About Us OCA Support Units

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Access to Justice Division

The Access to Justice Division's mission is to further access to justice in all NY State Courts for people of all backgrounds, incomes, and abilities by using every resource, including pro bono programs, self-help services, and technological tools, and by securing stable and adequate non-profit and government funding for civil and criminal legal services programs.
 

Adoption Affidavits 

In accordance with the rules of the respective Appellate Divisions, 22 NYCRR Parts 603.23 (1st Dept.), 691.23 (2nd Dept.), 806.14 (3rd Dept.), and 1022.33 (4th Dept.), all attorneys in adoption proceedings must file an affidavit with the OCA concerning the adoption electronically via the online filing system. The objective of the filing is to maintain a record of attorneys and agencies involved in adoptions and to record the fees, if any, charged for their services.

Effective on October 8, 2003 an administrative order was issued by the Chief Administrator updating the Uniform Rules of the Family and Surrogates Courts [22 NYCRR $205.53.(b)(7), 207.55(b)(7)] to no longer require that a receipt of this filing be presented to the court prior to the entry of the decree. The rule change was made to permit adoptions to proceed to finalization upon affirmation of the attorney that the affidavit had been filed in the hope to expedite the resolution of adoption cases.

For further information or assistance, call 212-428-2807 or email [email protected].
 

Alternative Dispute Resolution

The Division of ADR supports the trial courts and promotes the development and use of ADR throughout New York State. The Division is comprised of three main units:

1. Education and Training;
2. Data Collection, Monitoring, and Research; and
3. Programs and Development.

Division of ADR staff oversee the statewide Community Dispute Resolution Centers Program, which provide free mediation services throughout New York State, and the statewide Fee Dispute Resolution Program, which operates pursuant to Part 137 of the Rules of the Chief Administrative Judge to resolve fee disputes between attorneys and clients. Division staff also coordinate with regional and local ADR coordinators in the NYS UCS to implement ADR programs in the trial courts, and with the Chief Judge's Statewide ADR Advisory Committee. For questions about ADR in the Courts or to reach the ADR Division, please email us at [email protected].
 

The Americans with Disability Act

The ADA is a federal law prohibiting discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities. The Statewide ADA Coordinator is supported by two senior staff from the DPCS. Together, they assist the courts and public in providing access to services and reasonable accommodations for court users who qualify under the ADA.
 

Attorney Registration

All attorneys admitted to practice in New York State are required to file a biennial registration form and pay a fee. This Office notifies attorneys of registration, collects fees and maintains a database of admitted and registered attorneys. For further information or assistance, call 212-428-2800.
 

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Children's Centers in the Courts

The Statewide Children's Centers Program offers a "safe haven" to New York's most vulnerable children who would otherwise find themselves in the middle of crowded courthouses and busy courtrooms. New York State's Children's Centers Program is a statewide network of 31 childcare centers housed primarily in Family Courts and a few Criminal, District and City Courts.
 

Continuing Legal Education

The New York State Continuing Legal Education Program mandates specified content for and amount of continuing legal education for attorneys admitted in New York and practicing New York law. A CLE Board considers policy issues and CLE staff reviews course applications and oversees the activities of Accredited CLE Providers.
 

Counsel's Office

Counsel's Office serves as the law department of the Office of Court Administration, providing legal assistance on all administrative matters affecting the Unified Court System. It represents judges and nonjudicial employees in state and federal court proceedings where the issues raised affect the administration of the courts (where judges are sued in their judicial capacity, they are represented by the Attorney General's Office), and it appears on behalf of the court system in proceedings before state and federal administrative agencies (such as the State Division of Human Rights and federal EEOC). It also drafts charges and prosecutes all disciplinary proceedings brought against nonjudicial employees.

NYS Unified Court System
Office of Court Administration
Counsel's Office
25 Beaver St, 10th floor
New York, NY 10004
212-428-2150

In its legislative capacity, Counsel's Office is responsible for preparing the court system's Legislative Program and for providing on-going contact with the Legislature to support its enactment into law. The Office also provides comments to the Legislature and the Governor on proposed legislation affecting the courts. Counsel's Office provides staff counsel to each of the advisory committees (civil practice, criminal practice, Family Court, Surrogate's Court, local courts) that propose to the Chief Administrator legislation and rules affecting practice and procedure in the courts.

