Mission
The mission statement for the New York State Court Access to Justice Initiative is, "To ensure access to justice in all NY State Courts for people of all backgrounds, incomes, and abilities, by using every resource, including pro bono programs, self-help services, and technological tools, and by securing stable and adequate non-profit and government funding for civil and criminal legal services programs."
This mission is accomplished through a two-prong approach at the state and local levels. The state-wide efforts are spearheaded through both the Permanent Commission on Access to Justice, established in 2015 with the enactment of Part 51.1 of the Rules of the Chief Judge (22 NYCRR § 51.1), and The NYS Courts Access to Justice Program which is overseen by Hon. Edwina G. Mendelson, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives. The local efforts are implemented through the Access to Justice Committees which have been established in each of the Judicial Districts and the Court of Claims.
The 9th Judicial District Access to Justice Committee currently has the following Sub-Committee’s which are working diligently to make the court system within the counties of Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Putnam and Dutchess more accessible to all court users:
- Education and Outreach
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Court User Guide
- Immigrant’s Rights
- LGBTQ+
- Guardian Ad Litem in Landlord-Tenant Proceedings
- Hasidic & Orthodox Outreach
Each of these Subcommittee's efforts are detailed in the 9th Judicial District Access to Justice Annual Report.
If you are interested in learning more information about the 9th Judicial District Access to Justice Committee or would like to volunteer as a member, please e-mail:
Access & Equal Justice Coordinator
Esther Louis-Juste
Phone: 914-824-5048
Court Guides
Dutchess County Court Guide
Orange County Court Guide
Putnam County Court Guide
Rockland County Court Guide
Westchester County Court Guide
Programs
Westchester Guardian Ad Litem Program - coming soon
Virtual Court Access Network
Westchester County Court Navigator Program
Useful Links:
Court Help and DIY Forms
Help Center
Permanent Commission on Access to Justice
New York Courts Access to Justice Program
Supreme Court Law Libraries
