Legal Services NYC Appoints Maribel Martinez-Gunter as Bronx Project Director

Martinez-Gunter brings over 18 years of experience to lead the largest provider of free civil legal services in the borough.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 5:55pm

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Legal Services NYC has announced the appointment of Maribel Martinez-Gunter as the new Project Director of Bronx Legal Services, the largest provider of free civil legal services in the Bronx. Martinez-Gunter, a longtime Bronx resident, has spent more than 18 years with Legal Services NYC, serving in various leadership roles including leading the organization's Family Law and Immigration Unit in Manhattan.

Why it matters

Bronx Legal Services has provided critical free legal assistance to Bronx residents for over 50 years, helping with issues such as housing, domestic violence, education, immigration, and LGBTQ advocacy. Martinez-Gunter's appointment brings experienced leadership to continue the organization's important work in the community.

The details

Martinez-Gunter had served as interim project director of the Bronx Legal Services since early 2025, before her formal appointment to the role in late December. During her time at Legal Services NYC, she has led the Upper Manhattan Domestic Violence Services Collaborative, launched the annual Shine the Light in Harlem events, helped build a mental health-legal partnership with a major New York hospital, and assisted in the creation of Day One, a nonprofit supporting young New Yorkers experiencing dating abuse and domestic violence.

  • Martinez-Gunter was appointed as the permanent Project Director of Bronx Legal Services in late December 2025.
  • She had served as the interim project director since early 2025.

The players

Maribel Martinez-Gunter

A longtime Bronx resident who has spent more than 18 years with Legal Services NYC, serving in various leadership roles including leading the organization's Family Law and Immigration Unit in Manhattan.

Legal Services NYC

The largest provider of free civil legal services in the Bronx, operating two locations in the South Bronx.

Shervon Small

The Executive Director of Legal Services NYC.

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What they’re saying

“We are here to ensure Bronx residents are not facing these challenges alone. I am excited to work alongside our team and supporters to help ensure families across the Bronx can live safe, healthy, and dignified lives.”

— Maribel Martinez-Gunter, Project Director of Bronx Legal Services (bxtimes.com)

“Having Maribel step into this role fills me with pride and deep confidence in the future of Bronx Legal Services. She brings not only exceptional legal and leadership experience, but also compassion, integrity, and a profound respect for the communities we serve. I am excited to work alongside her and inspired by all that we will accomplish together for the Bronx.”

— Shervon Small, Executive Director of Legal Services NYC (bxtimes.com)

The takeaway

Maribel Martinez-Gunter's appointment as the new Project Director of Bronx Legal Services brings experienced leadership to continue the organization's critical work providing free legal assistance to Bronx residents on a range of issues, including housing, domestic violence, education, immigration, and LGBTQ advocacy.