3 volunteers each with a general intake form as a preliminary step. After going through the general details of the client’s case, the volunteer would assign a specific lawyer indicated to handle it best. In order to provide the highest quality legal assistance possible, more than one lawyer would provide advice and feedback per case.

"This set-up was especially helpful because it made the client’s profile stronger. Most of the client’s at this free legal assistance clinic come for purposes of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), even though it is open to all kinds of legal cases.  Ultimately if we help at least one client, our efforts were put to great use. We will continue helping the Filipino- American community, but we welcome all people in need of legal assistance!" one of the FALDEF legal assistants said.

"FALDEF has given me a chance to fulfill my dreams and goals that I would have otherwise missed. I know that they have given it their all on helping me win my case and without them I wouldn't be here today. They have brought the "New York" way to Texas and helped me stay with my family and friends. They have given me the opportunity to care for my younger brother and be a father figure for him, see him grow, and help my family." said John Quidilla, a client of FALDEF who received his DACA work permit on May 2013.

FALDEF offers FREE Legal Clinic every week. To make an appointment please call (212) 221-1888 or email us at legalaid@faldef.org

This article is a collaboration of FALDEF's legal assistants and interns.