Counsel's Office is also responsible for drafting the administrative and procedural rules affecting the court system. The administrative rules are contained in Parts 1 through 50 of the Rules of the Chief Judge and Parts 101 through 150 of the Rules of the Chief Administrator. The procedural rules are contained in the Uniform Rules for the Trial Courts (Part 200 through 221 of the Rules of the Chief Administrator). The Office staffs the Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics and assists in advising judges on the application of the Rules of Judicial Conduct promulgated by the Chief Administrator.

Counsel's Office negotiates and drafts contracts for goods and services for the Unified Court System and serves as a legal resource for issues that may arise with respect to contracts drafted by the district offices. It also serves handles Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests for administrative records of the court system.
 

Court Facilities Unit

Under New York State law, local governments are responsible for providing and maintaining facilities for the Unified Court System. The Court Facilities Unit works with these localities to assist them in meeting their responsibilities. It assists local municipalities in designing new court facilities and in renovating existing ones. The Unit also assists localities with the scheduling and coordination of tenant services such as cleaning, painting, carpeting and electrical needs. For further information or assistance, call 212-428-2968.

Court Modernization, Division of

Officially established in 2023, DCM is dedicated to the ambitious goal of modernizing 2,000+ courtrooms, jury rooms, and other court spaces across New York State's 62 counties. The modernization program began in 2019, addressing longstanding audio issues in courtrooms that hindered the effective communication among stakeholders during trials. Over the past few years, DCM has played an integral role in supporting in-person, hybrid, and virtual court operations.

DCM’s expanded mandate is to enhance the functionality and accessibility of court spaces. By leveraging human-centered design and cutting-edge technology, we aim to promote full participation of all stakeholders in the justice process while enriching their overall experience. Improving accessibility enhances public access by ensuring that people of all abilities and financial status can engage with services, spaces, and information.
 

Court Research

The Office of Court Research supports the Court's need for caseload activity statistics. These data are used for budgeting, forecasting, public information, evaluating new initiatives and managing the court system on a daily basis.

In addition to providing caseload activity statistics, this Office also provides jury system support and operations research services to all State courts. Jurors and those interested in serving as jurors can visit NYJuror.gov. For further information or assistance, call the jurors' hotline at 1-800-NY-JUROR or email [email protected].
 

Criminal History Record Search

The Criminal History Record Search Unit performs searches of the UCS's Criminal Records and Information Management System database to provide individuals' criminal histories in New York to members of the public, private corporations and public agencies. The database includes records from all 62 NY Counties and a search is $95 per name/date of birth. Town and Village data is limited. Please read the CHRS FAQ for more information. For further information or assistance, call 212-428-2810.
 

D

Diversity & Inclusion

The Office of Diversity & Inclusion manages the court system's long-standing commitment to equal employment opportunity and ensuring a diverse workforce that reflects the community. The office also oversees an informal procedure for employees and job applicants to address employment related discrimination matters. For further information, call 212-428-2540 or email [email protected].
 

E

eCourts

A variety of court case information is available online at eCourts. Using our free case information services you can find future appearance dates for cases in Criminal, Family and Housing Court. You may also view information on both active and disposed cases in Civil Supreme and Local Civil Courts, and by signing up for our free eTrack case tracking service you can receive email notifications about activity in Civil Supreme, Local Civil and Criminal Court cases. For more information contact [email protected].
 

F

Fiduciaries and other Court Appointees

All persons or entities whose appointments are governed by Part 36 of the Rules of the Chief Judge must be enrolled on an approved list established by the Chief Administrative Judge of the Courts. (Categories of appointment governed by Part 36 are: Guardian, Guardian Ad Litem, Law Guardian (Privately Paid), Court Evaluator, Attorney for Alleged Incapacitated Person, Court Examiner, Supplemental Needs Trustee, Receiver, Referee, Counsel, Accountant, Auctioneer, Appraiser, Property Manager and Real Estate Broker). Applicants may apply online or may contact OCA for a hard-copy application. For further information or assistance, call 212-428-2818.
 

