how to get a lawyer in nyc for filing

by Prof. Rex Kovacek 8 min read

The best way to file your attorney registration or make address changes is via Attorney Online Services found at www.nycourts.gov/attorneys. You may also contact us via email at attyreg@nycourts.gov for further assistance.

The City Bar Justice Center's free Legal Hotline offers legal information, advice, referrals, and in some instances, brief services, to low-income New Yorkers. The Legal Hotline phone number is: 212-626-7383.Jan 20, 2021

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How do I find a lawyer in New York State?

Oct 10, 2015 · The New York City Civil Court hears cases with a value of up to $25,000. Cases against the City of New York or the Transit Authority must be filed in the county where the issue occurred. If you believe your case has a value of over $25,000, you will have to file your case in one of the five Supreme Courts in New York City.

How to file a civil case in New York City?

Jun 12, 2020 · The initial filing fee to get a divorce in New York is $210 (as of 2020). There are also additional costs like notary services and mailing fees as the process goes on. If you don't have enough income to pay for the fee, you might qualify for a fee waiver .

How do I file a complaint against a lawyer in New York?

Steps for Standalone Filing for Child Custody in New York 1. Determine what court and type of case. Standalone custody cases go through family court, while parents’ custody orders in a divorce go through the Supreme Court in New York. Parties must determine their court and type of case before filing for custody. 2. Complete all forms

How do I file Articles of organization in New York State?

Check the Yellow Pages of your telephone directory for the number of your county bar association’s Lawyer Referral Service; if a Lawyer Referral Service does not operate in your county, you may call the New York State Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral and Information Service at 1-800-342-3661 from anywhere in New York State (from the local Albany dialing …

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How do you ask a lawyer for filing?

You can ask your lawyer to send the files directly to you or your new attorney, in which case the safest way to make the request is in writing, via letter or email.Apr 9, 2015

Do you need a lawyer to file a case?

You are not required to have a lawyer when you file a criminal case, but you may choose to have one assist you in the process. When filing a criminal case, you will have to prepare your complaint-affidavit accompanied by the affidavits of your witnesses and other evidence proving the alleged violation of a crime.

How much does it cost to get a lawyer in New York?

The typical lawyer in New York charges between $122 and $485 per hour. Costs vary depending on the type of lawyer, so review our lawyer rates table to find out the average cost to hire an attorney in New York.

How do I hire a lawyer in New York?

Hire a NY AttorneyHire a New York Attorney - Call Lawyer Referral 1-800-342-3661 www.FindaLawyerNYS.org Call 1-800-342-3661 for a referral to an attorney in Upstate and Western New York. ... Call 1-800-342-3661 for a referral to an attorney in Upstate and Western NY.More items...

How can I sue someone without a lawyer?

To start a lawsuit without a lawyer, you may need to file a verified complaint, along with the specified filing fee. It is the same first step that a lawyer may take in commencing a lawsuit. This step is immediately followed by the filing of a civil summons form.

How do I file a small claims case?

—A small claims action is commenced by filing with the court an accomplished and verified Statement of Claim (Form 1-SCC) in duplicate, accompanied by a Certification of Non-forum Shopping (Form 1-A, SCC), and two (2) duly certified photocopies of the actionable document/s subject of the claim, as well as the ...

How much is it to hire a lawyer?

Throughout the United States, typical attorney fees usually range from about $100 an hour to $400 an hour. These hourly rates will increase with experience and practice area specialization.Aug 17, 2021

What is a retainer fee for a lawyer?

A retainer fee commonly refers to the upfront cost of a contract for professional services, such as with a consultant, freelancer or a lawyer. You put down a deposit, which the service provider will use to cover any costs involved in their legal services.May 23, 2019

How much do lawyers make an hour?

An hourly rate for a lawyer, like with any other profession, depends on several factors, including where they practice law. The median hourly salary is $61.03 per hour. The hourly salary can go well below $30, but also above $90 in some cases.Sep 21, 2021

How do I hire an attorney?

How to hire a good Lawyer – Question to ask yourself before hiring an AdvocateI. Interpret your problem carefully before thinking of hiring a lawyer. ... II. Ask yourself and people around you that is it possible and reasonable to solve the problem on your own. ... III. Determine how important your situation is.Jun 2, 2018

How do I find a good lawyer in NYC?

The City Bar's Legal Referral Service (LRS) provides referrals to screened and qualified lawyers for a wide variety of legal matters. Call the LRS at 212-626-7373 (Español 212-626-7374) to discuss your legal question with an attorney referral counselor or submit it online.

What is an attorney called?

