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We Teach the Law

Welcome to the Empire Justice Training Center. As part of our mission, we “teach” the law and are committed to providing civil legal services providers, nonprofit advocates, and others with practical, relevant and interactive training to support their advocacy on behalf of people who are impoverished, disabled or disenfranchised. We focus on creating diverse learning environments that are interactive, accessible and engaging.

Empire Justice Center is an accredited provider of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) since 1998. Our accreditation encompasses trainings in live and virtual formats.
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Understanding Public Benefits for Foreclosure Prevention Advocates

  • Foreclosure Prevention, Public Benefits, Tenant Advocacy

This presentation, previously recorded on June 14, 2023, gives viewers an understanding of public benefits available to low income homeowners. This program will provide an overview of what foreclosure prevention...

This presentation, previously recorded on June 14, 2023, gives viewers an understanding of public benefits available to low income homeowners.
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Overview of End Stages of Foreclosure Cases

  • Foreclosure Prevention, Tenant Advocacy

This presentation was recorded 1/13/2023 In this presentation we look at the end stages of foreclosure cases. Looking at the timeline for sales, we examine order of reference to judgment...

In this presentation we look at the end stages of foreclosure cases. Looking at the timeline for sales, we examine order of reference to judgment of foreclosure and sale to auctions. Also discussed is deficiency judgements, surplus proceedings and using bankruptcy as a tool. Other issues presented are deed theft scams and other legal remedies and give resources available for foreclosure prevention advocates.
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Reverse Mortgage Basics

  • Foreclosure Prevention, Tenant Advocacy

This presentation was recorded 1/13/2023. Reverse mortgages can be confusing. In this presentation we’ll give a general overview of a reverse mortgage and how they operate. Then we will look...

Reverse mortgages can be confusing. In this presentation we’ll give a general overview of a reverse mortgage and how they operate. Then we will look at the rules governing reverse mortgages and common reasons for default and homeowner protections. Covered are the issues and rights of spouses in foreclosure in the event of divorce or death and the rights of heirs.
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Settlement Conference Overview & Loss Mitigation Programs

  • Foreclosure Prevention, Tenant Advocacy

This presentation was recorded 1/13/2023 In this training presentation, we will review a range of loss mitigation tools such as Government Sponsored Enterprise (GSE’s) like Freddie and Fannie, FHA and...

In this training presentation, we will review a range of loss mitigation tools such as Government Sponsored Enterprise (GSE’s) like Freddie and Fannie, FHA and private trusts. We’ll go over the basics and terminology used and talk a bit about the COVID adjustments that have happened over the past couple of years. We’ll get into the CPLR 3408 Settlement Conference Law, good faith negotiation requirements, statutory rights, motions and attorneys fees. Finally we’ll review other tools used during the loss mitigation process under RESPA and NY Mortgage Servicing Regulations (Part 419), complaints with the AG, DFS, CFPB and working with housing counselors.
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Overview of Defenses, Counterclaims, Answering Foreclosure Complaints

  • Foreclosure Prevention, Tenant Advocacy

This presentation was recorded 1/13/2023. This training covers an overview of defenses, counterclaims and answering foreclosure complaints. Here we review the laws and regulations that govern mortgage lending and servicing;...

This training covers an overview of defenses, counterclaims and answering foreclosure complaints. Here we review the laws and regulations that govern mortgage lending and servicing; TILA, RESPA, ECOA, NY Baking Laws and CFPB mortgage servicing rules. We’ll do a walk through on how to answer a complaint and the use of pro se answer forms and review potential common defenses or counter claims, standing, statute of limitations and technical defenses.
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Introduction and Overview of the Foreclosure Process

  • Foreclosure Prevention, Tenant Advocacy

This presentation was recorded 1/13/2023. In this presentation, we review the players and parties involved in the foreclosure process, explain the differences of a mortgage versus a note and give...

In this presentation, we review the players and parties involved in the foreclosure process, explain the differences of a mortgage versus a note and give context to who the originating lender, current owner and holder, investors, mortgage servicers are and potential third parties and other players. We also give an overview of the NY Judicial Foreclosure Process, including a foreclosure flow chart, predicate notices and the foreclosure process as a litigation process.
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Language Access Rights & Benefits Access for HIV+ New Yorkers

  • Civil Rights, Health, Language Justice

Legal Action Center, Empire Justice Center and the AIDS Institute are pleased to present this free training which will provide attendees with an understanding of the language access obligations of...

Legal Action Center, Empire Justice Center and the AIDS Institute are pleased to present this free training which will provide attendees with an understanding of the language access obligations of health care and other benefits providers serving individuals who are HIV+ or at risk of acquiring HIV.  It will also explore public charge concerns and protections for immigrants who need government assistance.   This webinar is specifically designed for health or social services providers and legal advocates who work with or advocate for people with HIV / AIDS.
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LGBTQ Domestic Violence Annual Statewide Roundtable Meeting – Day 2

  • Domestic Violence, LGBTQ Rights

2022 LGBTQ NYS Legislative Update Presented by: Amy Schwartz-Wallace, Esq., Empire Justice Center This session will provide a brief overview of several LGBTQ-centered bills that were signed into law or...

LGBTQ Domestic Violence Annual Statewide Roundtable Meeting – Day 2
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LGBTQ Domestic Violence Annual Statewide Roundtable Meeting – Day 1

  • Domestic Violence, LGBTQ Rights

Transgender Kids and Navigating Interstate Issues Presented by: Amy Schwartz-Wallace, Esq., Empire Justice Center For LGBTQ+ youth, their families of origin may not always be safe or supportive. However, add...

LGBTQ Domestic Violence Annual Statewide Roundtable Meeting – Day 1
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Domestic Violence Legislative Update 2022

  • Domestic Violence, Policy

This program, presented on October 17, 2022 by Joan Gerhardt who directs the policy work at the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, provides participants with an update on...

This program, presented on October 17, 2022 by Joan Gerhardt who directs the policy work at the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, provides participants with an update on the domestic violence-related bills that passed both houses or were signed into law this session.
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Legal Tools for Serving Polyamorous Clients II

  • Civil Rights, Domestic Violence, Legal Skills

When clients choose to create relationships and families outside of traditional models, they often find themselves under-resourced, unable to access culturally competent services, and without the more than 1,000 rights...

When clients choose to create relationships and families outside of traditional models, they often find themselves under-resourced, unable to access culturally competent services, and without the more than 1,000 rights and benefits that come with legally recognized relationship structures. 
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Debt Collection – Considerations for Foreclosure Advocates

  • Foreclosure Prevention, Tenant Advocacy

This program, recorded on July 13, 2022, will provide an overview of what foreclosure advocates need to know about debt collection, including the most recent updates from New York’s Consumer...

This program will provide an overview of what foreclosure advocates need to know about debt collection, including the most recent updates from New York’s Consumer Credit Fairness Act.  Advocates will gain a better understanding of the debt collection process, protections for consumers in debt collection actions, how debt collection lawsuits and judgments affect homeownership, and options for responding to debt collectors to better assist and counsel homeowners struggling with consumer debt.  Finally, the presentation will cover possible options to help homeowners protect their homes when at risk of foreclosure.
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