April 12, 2010 - Common Law's Latest Accomplishments

Common Law has been busy this Spring providing a variety of legal service for our community partners. Learn more about some of our latest achievements around foreclosure prevention and protecting the rights of immigrant street vendors.

Common Law’s Legal Clinic Empowers Homeowners to Fight for their Homes
Common Law partnered with Picture the Homeless to prepare homeowners to represent themselves at mandatory settlement conferences.  On the evening of April 6, eight homeowners in foreclosure were trained about the importance of clearly articulating their personal stories, keeping clear records of their communications with their banks, and federal program guidelines to assist them in obtaining fair settlements with their lenders. The homeowners also shared their personal experiences interfacing with their lenders and also reported back on previous court appearances. Finally, Picture the Homeless organizers engaged them in the community struggle for affordable housing and provided opportunities for how they could get involved.  
 
 
Common Law Wins Hearing for Food Vender
On 3/22/10, Common Law represented a food vendor from the organization Vamos Unidos in her hearing at the Environmental Control Board in Brooklyn. The food vendor was harassed on several occasions by a NYC police officer before joining Vamos Unidos. At the hearing, Common Law attorneys cross-examined the police officer who issued the vendor a ticket for unauthorized vending. On April 1, the court ruled in favor of the food vender and dismissed the ticket.