In General
Court Navigator Application Process
Court Navigator Training
Court Navigator Responsibilities
Court Navigator Hours
Additional Information
In General
The Westchester County Court Navigator Program offers free legal information and support to eligible court users. Specially trained and supervised volunteers (called Court Navigators) provide one-on-one support, written materials, access to on-site resources and referrals to unrepresented litigants and court users. Navigators help others and gain experience with court operations through their interactions with the public and court personnel.
A study conducted by the American Bar Foundation and National Center for State Courts to assess the appropriateness and sustainability of a Navigator Program showed that the outcome of litigation depends less on the merits of the case and more on whether litigants have access to help, in this case, from non-lawyers (see, “Roles Beyond Lawyers: Evaluation of the NYC Court Navigators Program and its Three Pilot Projects”).
This program is available through a partnership between the 9th Judicial District and the New York State Unified Court System’s Office for Justice Initiatives.
Court Navigator Application Process
The Court Navigator Program welcomes resumes from candidates, 18 years of age or older, who are committed to public service with strong interpersonal skills and computer experience. Bilingual proficiency is a plus. Legal experience is not required.
Applicants may send their resumes with a cover letter to [email protected]
Applicants whose background and experience are relevant and appropriate to the role of Court Navigator will be contacted to schedule a virtual interview.
Resumes are reviewed year-round. Deadlines for submissions from college students may be dependent on school credit requirements (if applicable).
Court Navigator Training
Court Navigators are required to complete an in-person seminar at the Westchester Supreme and County Courthouse (111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., White Plains, NY). Upon completion, navigators receive a training manual that sets forth their role and responsibilities.
Training topics include:
- Duties and limitations of the Court Navigator.
- The distinction between legal advice and legal information.
- Introductory overview of civil court proceedings.
- Court administration and protocol.
- Interview and communication skills, with an emphasis on trauma-informed care.
- Online court resources, such as DIY Form programs (www.nycourts.gov/courthelp/diy/index.shtml) and LawHelp (www.lawhelpny.org).
Court Navigators also receive continuing on-site training under the supervision of court staff.
Court Navigator Responsibilities
With permission from the court user, Court Navigators may:
- Collect and organize documents court users bring to court for their cases.
- Provide directions within the courthouse.
- Assist with technology available in the courthouse to access legal information and DIY (Do It Yourself) Form Programs.
- Assist with obtaining on-site court services, such as those offered by interpreters or those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- Locate community resources to assist in resolving their cases
Court Navigators cannot provide legal advice, participate in trials, conferences, or negotiations.
Court Navigator Hours
Court Navigators may establish their own weekly schedule within regular court: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Court Navigators are stationed in the lobby of the Courthouse for immediate public access.
Student volunteers seeking to gain academic credit through this program must check their curriculum requirements to determine the minimum hours of service required.
Additional Information
To receive more information about the Westchester County Court Navigator Program, contact: [email protected].
If you are a law student, law graduate or attorney licensed to practice law in New York State with an interest in volunteer work, contact the NYS Unified Courts Office for Justice Initiatives to learn about current opportunities at [email protected].