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Policy & Research

Improving the courts and laws that shape our clients’ lives

Policy grounded in lived experience

Her Justice’s policy work is informed by what our clients face in the civil justice system every day. We use those insights to advocate for fairer laws, clearer processes, and more favorable outcomes for our neighbors.

Together, we’re building a more fair and functional civil justice system for all New Yorkers.

Learn More in our Policy Agenda
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Her Justice brings client voices into the room where policy conversations are happening — so their experiences shape our laws and our courtrooms.

Rachel Braunstein Senior Director, Policy

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Wins & Actions

Our lasting impact

Her Justice drives lasting change in the civil legal system. From groundbreaking cases to new laws and systemwide reforms — our policy leadership, coalition advocacy, and strategic litigation help make New York work better for everyone.

Setting Legal Precedent

We bring and win cases that establish precedent and expand protections for women navigating the civil justice system.

The landmark decision in Alice M. v. Terrance T. held that marital rape constitutes “egregious conduct,” legally barring an abusive spouse from receiving any share of marital assets in a divorce.

Creating New Laws

We advocate for legislation that closes gaps in the law and creates lasting protection for women and families.

The Coerced Debt Law (2026) expands civil legal protections for survivors of financial abuse. The Protect Our Courts Act (2019) protects safe access to the courts by preventing immigration arrests in and around courthouses without a judicial warrant. 

Reforming Court Systems

We work to improve how courts operate — making processes more accessible, efficient, and responsive to the realities litigants face. 

Her Justice has advanced reforms to expand interpreter access, improve filing systems, and strengthen procedural fairness. 

Building Local Coalitions

We partner with legal organizations, advocates, and policymakers to drive coordinated, systemwide change. 

Through coalition advocacy, Her Justice has helped advance legislation and court reforms across New York City and State. 

What we’re doing now

We turn what we learn from our clients into action—working with partners to strengthen communities and improve laws and courts. 

See All Actions

September 16, 2026

Advocating for trafficking survivors

Her Justice supported a public comment urging the D.O.J. to simplify the certification process for trafficking survivors.

March 10, 2026

Increasing domestic violence shelter options for survivors

Her Justice signed a letter and prepared a memo in support of the Securing Access to Fair and Equal (SAFE) Shelter Act (A.3264/S.7738).

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Research & Reports

Research that strengthens reform

Original research translates legal experience into public evidence — helping policymakers and advocates understand where reform is needed most. 

All research & reports
Read More Reports
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RESEARCH

Report From Court

There are approximately 125,000 filings each year in NYC Family Courts. But most of us have no idea what goes on inside the courtroom. Report From Court is changing that.

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WHITEPAPER

Inside Family Court

First-of-its-kind analysis of nearly 800,000 family court cases finds that NYC courts are resolving child support matters faster after pandemic backlog.

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REPORT

The Impact of Work Authorization

Based on interviews with 30 Her Justice clients, this report captures stories and data that paint a picture of how the U.S. immigration system works today — and provides reform recommendations to federal, state, and city policymakers.

Read more

Policy Agenda

The issues we are working to change

Her Justice’s policy work focuses on four areas that shape women’s safety and autonomy. 

Read our full policy agenda
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Immigration

Advocating for safer, more accessible immigration systems for survivors.

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Child Support

Improving child support outcomes for children, parents, and families.

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Divorce

Reforming divorce processes to be accessible, efficient, and fair.

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Intimate Partner Violence

Advancing protections for survivors of abuse and coercion.

Are you a Corporate Partner?

We’d love to discuss pro bono policy opportunities with you! 

CONTACT: RACHEL BRAUNSTEIN

Senior Director, Policy 

[email protected]

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Support policy reform

Your support helps turn what we learn from our clients into stronger laws, better courts, and lasting change for New Yorkers. 

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