The Bronx-based paralegal firm Paralegals F.T.C. Inc. recently rebranded as a 501(c)3 nonprofit and will continue to provide affordable, non-attorney legal services to underserved and marginalized communities.
Paralegals F.T.C. also recently expanded its paralegal educational and mentorship services to include the pilot program, The Paralegal Academy.
“We’ve already served over 1,000 students across New York City and New Jersey, and our goal is to continue advocating for increased representation by providing training and job opportunities that keep talent within our community,” said Paralegals F.T.C. partner, Swannie Batista.
Founded in 2018, the women-owned nonprofit has offered non-attorney legal services to help with divorce, immigration, estate planning, bankruptcy, document translation, preparation and filing services for six years.
The nonprofit, in putting the pilot program together, has partnered with colleges like Hostos, Borough of Manhattan Community College, Cornell, Boston University, New Jersey Community College, Lehman, and Monroe College, as it aims to offer educational and mentoring programs to Black and Latina Women pursuing careers in the legal field.
In addition to the legal services, training and mentorship opportunities offered by Paralegals F.T.C., the nonprofit also offers services specifically tailored to help vulnerable women who may be at risk of losing their home or who are trapped in a domestic violence situation. These services include legal paperwork for things like Orders for Stays to stop evictions, Responses to Nonpayment/Holdover proceedings, Protective Orders or custody arrangements.
For Bronxites who may not be able to afford paralegal services, Paralegals F.T.C. offers financial assistance to those who qualify for government assistance programs like SNAP food benefits, Welfare, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Financial assistance is also available for those who meet federal poverty guidelines.
