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The Constitutionality Of Restrictions On Poverty Law Firms: A New York Case Study., Michael Botein

Articles & Chapters

Government-funded poverty law firms are presently providing essential legal services to poor people throughout the country. These firms have met with varying responses from the bar and the courts. In this article, Professor Botein examines the response of New York's Appellate Division, First Department-a comprehensive set of regulations governing the practice of law by poverty law firms. After analyzing these regulations and the constitutional issues they raise, the author concludes that both procedurally and substantively there is strong doubt concerning their validity.