Legal Services

The New York City Commission on Human Rights

The New York City Commission on Human Rights is charged with the enforcement of the Human Rights Law, Title 8 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York, and with educating the public and encouraging positive community relations. The New York City Human Rights Law is one of the most comprehensive civil rights laws in the nation. The Law prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations based on race, color, religion/creed, age, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, gender (including sexual harassment), gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, marital status, and partnership status. Interns, whether paid or not, are considered employees under the Law.

To schedule a new appointment or to report an incident of discrimination, please call 311 and say “human rights” or call us directly at (212) 416-0197. You may also report discrimination online.

https://www1.nyc.gov/site/cchr/about/contact-us.page

The Legal Aid Society

The Legal Aid Society works throughout New York City to ensure everyone has access to justice. Our expert teams work across practice areas on nearly every area of law that impacts New Yorkers. Call: 212-577-3300. https://legalaidnyc.org/.

Criminal defense offices:

• Bronx: 718-579-3000
• Brooklyn: 718-237-2000
• Manhattan: 212-732-5000
• Queens: 718-286-2000
• Staten Island: 347-422-5333 

The Bronx Defenders

Public defender nonprofit that assists clients and community members with both legal and non-legal situations.

Legal emergency hotline: 347-778-1266

Brooklyn Defenders

Public defense office that provides representation and advocacy to people facing loss of freedom, family separation, and other serious legal harms.

Call 718-254-0700.

HRA Legal Assistance

For more information on the Office of Civil Justice, as well as where the offices are located and how to apply, dial 311.

For legal services for tenants, call 718-557-1379 or email civiljustice@hra.nyc.gov

For other legal services, email civiljustice@hra.nyc.gov

New York City Bar Referral Service

To be referred to a lawyer, call 212-626-7373 or for Spanish, call 212-626-7374.