A lawyer (also called attorney, counsel, or counselor) is a licensed professional who advises and represents others in legal matters. Today's lawyer can be young or old, male or female. Nearly one-third of all lawyers are under thirty-five years old.Sep 10, 2019

How Long Do You Have to Be Separated Before You File for Divorce in New York?

Unlike other states, New York doesn't have any waiting period before filing for a divorce. That means you don't have to show you have been separate...

How Much Does It Cost to File for Divorce in New York?

The cost of getting a divorce in New York depends on whether you decide to have an attorney and how complicated your divorce is.The initial filing...

Do You Need an Attorney to File for Divorce in New York?

Having an attorney will ensure you have the best outcome, especially if your spouse contests. But that does not mean you can't file for a divorce b...

Where to file a civil case in New York?

In New York City, you generally have the option of filing in the New York City Civil Court, the New York City Supreme Court, or federal court. If you want to file in state court and the value of your case is $25,000 or less, you will file in one of the New York City Civil Courts. This is the most common court in New York City and will be ...

How many federal courts are there in New York?

While there are four federal district courts in New York State, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York and the Southern District of New York are the two main federal courts in New York City.

How long does it take to get a copy of a complaint?

This must be mailed within 20 days. If service is unsuccessful after at least three attempts during and outside of working hours, the person making service can tape a copy of the complaint and summons to the door of the residence or place of business of the defendant.

How long does it take to file an affidavit of service?

Wait for the answer. The defendant has either 20 from the date of service if served by hand in person or 30 days from the date the Affidavit of Service is filed with the clerk if served in any other fashion.

What is an unbundled service?

Unbundled services can include: Decide what type of court you will file in. Before you locate the appropriate court, you will need to determine which type of court you will file in. In New York City, you generally have the option of filing in the New York City Civil Court, the New York City Supreme Court, or federal court. ...

What to do if you believe a lawyer violated the Rules of Professional Conduct?

If you believe a lawyer may have violated the Rules of Professional Conduct, you can write a letter to the appropriate Attorney Grievance Committee or fill out and submit a form available from their websites. The form or letter should be as clear, specific and detailed as possible when explaining your complaint.

What should be included in a complaint letter?

The materials in your complaint should include the names, phone numbers and addresses of you and your attorney as well as copies of any pertinent documents, papers, and other information connected to the complaint.

HOW ARE ATTORNEYS GUIDED IN THEIR CONDUCT?

As officers of the court, all attorneys are obligated to maintain the highest ethical standards. In furtherance of this obligation, attorneys are guided by a code of conduct, the NY Rules of Professional Conduct, as adopted by the Appellate Division of State Supreme Court.

HOW ARE GRIEVANCES AGAINST ATTORNEYS HANDLED?

In New York State, authority over the conduct of attorneys rests with the Appellate Division of State Supreme Court and the discipline and grievance committees (the “committees”) appointed by that court. The committees are made up of both attorneys and non-attorneys, working with a court-appointed, state financed, full-time professional staff.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE GRIEVANCE PROCESS?

The grievance process exists to protect the public. Committee panel members are not paid for their work, but volunteer to do this work in order to maintain the standards of the legal profession. By bringing a complaint to a committee’s attention, the public helps the legal profession achieve its goal.

WHAT IS THE ATTORNEY-CLIENT FEE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROGRAM?

In the event of a fee dispute between an attorney and a client, the client may be entitled to request arbitration or mediation of the dispute through the Attorney-Client Fee Dispute Resolution Program established by the New York State Unified Court System.

IF I NEED AN ATTORNEY TO GIVE ME FURTHER ADVICE, WHO CAN I CONTACT?

Many bar associations in New York State operate Lawyer Referral Services. When you contact a service, you will be given the name, address and telephone number of a lawyer in your area who may be able to help you.

WHO CAN I CONTACT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR IN ORDER TO MAKE A COMPLAINT AGAINST AN ATTORNEY?

The grievance committees which are appointed by the Appellate Division of State Supreme Court operate on a regional basis. On the reverse side of this brochure is a list of the grievance committees and the counties over which they have jurisdiction.

Where to file for custody of a child?

Where to File for Custody. Custody cases are usually started in Family Court. The petition should be filed in the county where the child lives. Sometimes, if the parents are married and getting a divorce, one of the parents file for custody as part of the divorce in Supreme Court. The custody order is part of the Divorce Judgment.

What happens after a petition is filed for custody?

After filing the custody petition, the petition and summons must "served" (delivered) on the other side in person. If a non-parent is filing for custody, the petition must be served to both parents. The summons will tell both sides when and where to come to Family Court for the custody hearing.

What happens when you come to court about custody?

When you come to court about custody or visitation for your child, you may have a choice: whether to file a custody petition and have your case heard in front of a Judge or court attorney-referee or to have your case referred to mediation.

