Legal Assistance

HRA's Office of Civil Justice (OCJ)

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 HRA's 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.

OCJ is building New York City's Universal Access to Legal Services initiative, a program to provide all tenants facing eviction in New York City's Housing Court with access to free legal services. The Universal Access to Legal Services law makes New York City the first city in the country to ensure that anyone facing eviction in court will have access to legal help. To learn more, please email civiljustice@hra.nyc.gov.