An attorney offering services on behalf of the City of New York will never ask you to pay for those services. View this page for information about free legal services available through the Office of Civil Justice.
The City, through the Office of Civil Justice, works with a network of legal services providers. For those that are eligible, these providers offer free legal services in civil matters including:
If an attorney contacts you and says:
If you are facing eviction, if you need help with an immigration matter, if you are a worker facing wage theft or other workplace violations, or if you are facing other legal challenges, you may have access to free legal assistance through DSS' Office of Civil Justice (OCJ).
Through OCJ, New York City has made an extraordinary investment in legal services to level the playing field for New Yorkers in need, including tenants, immigrants, low-wage workers and other New Yorkers facing civil legal challenges. Today, New York City is a national leader in providing legal assistance to low-income families and individuals.
Legal Services for Immigrant New Yorkers
Legal Services for Low-Wage Workers
Read the Notice of the Public Hearing on OCJ's Universal Access to Legal Counsel Program (February 2024) in:
2023 Video Recording (Held on February 28, 2024)
2023 Transcript (Held on February 28, 2024)
2023 Written Statements (Held on February 28, 2024)
2022 Video Recording (Held on February 24, 2023)
2022 Transcript (Held on February 24, 2023)