WTC Records Folder 0129 Disaster Miscellaneous label, 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

SEP-19-2001 12:2? 718 237 8737 P.02'06

Ill LIVINGSTON STREET BROOKLYN, N.Y. 11201 TEL (718) 237-2000 FAX: (718) 237-8737 www.legal.aid.org

Daniel L. Greenberg September 19, 2001 President and yin•

Chief Affornn

Criminal Defcnsc Division The Honorable Rudolph Giuliani Michelle Maxian Attorney-in-Charge Mayor of the City of New York City Hall Kings County Office New York, New York 10007 Dawn C. Ryan Attorney-in-Charge

Dear Mayor Giuliani:

Let me begin by conveying our appreciation for the quality of leadership you have shown in this time of crisis. With the whole world watching, you have demonstrated for all of us the spirit of determination and compassion with which we can move forward. In the past, the Administration has turned to The Legal Aid Society at times when our distinctive skills and capacities were needed by the City, as in resolving the situation of the deaf Mexicans and dealing with rent regulations. I believe another such occasion is upon us and, sadly, in much larger dimension. As the City assembles resources to facilitate recovery, legal services are a critical component, and The Legal Aid Society is uniquely positioned to provide them. As you know, The Legal Aid Society has offices in every borough of the City, so we can serve families in the community where they live. Despite damage to our downtown facilities, our civil offices are open for business throughout the City. Our vigorous civil practice embraces virtually all of the specializations that will be in greatest demand, and our criminal and juvenile practices are easily accessed as necessary to address legal issues that extend beyond traditional civil practice. We are not only familiar with the relevant legal issues, but also can access sufficient staff to permit us to undertake a project of this magnitude. Legal Aid's connections to the private bar, to the law schools, and other organizations are unparalleled; we have already been fielding large numbers of inquiries from those who want to help, and our pro bono system is fully capable of managing a major volunteer effort.

The attached description further details our current thinking. We are of course prepared to consider other approaches, to discuss other working relationships, and otherwise to mold our thinking in response to others' needs.

You may follow up with me or Elaine Kurtz at our Brooklyn office at (718) 237-2000, or leave a message at (718) 636-8573. Thank you for your consideration of this proposal. I look forward to discussing it further with you. rely,

anie L. reenberg President and Attorney- -Chief cc: Michael Hess, Corporation Counsel Dennison Young, Jr., Counsel to the Mayor Laurence Levy

NYC-WTC 000137458