New York City Mayor Eric Adams has announced the establishment of the Mayor’s Office to Facilitate Pro Bono Legal Assistance. This initiative aims to connect New Yorkers with free legal services, particularly those who may not be able to afford legal counsel.
The office is intended to centralize access to existing pro bono legal resources throughout the city’s five boroughs. Concurrently, the Fiscal Year 2026 Adopted Budget includes a $76.3 million allocation for legal services for immigrant communities, bringing the total budget for immigrant legal services to $120.7 million.
Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of ensuring access to legal representation for all New Yorkers, regardless of financial means. “Everyone is entitled to legal representation, but too often, the cost of legal fees places effective counsel out of reach,” he said. “This new office and our historic budget allocation demonstrate our commitment to making New York City safer, more affordable, and the best place to raise a family.”
The Mayor’s Office to Facilitate Pro Bono Legal Assistance will function as a resource hub, directing individuals to pro bono attorneys from various sources, including private firms, law school clinics, nonprofit legal organizations, and government-sponsored programs. The office’s objective is to improve the accessibility and coordination of legal services for New Yorkers seeking assistance with constitutional or civil rights issues.
It will also work with city agencies to connect residents with additional support services, such as financial, housing, and social assistance. The office plans to collaborate with organizations such as the New York City Bar Association and legal aid groups to increase public awareness of available pro bono services.
It will also serve as a point of contact for attorneys interested in providing pro bono work, facilitating matches with individuals and organizations in need of legal assistance. This initiative is part of the Adams administration’s broader efforts to support vulnerable populations. Makousse Ilboudo has been appointed as the executive director of the new office. Ilboudo previously served as general counsel for the Mayor’s Office of Asylum Seeker Operations (OASO).
The $76.3 million allocated in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget for immigrant legal services will be administered through the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, bringing the total for these services to $120.7 million. Key allocations include $42 million for programs providing legal representation to immigrants, including those in deportation proceedings and those applying for immigration benefits, and $12 million to support pro bono attorneys assisting unaccompanied minor immigrants in removal proceedings.
“At a time when many immigrants live in fear of detention or deportation, we are stepping up with unprecedented resources to protect their rights and keep families together,” said First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro. “This is a continuation of our successful efforts to provide legal support to asylum seekers over the past three years.”
This funding positions New York City with the largest budget for immigrant legal services among major U.S. cities. Mayor Adams stated that the new office and budget allocation aim to make legal representation accessible to all New Yorkers, regardless of their financial capacity.
Makousse Ilboudo’s professional background includes work in immigration law and public service. As general counsel for OASO, she provided legal oversight for the city’s response to the asylum seeker crisis. Her previous roles include assistant district attorney in the Bronx and immigration attorney at Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy LLP. Ilboudo holds a Juris Doctorate from St. John’s University School of Law, a Master of Arts in International Affairs from The New School, and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Boston University.
“Access to legal counsel should not be reserved for only those who can afford it,” Ilboudo said. “I am grateful to Mayor Adams and First Deputy Mayor Mastro for entrusting me to lead this office, which will serve all New Yorkers, especially our most vulnerable.”
She will report to First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro. The establishment of the Mayor’s Office to Facilitate Pro Bono Legal Assistance and the investment in immigrant legal services may serve as an example for other cities addressing similar needs.
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Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
