ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York's top judge has scheduled a hearing on the statewide need for legal services by New Yorkers who can't afford lawyers.

Chief Judge Janet DiFiore will preside, with witnesses including former Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman. He instituted several measures to help close what he and other court officials identified as the "enormous access to justice gap" afflicting poorer New Yorkers who need legal help in civil matters.

Others scheduled to testify include JPMorgan Vice Chairman Stephen Cutler, Columbia Law School Professor Suzanne Goldberg, presiding justices from the state's four appellate divisions and clients of nonprofit groups providing legal services.

DiFiore plans to report to the Legislature and make funding recommendations.

[STORY BY: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]

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