The Appellate Divisions of the Supreme Court have promulgated Rule 6.5 of the Rules of Professional Conduct, effective April 1, 2009, to dispense with compliance with conflict of interest requirements in limited legal services programs where the attorney has no actual knowledge at the time of commencement of the representation that the representation of the client involves a conflict of interest.
The Civil Court needs you to VOLUNTEER! Read about the Pro Bono Programs listed on this page to see which opportunities interest you most.
Assigned Counsel (ACP) Project Internship Program
Assigned Counsel Project (ACP) Internship Program
Help seniors with legal and social services needs at risk of eviction. Law students (1L, 2L, and 3L) commit to volunteering 50 hours on a semester basis or during the summer. A comprehensive training on residential landlord-tenant law, social services needs, and the ACP screening process is offered.
Contact: Email [email protected] or call 646-386-5428.
Court Navigator Program
The Court Navigator Program is a free court-sponsored program developed to provide essential non-legal services to unrepresented court users. Court Navigators are specially trained, supervised, and available to help unrepresented court users find their way around the courthouse, gather, and organize their documents, inform unrepresented court users about DIY Form Programs, assist in obtaining available court services, navigate the court's website, and more. Court Navigators are not attorneys or law students and do not cannot provide legal advice. Court Navigators are not attorneys or law students and do not provide legal advice.
To participate in the program, volunteers must complete a training orientation and commit to serving a minimum of 50 hours within 3 months of completing their training. Volunteers may include undergraduate/graduate students, retirees, community members and others approved to participate in the program.
The program is available through a partnership between the Office for Justice Initiatives and the NYC Civil Court, Kings County (Brooklyn).
For more information about the Court Navigator Program, email [email protected]
Guardian Ad Litem Program
Guardian Ad Litem Program - Housing
Advocate on behalf of mentally or physically impaired litigants facing eviction in landlord-tenant cases. Volunteer attorneys and non-attorneys commit to taking on a minimum of 3 pro bono appointments over the course of 1 year in any of the Civil Court's Housing Parts throughout the city. Free CLE training provided.
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Denise Colon-Greenaway, Esq., LMSWSpecial Counsel for Court Based Interdisciplinary Programs
Small Claims Arbitrator
Small Claims Court Arbitrator Volunteers
Hear and decide Small Claims cases throughout New York City. Help the New York City Small Claims Court, aka the "People's Court" dispose of its docket of everyday disputes between litigants in a fair and efficient manner. Training and scheduling is coordinated in participation with the Small Claims Arbitrators Association.
To connect directly with the Small Claims Arbitrators Association:
Volunteer Lawyer for the Day Program - Civil
Volunteer Lawyer for the Day Program - Civil Consumer Debt
Help unrepresented litigants who need help with their Consumer Debt Cases during their appearance in Civil Court. Attorneys commit to volunteering for 20 hours in Civil Court within six (6) months of training. Free CLE training.
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Laurie B. MilderSpecial Counsel, New York State Courts Access to Justice Program
Volunteer Lawyer for the Day Program - Housing
Volunteer Lawyer for the Day Program - Housing
Help landlords or tenants with their nonpayment cases in the courtroom by negotiating settlements. Attorneys commit to volunteering a minimum of 20 hours over the course of 6 months in a Civil Court Housing Part. Free CLE training.
Contact: email [email protected] or call 646-386-5428.
Volunteer Lawyers Program - Civil
Volunteer Lawyers Program - Civil Consumer Debt
Help unrepresented litigants with their Consumer debt cases by providing advice. Attorneys commit to volunteering in the New York County Civil Court Help Center for a minimum of 20 hours within 6 months of training. Free CLE training.
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Laurie B. MilderSpecial Counsel, New York State Courts Access to Justice Program
Volunteer Lawyers Program - Housing
Volunteer Lawyers Program - Housing
Help landlords or tenants with housing cases by providing advice. Attorneys commit to volunteering in any of the Civil Court's Help Centers throughout the city for a minimum of 20 hours over the course of 6 months. Free CLE training offered.
Contact: email [email protected] or call 646-386-5428.