Volunteer Opportunities

Court Navigator Program

Prospective Court Navigator | Participating Court Navigator

Administrative Order of the Chief Administrative Judge of the Courts relating to the Court Navigator Program (February 10, 2014)

The Court Navigator Program was launched in February 2014 to support and assist unrepresented litigants - people who do not have an attorney - during their court appearances in landlord-tenant and consumer debt cases. Specially trained and supervised non-lawyers, called Court Navigators, provide general information, written materials, and one-on-one assistance to eligible unrepresented litigants. In addition, Court Navigators provide moral support to litigants, help them access and complete court forms, assist them with keeping paperwork in order, in accessing interpreters and other services, explain what to expect and what the roles of each person is in the courtroom. Court Navigators are also permitted to accompany unrepresented litigants into the courtroom in the Bronx, New York, Kings, and Queens County Housing Court and Bronx Civil Court. While these Court Navigators cannot address the court on their own, they are able to respond to factual questions asked by the judge.

In addition to this court-based program, the courts will also be utilizing non-lawyers to provide legal information and access to homebound individuals.

According to a recent evaluation of the Court Navigator Program, “people without formal legal training can provide meaningful assistance and services to litigants who are not represented by a lawyer.” Roles Beyond Lawyers: Evaluation of the New York City Court Navigator Programs.

For information about how to become a Court Navigator.

For information if you are already a Court Navigator.