Touro Law Center Students Provide Free Legal Services on Inaugural MLK Day of Service in Suffolk County

More than 50 law students from the Touro University Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center joined volunteer attorneys to deliver free legal services to Suffolk County residents as part of the inaugural Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service program. The historic event, held at the John P. Cohalan Jr. Court Complex in Central Islip, represents a new dimension of Touro Law Center's ongoing partnership with the Suffolk County Courts and the New York Unified Court System's Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission—marking the first time this collaborative relationship extended to a public-facing MLK Day of Service event honoring Dr. King's legacy of civic engagement and public service.

 

The initiative was overseen by Acting Supreme Court Justice Hon. Cheryl Joseph, Supervising Judge of Suffolk County’s Matrimonial Parts and Chair of the Equal Justice in the Courts Committee for Suffolk County, who, along with Zenith Taylor, Esq., Statewide Civic Engagement Coordinator for the New York Unified Court System, spearheaded the program. Judge Joseph conducted an extensive training session for students, faculty, and volunteer attorneys who participated in the event. The effort was coordinated at the law school by Associate Dean Myra Berman and Director of Public Service Lisa Milas.

 

Throughout the day in both the Central Jury Room and the Supreme Court Law Library, Touro Law students worked alongside 15 volunteer attorneys to assist court users with a range of civil legal matters, including uncontested divorce cases, child support matters, initial custody and visitation filings, and name change applications. The program provided invaluable experiential learning opportunities for students, who gained hands-on experience helping individuals complete court forms, understand court procedures, and learn about additional legal and community resources.

 

“This Day of Service exemplifies Touro Law Center’s commitment to training the next generation of lawyers who understand the importance of pro bono service and access to justice,” said Dean Elena Langan. “Our students demonstrated exceptional dedication and professionalism while gaining practical skills that will serve them throughout their legal careers. We are proud to have partnered with the Suffolk County Courts and the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission on this meaningful initiative.”

 

Prior to the launching of legal services, Touro Law students joined a reception with attorneys, judges, and court staff. District Administrative Judge Hon. Andrew Crecca addressed the large crowd: “Dr. King taught us that each and every act of service—no matter how seemingly small—is important. I know that the help and guidance provided by our volunteers today will make a real and tangible difference in the lives of many people.”

 

The program served 55 individuals in total, including 45 who pre-registered for legal assistance and 10 walk-in clients. Touro Law students and volunteer attorneys maintained a steady pace throughout the day, working at multiple private consultation stations set up across the court facility. The program provided students with direct client interaction experience and mentorship opportunities with members of the bar, reinforcing the importance of community service as an integral part of legal education.

 

“By bringing together the public, law students, and members of the bar, this program fosters a spirit of service and civic responsibility,” Judge Joseph said during the morning reception. “It will strengthen the relationship between the courts and the community we serve while providing meaningful assistance to those in need.”

 

For Touro Law students, the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service represented a unique opportunity to put their legal training into practice while honoring Dr. King’s vision of service and justice. The experience reinforced the law school’s mission to prepare students for careers dedicated to both professional excellence and social responsibility.

 

“This program brought service, education, and community partnership together in a powerful way,” Judge Crecca said after the event. “It represents an important step forward in advancing the court’s pledge to equal access to justice for all.”

 

Touro Law Center looks forward to continuing this partnership and expanding opportunities for students to serve the community while developing the practical skills and ethical foundation that define a successful legal career.

 

XXX