The Law Center provides Social Services to the indigent Deaf community, in addition to legal services. The Center approaches each client in a “holistic” manner, recognizing the interconnectedness between legal and social service challenges.

Liz Gitlin leads the Law Center’s Social Services Project. Liz has been practicing law for over 32 years, and has served as a social worker for 38 years. Liz is a graduate of the Columbia School of Social Work, where she was awarded her Master’s of Social Work degree and holds a law degree from Fordham Law School.

At the heart of the Social Services Project lies a commitment to assist clients with resolving problems that may not be legal. For example, staff at the center insure that clients are receiving appropriate public benefits; assists clients in seeking medical advice when a client presents with health problems; assists clients in seeking permanent housing; identifies donors who can assist with providing clothing for clients in need; and otherwise helps clients in identifying other social service professionals when a problem is presented that does not involve a legal resolution.

At the same time, the center identifies each legal problem facing the center’s clients and prepares a plan for the resolution of the client’s legal matters, while simultaneously supporting each client with a range of social services—a holistic approach to lawyering.

The Law Center provides Social Services to the indigent deaf community, in addition to legal services. The Center approaches each client in a “holistic” manner, recognizing the interconnectedness between legal and social service challenges.

Liz Gitlin leads the Law Center’s Social Services Project. Liz has been practicing law for over 28 years, and has served as a social worker for 34 years. Liz is a graduate of the Columbia School of Social Work, where she was awarded her Master’s of Social Work degree and holds a law degree from Fordham Law School.

At the heart of the Social Services Project lies a commitment to assist clients with resolving problems that may not be legal. For example, staff at the center insure that clients are receiving appropriate public benefits; assists clients in seeking medical advice when a client presents with health problems; assists clients in seeking permanent housing; identifies donors who can assist with providing clothing for clients in need; and otherwise helps clients in identifying other social service professionals when a problem is presented that does not involve a legal resolution.

At the same time, the center identifies each legal problem facing the center’s clients and prepares a plan for the resolution of the client’s legal matters, while simultaneously supporting each client with a range of social services—a holistic approach to lawyering.