Prospective Guardians Ad Litem

In General
Role of a Guardian
Compensation
Training and CLE Credit
Practical Workshop Series
Application Process
Testimonials- See What Other GALs are Saying About the Program

In General

The Guardian Ad Litem Program seeks dedicated and responsible people interested in being trained to become a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) in Housing Court. While most GALs are attorneys, it is not necessary to be an attorney to become a GAL in Housing Court. Yet, having some legal or social services background can be helpful.

If you need additional information, feel free to call or send an email to Denise Colon-Greenaway, Esq., LMSW, Special Counsel for Court-Based Interdisciplinary Programs, at (646) 386-5408 or at dcgreena@courts.state.ny.us.

Role of a Guardian

Court appointed GALs are expected to advocate on behalf of their ward with the goal of making any necessary interventions to prevent eviction. Although the specific responsibilities of a GAL vary according to the case, common duties often include: making court appearances, coordinating with social service agencies in an effort to secure needed entitlements or services, and negotiating settlements with other parties involved in the case. Service may be performed in any of the five boroughs.

Compensation

In cases where the tenant is also an Adult Protective Services (APS) client, APS will compensate GALs with a $600 stipend upon completion of the case. Cases where APS is not involved are considered pro-bono and, as such, receive no compensation.

Training, CLE Credit, and Pro-bono Work

The Program offers free Live@ training to prospective GALs twice a year, usually in January and June. Attorneys are provided with a total of 6 free CLE credits (5 Practice, 1 Ethics) upon completion of the training. Video replay trainings are also offered in between Live@ trainings.* All new GALs are expected to accept three pro-bono appointments over the course of the first year following training. For information on the GAL program's next training date, go to news and announcements. To read what people are saying about the Guardian Ad Litem training program, refer to GAL training feedback.

*Please note that attorneys admitted to the NY State Bar for less than two years cannot receive CLE credit for watching video replays, but are welcome to participate in the GAL Program.

Practical Workshop Series

The Practical Skills Workshop Series consists of monthly workshops designed to supplement initial training provided to GALs and address issues relevant to their work. Workshops are facilitated by guest speakers with extensive knowledge on the respective topic. The workshops physically take place at 111 Centre Street in New York County. However, for convenience purposes, they are also offered via video conference at the various Borough Housing Courts.

Past workshop topics have included:

• What All GALs Should Know About Article 81 Guardianship
• How to Prepare for Trial
• Working with Mentally Ill or "Difficult" Clients
• Heavy Duty Cleanings: Parameters, Guidelines & Strategies for Working With Clients Who Exhibit Hoarding Behavior
• NYCHA Administrative Procedures and Practices
• APS Operations and Referrals
• Understanding Section 8

Application Process

Submission of a completed application, resume, and two professional references is a necessary pre-requisite to attending the GAL training. Obtain an application form. Once complete, please print and forward all necessary documents to the following address:

Civil Court of the City of New York
Guardian Ad Litem Program
111 Centre Street, Rm. 1240
New York, NY 10013
Attn: Denise Colon-Greenaway, Esq., LMSW

Your application documents will be reviewed and someone from the Program will contact you as the next training date