Who is responsible for investigating and prosecuting complaints against New York State judges?

and non-lawyer members of the public, is responsible for investigating and prosecuting complaints against New York state judges, except for Housing Court judges (see below). A complaint may be submitted on a form obtained from the Commission’s website

What to do if you believe a lawyer violated the Rules of Professional Conduct?

If you believe a lawyer may have violated the Rules of Professional Conduct, you can write a letter to the appropriate Committee or fill out and submit a form available from their websites.

What is the departmental disciplinary committee?

In New York City, the agencies that investigate complaints against lawyers are the Departmental Disciplinary Committee for the First Department (regarding lawyers whose offices are in Manhattan or the Bronx) or the Grievance Committees for the Second, Eleventh, and Thirteenth Judicial Districts (regarding lawyers whose offices are in Brooklyn, Queens or Staten Island). The Committees are composed of prominent lawyers and non-lawyer members of the public who act as volunteers, and are assisted by professional staff attorneys who investigate and, if necessary, prosecute any charges arising from a complaint. The Committees are supervised by the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, and are not affiliated with the City Bar or any other bar association.

What is fee dispute?

fee dispute exists when a client believes that his or her lawyer has not given sufficient value for the money the client has paid or may owe the lawyer. A fee dispute is usually not subject to disciplinary review. However, where the fees in dispute in a civil (not criminal) case are between $1000 and $50,000, a client may arbitrate his or her dispute under a state sponsored program. Arbitration is designed to be a fast, informal and inexpensive way to resolve disputes. Most clients handle fee arbitrations without hiring a new lawyer to help them.

How to investigate a violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct?

If the Committee determines that a complaint describes a meaningful violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct, it will begin an investigation supervised by one of its staff lawyers. Typically, the Committee will first obtain an answer to the complaint from the lawyer and then give the complainant a chance to reply to the lawyer’s answer. The Committee may also ask for additional documents or information, question witnesses, or take other investigative steps. This investigation process may take several months. In the meantime, the complainant may directly contact the appropriate Committee staff person to ask the status of the matter.

What happens if a complaint does not describe a possible violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct?

If the relevant Disciplinary or Grievance Committee determines that a complaint does not describe a possible violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct, it will advise the complainant that an investigation is not warranted and close its file.

Can a client file a complaint against a lawyer?

However, when that is not possible or the misconduct is very serious, the client may file a disciplinary complaint, even if he or she has not discharged the lawyer. Third parties may also file complaints about someone else’s lawyer.

Where to mail articles of organization in New York?

By mail, send the completed Articles of Organization with the filing fee of $200 to the New York State Department of State, Division of Corporations, State Records and Uniform Commercial Code, One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12231.

What is LLC in New York?

New York recognizes many business forms including the limited liability company (LLC), corporation, limited partnership, sole proprietorship, general partnership and other less familiar forms. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. For any particular venture, personal and business circumstances will dictate the business form of choice. The Department of State cannot offer advice about the choice of business form and strongly recommends consulting with legal and financial advisors before making the choice. Forming an LLC should only be done after careful analysis. The following information has been developed to answer your questions regarding formation of an LLC and to assist in the filing of the Articles of Organization.#N#Department of State staff cannot provide legal advice, however, they are available to assist in answering questions about filing LLC documents. Please contact the Department of State, Division of Corporations, State Records and Uniform Commercial Code, One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12231 or a representative at (518) 473-2492 or email us with any questions you may have.

What is LLC in business?

An LLC is an unincorporated business organization of one or more persons who have limited liability for the contractual obligations and other liabilities of the business. The Limited Liability Company Law governs the formation and operation of an LLC. An LLC may organize for any lawful business purpose or purposes.

Who are the owners of an LLC?

The owners of an LLC are “members” rather than shareholders or partners. A member may be an individual, a corporation, a partnership, another limited liability company or any other legal entity.

Can LLC be taxed as a corporation?

Federal tax regulations allow an LLC to elect to be taxed as a corporation or partnership for income tax purposes. Consult a tax adviser about these regulations and any changes. For income tax purposes, state law follows federal law. Additionally, state law imposes a tax based on the number of members of the LLC.

What is LLC hybrid?

The LLC is a hybrid form that combines corporation-style limited liability with partnership-style flexibility. The flexible management structure allows owners to shape the LLC to meet the needs of the business. The owners of an LLC are “members” rather than shareholders or partners. A member may be an individual, a corporation, a partnership, ...

What is a PLLC?

One or more professionals may form, or cause to be formed, a professional service limited liability company (PLLC) for pecuniary profit for the purpose of rendering the professional service or services that the professionals are authorized to practice.

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