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).

Read the OCJ Universal Access to Legal Services Notice of Hearing 2019

Read the Transcript of the Public Hearing on OCJ's Universal Access to Legal Counsel Program (November 2018)

Read the Written Statements Submitted for the Public Hearing on OCJ's Universal Access to Legal Counsel Program (November 2018)

Read the OCJ Universal Access to Legal Services 2018 Report

Read the Office of Civil Justice 2018 Annual Report

Read the Office of Civil Justice 2017 Annual Report

Read the Office of Civil Justice 2016 Annual Report

Learn more about:

Legal Services for Tenants

Legal Services for Immigrant New Yorkers

Legal Services for Low-Wage Workers

Other Civil Legal Services

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 that will provide all tenants facing eviction in New York City's Housing Court with access to free legal services. At full implementation, Universal Access makes New York City the first city in the country to ensure access to legal services to anyone facing eviction in court.