Financial Management

The Division of Financial Management is responsible for the preparation, review and implementation of the Judiciary budget. It also helps develop fiscal policies and procedures and performs other related functions. For further information or assistance, call 518-453-8600 or email [email protected].
 

G

Grants, Contracts & Procurement

The Division of Grants, Contracts & Procurement is responsible for managing external funding awarded to the court system, contracting with legal and human service organizations, and for purchasing a broad array of services and commodities to support court operations. The office also provides fiscal monitoring and support to each of the DPCS Offices and Initiatives.
 

H

Human Resources

The Division of Human Resources provides support services encompassing personnel administration; labor relations and professional development. For further information or assistance, call 212-428-2515 or email [email protected].
 

I

Inspector General

The Office of the Inspector General works to find and fix wrongdoing in the Unified Court System. The office has three special units.

The first unit, the Office of the Managing Attorney for Discrimination Matters, looks into complaints that someone was treated unfairly because of race, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, where they come from, or their religion.

The second unit, the Office of the Managing Attorney for Investigations, looks into reports of serious misconduct. This can include breaking rules, criminal activity, corruption, conflicts of interest, or other kinds of wrongdoing.

The third unit, the Office of the Managing Attorney for Fiduciary Appointments, investigates issues related to people who are appointed by the court to manage money or property for others.

For further information or assistance, contact:

Managing Attorney for Discrimination Matters
Toll-Free Complaint Number 1-877-2EndBias
or email [email protected]

Managing Attorney for Fiduciary Appointments
646-386-3515 or email [email protected]

Managing Attorney for Investigations
Toll-Free 1-866-656-1439 or email [email protected]
 

Internal Audit Services

The Division of Internal Audit Services provides internal audits and financial investigations within the Judiciary. Thereunder, Internal Audit Services assists management in attaining its goals by furnishing necessary information, analyses, appraisals, and recommendations.

The Internal Control Office is responsible for overseeing the court system's internal control processes which have been adopted to safeguard assets, check the accuracy and reliability of accounting data, promote operational efficiency and encourage adherence to prescribed managerial policies. Its mission is to help court managers monitor court operations and identify and correct internal control weaknesses before they become major problems.

For further information or assistance, call 518-453-4660 or email [email protected].
 

J

Justice Initiatives, Office for

The New York State Unified Court System’s Office for Justice Initiatives promotes meaningful, equal access to justice for everyone entering or serving in a New York State court regardless of income, background, or ability. The Honorable Edwina G. Richardson, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives, leads the Office.

The Office for Justice Initiatives has several focus areas: Access to Justice; Child Welfare & Family Justice; Diversity, Inclusion & Equal Justice in the Courts; Guardianship Matters and Elder Justice; Problem Solving Justice; and Youth & Emerging Adult Justice. The Office for Justice Initiatives also provides programmatic oversight for the Judiciary Civil Legal Services grant, which supports essentials-of-life legal needs for underserved communities throughout the state.
 

L

Language Access, Office of

The Office of Language Access is responsible for the prompt, accurate and consistent delivery of language access for court users who are not proficient in the English language. This includes interpretation for spoken word languages, sign language, translation services, research regarding languages of lesser diffusion, and outreach for all languages. OLA also leads the statewide initiative to convert all new and existing web content, forms, and instructional materials into plain language.
 

Legal Information and Law Libraries

The Office of Legal Information supports UCS court law libraries and administers reference and general customer services to the judiciary, court personnel, and the public. The office also oversees and coordinates numerous remote services including 1-800-COURT-NY, [email protected], and Ask a Law Librarian.
 

P

Parent Education and Awareness Program

The New York State Parent Education and Awareness Program is designed to educate divorcing or separating parents about the impact of their breakup on their children. The PEAP program maintains a list of certified providers to which judges make referrals and updates and distributes the Parent Handbook and other materials to the network of certified providers.
 

