Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Free Legal Services for Long Island Residents
Nassau Suffolk Law Services has been a steadfast advocate for low-income residents of Nassau and Suffolk counties since 1966. Our organization specializes in poverty law, addressing critical survival needs through legal representation in housing, healthcare, food security, and family matters. With a multidisciplinary team of attorneys, paralegals, and social workers, we provide free civil legal assistance to ensure equitable access to justice. Our landmark litigation in housing rights has established systemic reforms, including rent supplement programs that prevent homelessness.We collaborate with volunteer attorneys and community advocates to amplify our impact, offering outreach programs and educational resources to empower vulnerable populations. Recognized as one of New York's largest providers of free legal aid, we maintain a client-centered approach grounded in dignity, experience, and ethical advocacy.
Services
Legal Representation
Housing Assistance
Public Benefits Advocacy
Pro Bono Services
Foreclosure Prevention
Details
- Year established: 1966
Highlights and features
- We have 58+ years of experience in poverty law advocacy
- Our team serves 15,000+ individuals annually through direct representation
- We specialize in housing rights with landmark litigation achievements
- We collaborate with 1,800+ volunteer attorneys across Long Island
- Our multidisciplinary approach combines legal and social work expertise
What people say
Made possible to stay in home
Dedicated and persistent representation
Compassionate and knowledgeable support
Altruistic nature means so much
Tremendous asset to families
Services
Legal Representation
Our attorneys provide free legal representation in civil cases involving housing, public benefits, family law, and disability rights. We prioritize cases affecting basic survival needs for low-income individuals and vulnerable populations. Our team combines legal expertise with social work support to address clients' comprehensive needs.
Housing Assistance
We combat evictions and housing insecurity through litigation and advocacy. Our housing unit secures rent supplements, challenges poor living conditions, and prevents homelessness through systemic reforms. We represent tenants in court and negotiate with landlords to preserve affordable housing for at-risk families.
Public Benefits Advocacy
Our advocates help clients access essential government benefits including Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, and emergency shelter assistance. We represent clients in fair hearings when benefits are denied or terminated, ensuring equitable access to critical support programs for low-income individuals.
Pro Bono Services
Through partnerships with local bar associations, we coordinate pro bono representation for civil cases. Our program connects qualified volunteers with clients needing assistance in areas like bankruptcy, family law, and guardianships, expanding access to justice across Long Island.
Foreclosure Prevention
Our foreclosure specialists negotiate with lenders, represent homeowners in court, and secure alternative housing solutions. We provide comprehensive support during settlement conferences and work to prevent unlawful foreclosures through legal interventions and community partnerships.
People
Victoria Osk
Executive Director
With over 25 years in legal aid leadership, Victoria Osk directs our statewide poverty law initiatives. She oversees strategic litigation efforts and manages multidisciplinary teams across three Long Island offices, maintaining our commitment to housing justice and systemic reform.
Rezwanul Islam
Deputy Executive Director
Rezwanul Islam leads our disability rights initiatives and coordinates pro bono partnerships. He brings extensive experience in public benefits law and supervises cross-county collaborations that expand access to legal services for vulnerable populations across Long Island.
Michael Wigutow
Supervising Attorney
As housing unit director, Michael Wigutow spearheads foreclosure prevention efforts. He has represented thousands of tenants in eviction proceedings and played key roles in landmark housing rights litigation that shaped Long Island's shelter policies.
Lynn Iacona
Supervising Attorney
Lynn Iacona leads our senior citizen law project, protecting elderly clients from housing discrimination and benefits denial. With 20+ years in elder law, she combines legal advocacy with social work resources to address the unique needs of older adults.
John Batanchiev
Supervising Attorney
John Batanchiev directs our human rights litigation, focusing on disability accommodations and discrimination cases. He has secured critical settlements for clients facing systemic barriers to healthcare, housing, and public services across Long Island.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We provide legal assistance throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island, with offices in Hempstead, Islandia, and Riverhead.
Are your services really free?
Yes, we offer completely free civil legal services to eligible low-income residents. Most programs require income-based qualification, though some specialized services have different criteria.
What legal issues do you handle?
We focus on housing preservation, public benefits access, family law matters, disability rights, and senior citizen protections through our specialized legal programs.
How can I get help?
Contact our offices during business hours for an intake assessment. Appointments are recommended, and walk-ins are accepted when available at our three Long Island locations.
Do you help with immigration cases?
No, we don't provide legal assistance for immigration matters. Our services focus exclusively on civil legal issues affecting low-income residents of Long Island.
Can I volunteer as an attorney?
Yes, we welcome volunteer attorneys through our nationally recognized pro bono program. Opportunities include direct client representation, mentoring, and case consultation across multiple practice areas.
