Support Our Mission
Protect Justice. Promote Stability. Strengthen Our Communities.
Now is the time to act.
Across our region, hardworking individuals are facing legal challenges that threaten their families, property, and ability to contribute to society. When someone cannot afford a lawyer in a civil legal matter, such as a custody dispute, eviction, or domestic violence protection order, the consequences can ripple through the entire community.
Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc.® (LawNY®) steps in to provide legal help where it’s needed most — at no cost to the client. We uphold the rule of law, defend the vulnerable, and help maintain stable families and neighborhoods.
Unlike in criminal court, there is no guaranteed right to a lawyer in civil court. That means people facing real threats — veterans, seniors, victims of violence, and families in crisis — are often forced to navigate complex legal systems alone.
LawNY® stands with them. And we’re asking you to stand with us.
For more than 50 years, LawNY® has delivered effective, no-cost legal help across 14 counties. We help people resolve legal issues that, left unaddressed, can lead to homelessness, job loss, or broken families.
This isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing to do.
Independent studies show that legal aid reduces taxpayer costs. By preventing evictions, protecting survivors, and helping people return to the workforce, we alleviate the burden on emergency shelters, hospitals, law enforcement, and the courts. Every dollar spent on civil legal aid creates savings and stimulates local economic activity.
Investment in legal aid is an investment in safer, stronger communities.
Strengthen families. Invest in solutions that work.
Transparency and accountability are important to us with your donation.
LawNY® relies on grants and individual donations. Our services are free, but the demand is overwhelming. Currently, civil legal programs can only meet approximately 20% of the need. We appreciate your support.
To donate by check:
Make checks payable to:
Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc.®
Mail to:
Attn: Lori O'Brien
One West Main Street, 4th Floor
Rochester, New York 14614
To donate by credit card, click here (you will be re-directed to a PayPal link).
Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc.® (LawNY®) is a charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are tax-deductible. As a recipient of Legal Services Corporation funds, no funds received by us may be expended for any purpose prohibited by the Legal Services Corporation Act at 42 U.S.C. 2996 et seq. and the regulations at 45 C.F.R. Parts 1600–1644 or by Public Law 104-134.
Please see our most recent financial documents attached below.
LawNY earned a 2026 Candid Gold Seal of Transparency!
See what your donations help us accomplish: https://app.candid.org/profile/6964584/legal-assistance-of-western-new-…
Use this link for unlimited access to our profile. Keeping our profile up to date helps us gather support; enabling funders and donors to find us and learn about our impact!