Production of the Record, Office of the

The Office of the Production of the Record ensures the accuracy, protects the integrity, and supports access to the record of court proceedings heard throughout the NYS Unified Court System. OPR serves as an administrative resource regarding the Rules and Regulations pertaining to court reporters, electronically recorded court proceedings, audio transcription vendor services, transcript production, page rates, and union negotiated contractual issues. The Office assists in the development and implementation of policies and best practices that support the NYS Unified Court System's access to justice commitment by ensuring that the highest standards of record quality and accuracy are met.
 

Professional & Court Services

The Division of Professional and Court Services houses fourteen main offices responsible for a broad and eclectic array of statewide operational programs and initiatives that support the courts and court users.

The Division's Offices include: Adoption Affidavits, The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) unit, Attorney Registration, The Children's Centers Program, Continuing Legal Education (CLE); Fiduciaries & Other Appointees, Language Access (OLA), Legal Information (OLI), The Parent Education and Awareness Program (PEAP), Production of the Record (OPR), Records Management (ORM), Retainer & Closing Statements, and Trial Court Support (TCS).

The DPCS, through its Office of Legal Information also manages the 1-800-COURT-NY and [email protected] programs.
 

Public Information

The Office of Public Information serves as the spokesperson for the court system. It is responsible for communicating with the media and for publicizing the initiatives and programs implemented by the courts. For further information or assistance, call 212-428-2500 or email [email protected].
 

Public Safety

The Department of Public Safety, headed by the Chief of Public Safety, is responsible for developing uniform guidelines, policies, and procedures for ensuring safety throughout the State Court System. It oversees the implementation of emergency preparedness planning and procedures in the courts. This includes the completion of emergency plans for each court location, as well as conducting and reviewing evacuation drills. The Chief of Public Safety also oversees the management of judicial threats, reviews and assists in the development of security planning for new and existing facilities, and is responsible for developing standards and curricula for the Court Officers Academy and for the Court Officers Rules and Procedures Manual. The Department also serves as a liaison between the law enforcement and public safety community, at the local, state and federal levels. For further information or assistance, email [email protected].
 

R

Records Management, Office of

The Office of Records Management facilitates proper records management practice across the UCS by promulgating guidelines for the creation, retention, preservation, and use of records in all formats (paper, micrographic, and electronic). The Records Management Unit also oversees the Brooklyn Army Terminal Records Center and assists with disaster recovery when necessary.
 

Retainer & Closing Statements 

Pursuant to 22 NYCRR Parts 603.7 and 691.20, every attorney who enters into a contingent-fee agreement in any case involving personal injury, property damage, wrongful death, or claims in connection with condemnation or change of grade proceedings in the First and Second Departments must file a statement of the retainer with the OCA electronically via the online filing system. These retainer statements include the date of agreement, plaintiff name and terms of compensation.

Effective May 28, 2003, the Appellate Division 4th Department repealed sections 1022.2 and 1022.3 therefore removing the requirement that attorneys practicing in the 4th Department file statements with OCA. 

In addition, in any case or proceeding that requires a retainer statement to be filed, a closing statement must be filed within 15 days after the attorney receives or shares in any sum received in connection with the claim electronically via the online filing system.  This statement must include information indicating the gross amount of the settlement or award (if any), the net distribution between client and attorney, and a breakdown of other expenses and disbursements.  A closing statement must also be filed if an action is abandoned or if the agreement is terminated without recovery.

For further information or assistance, call 212-428-2807 or email [email protected].
 

T

Technology

The Division of Technology provides information processing and technology services for the UCS. The court system relies on computer technology to perform an ever increasing number of tasks - including the assignment of new cases, the tracking of pending and closed case histories, the production of court calendars and reports of caseload activity. For further information or assistance, contact [email protected]
 

Trial Court Support

The Office of Trial Court Support (TCS) facilitates the effective, efficient, and consistent operations of New York State's trial courts by providing operational expertise and guidance to non-judicial court staff. TCS assists OCA administrators and court managers by analyzing operational issues for problem-solving efforts; implementing new legislation and policies; refining and standardizing court procedures; recommending best practices; conducting local, regional, or statewide training; and developing instructional materials, operations manuals, and court forms.