New York State Bar Association, Lawmakers Fight for Funding for Civil Legal Services
3.17.2026
NYSBA President- Elect Taa Grays speaking at a Capitol press conference on IOLA funding. March 17, 2026.
The New York State Bar Association and a coalition of lawmakers, civil legal service providers and advocates are fighting to protect the Interest on Lawyer Account Fund from political interference.
They are supporting proposed legislation that would remove the fund, which provides legal assistance to low-income New Yorkers, from the state budget process.
“The Interest on Lawyer Account Fund exists for one purpose: to ensure that New Yorkers who cannot afford a lawyer still have access to justice when it matters most. These are not taxpayer dollars—they are funds generated within the legal system and dedicated by law to civil legal services,” said Taa Grays, president-elect of the New York State Bar Association, adding from the words of Judge Jane Bolin, “Justice is not a favor; it’s a right we all deserve!”
“From the North Country to Long Island, from Western New York to the Southern Tier, the New York State Bar Association stands with you in advancing equal access to justice,” she said.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Luis Sepúlveda argued that helping New Yorkers with civil legal services saves taxpayer dollars by preventing families from spiraling into a housing or health care crisis.
“IOLA-funded organizations closed 340,000 cases last year. Nearly 700,000 residents kept their homes, secured benefits, protected their families and received legal help that they deserved and needed,” Sepúlveda said. “Justice must be more than a promise; it must be a guarantee.”
Assemblymember Michaelle Solages sponsored the IOLA protection bill A1194, which would move the funding allocation out of the budget process and create a stable funding source for years to come.
“The IOLA safety net is at risk. The governor is proposing a reduction in the fund. When we defund IOLA, we are not trimming a line item, we are pulling the rug out from under these organizations, forcing them to cut staff and turn away clients,” she said. “Justice should not depend on your income and dignity should not depend on [a budget] negotiation.”
Finally, two New York City residents who benefited from IOLA-funded civil legal services shared their stories. Donna Akuamoah received services from Immigration Law & Justice New York, which helped her family navigate the immigration system and secure legal status. Brenda Quinn received services from Legal Services New York City that helped her and her husband stay in their rent-stabilized apartment.
“As a first-generation immigrant, my family and I have been able to live the American Dream. But my story would not be possible without civil legal services supported by IOLA. They helped my family and me navigate a confusing immigration system and secure our status. Today, as an attorney, I give back by volunteering as an immigration lawyer. And I am so proud to advocate for greater access to these services in New York, which still shines as a beacon for immigrants all around the world,” said Akuamoah, board member of Immigration Law & Justice New York.
“My husband and I were on the wrong side of a predatory landlord who overcharged us and then moved to evict us from our rent-stabilized apartment. I do not exaggerate when I say we would be homeless without services backed by IOLA. That legal representation gave us a fighting chance, and helped us achieve housing stability. I hope these services remain accessible for people like us, who just want to live in peace and dignity in our homes,” Quinn said.