Civil Court Project
The Civil Court Project has been suspended until further notice. Please check back here for updates. We apologize for any inconvenience.
The Civil Court Project matches individuals and small businesses to experienced lawyers who charge a reduced fee for Civil Court disputes. All lawyers participating in the project have been screened for legal knowledge, experience and ethics.
To be eligible for the Civil Court Project the disputed amount of the lawsuit must be from $7,000 to $25,000. There are no income guidelines or other restrictions.
If you are referred to a participating Civil Court Project lawyer, your first appointment will be free for up to 30 minutes. The lawyer will only ask for a retainer of no more than $1,500 and will charge an hourly rate of no more than $175 per hour. Before you hire the lawyer, you and the lawyer should discuss what the retainer amount and hourly rate will be.
What Areas of Law Are Covered By the Civil Court Project?
- Collection Issues: For example, if a company claims you owe money for goods provided to you.
- Commercial Litigation: A business or contract dispute– for example, if a welding supply business provided the wrong materials to a welding company, and refuses to refund the money paid or return of the materials.
- Consumer Litigation: For example, if you paid someone to design your website and they took your money but never designed the site.
- Insurance: For example, if your insurance company disputes your claim and refuses to pay you for your loss.
- Personal Injury Defense: If your dog bit your neighbor, for example, and your neighbor sued you.
To be referred to a lawyer who participates in the Civil Court Project, call the New York City Bar Legal Referral Service at 212-626-7373 (212-626-7374 en español), or use the online referral request form.