Court Companion was launched in April 2014 to support and assist unrepresented litigants - people who do not have an attorney - during their court appearances in family courts in NY.

 

Our mission is to enhance access to justice for children and families by providing legal information, community education, and compassionate guidance

 

"Court Companion" trains law students and to assist unrepresented litigants, who are appearing in Family courts in NY. Despite the high stakes, most litigants appear in court without an attorney to advocate on their behalf. The goal of "Court Companion" is to help litigants who do not have an attorney have a productive court experience through offering non-legal support.

 

Specially trained and supervised law students, called Court Companions, provide general information, written materials, and one-on-one assistance to eligible unrepresented litigants. In addition, Court Companions 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 Companions are also permitted to accompany unrepresented litigants into the courtroom. While these Court Companions cannot address the court on their own, they are able to respond to factual questions asked by the judge. 

 

This website will provide an E-platfrom for unrepresented litigants and Court Companions. It's not just a an online legal documentation service but rather an online legal education and guidance service. here unrepresented litigants can enjoy free information and help and even sign up for premium accounts which will provide legal services.

 

The initiative is bases on the idea of introducing “McKenzie Friends” to the NY legal system as a unique program in high ranking NY law schools. Law students from across the state, eager for practical experience, will assist unrepresented litigants in need while sponsored by law firms who will enjoy their pick from the best skilled future interns. It’s a rare opportunity for collaboration between law students and schools and law firms to insure access to justice to the underprivileged.

 

 Students will have the opportunity to interact with judges, lawyers and litigants, and to gain real-world experience. Whatever a student's goal is in volunteering -- helping people in need, making new contacts, learning more about assisting a person in court or developing professional skills -- "Court Companion" sets the stage!

 

​*A McKenzie friend is a lay person who stands with a person who is otherwise unrepresented and assists them in court and outside of it. The expression derived from the English case of McKenzie v McKenzie (1970)