New York City Housing Court Guardian Ad Litem Program

The New York City Housing Court Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) Program recruits, trains, and provides Housing Court judges with a pool GALs whose goal is to safeguard the rights and prevent the eviction of tenants with mental, physical, and/or age related disabilities.

The Court often appoints a GAL when there is concern that a tenant is unable to advocate for him or herself mostly due to mental illness or age. Court appointed GALs are expected to advocate on behalf of their ward with the goal of making any necessary interventions to prevent eviction. Although the specific responsibilities of a GAL vary according to the case, common duties often include: making court appearances, coordinating with social service agencies in an effort to secure needed entitlements or services, and negotiating settlements with other parties involved in the case.

All who are interested are encouraged to apply. While most GALs are attorneys, it is not necessary to be an attorney to become a GAL in Housing Court. Yet, having some legal or social services background can be helpful.

The next GAL training is scheduled to take place the last week of June, 2006. For more information, please email Denise Colon-Greenaway (dcgreena@courts.state.ny.us) with your contact information (name, address, phone number). Attorneys are provided with a total of 6 CLE credits (5 Practice, 1 Ethics) upon completion of the GAL training.