Our Mission


The Diane Abbey Law Center was founded in 2009 to ensure that children, and the families who care for them, receive the legal assistance necessary to ensure their safety, security and well-being.

The Law Center's dual goals are to promote policies that empower families and to facilitate our students' entrance into family law practice and policy. The Center approach is holistic, recognizing that assisting families requires a basic understanding not merely of law, but also social work, psychology, and other fields.

Diane Abbey Law Center Approach: 

  • Participate in a comprehensive, interdisciplinary curriculum aimed at creating excellent practitioners able to represent children and families in all aspects of family law.
  • Engage in volunteer externships and work with alumni mentors

  • Complete capstone projects that make concrete contributions to the lives of families in need

The Center not only prepares graduates for successful careers but also helps give New York's children and families the support they need.


To learn more, please click on the approriate link:

Receive Updates Sign up to receive updates on news, contests, and upcoming events.

Become an Abbey AssociateThe 2012 formal application period for membership with the Abbey Center has closed.  1Ls at New York Law School who would like to apply for a special exemption to become Center Associates should e-mail our Associate Director, Genevieve Wachtell.  Students recently admitted to NYLS will have an opportunity to apply for membership in Spring 2013 and are very welcomed to e-mail us for more information.

Abbey Center Newsroom

For information about what's new with the Law Center and our upcoming events, click to Abbey Center Newsroom for our bi-monthly update.