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Pro Se Referral Guide

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The Pro Se Referral Guide, available on our website, connects self-represented litigants with additional legal resources and services that may be able to assist with their case. It provides helpful information about organizations, referral services, and other support options for individuals seeking legal assistance beyond the Pro Se Assistance Program.

This guide is designed to help you explore available resources and better understand where to turn for further help as you navigate the federal court system.

 

Sample Complaints for Pro Se Litigants

Our Pro Se Litigation Resources page provides sample complaints to help self-represented individuals better understand how a legal pleading is structured and organized. These examples can serve as a general guide for formatting, identifying parties, stating claims, and requesting relief. Please note that these samples are for informational purposes only, are not legal advice, and should be tailored to the specific facts and laws applicable to your case.

Sample Complaint #1
Sample Complaint #2

Electronic Filing in Federal Court (CM/ECF)

The Northern District of New York uses the Case Management/Electronic Case Files (CM/ECF) system for filing and managing court documents online. This system allows parties to submit pleadings, motions, and other filings electronically, as well as access case information and docket activity.

Pro se litigants who wish to use CM/ECF must first file a motion requesting permission from the Court. Detailed information about registration, requirements, and user resources is available on the Court’s website at: https://www.nynd.uscourts.gov/cmecf

You can download the form for a Pro Se Motion for Permission to Electronically File in ECF here:
PDF icon Pro Se Motion for permission to file electronically.pdf

For technical assistance with CM/ECF, you may contact the Helpdesk at (866) 793-0444.

Using CM/ECF can make it easier to track and manage your case, but it is important to follow all Court rules and procedures when filing electronically.

Finding a Private Attorney

Appeals (Not Covered by NDNY-FCBA Program)

  • Second Circuit Help Desk (Federal Appeals): 212-857-8630 | [email protected]
  • NYSBA Pro Bono Appeals Program (State Court Appeals – online application through NYSBA).

Social Security Cases

Disability Advocacy Project
NYLAG’s Disability Advocacy Project (DAP) works to ensure that eligible disabled individuals receive benefits under the Social Security Disability Program (SSD) and the Supplemental Security Income Program (SSI). DAP staff provide free legal advice and representation when SSD or SSI benefits are wrongfully denied or terminated. DAP staff interview potential clients concerning their medical conditions, medications, treating providers and work history. Staff then request and review medical records to determine if a case has merit on appeal. If DAP determines that the evidence strongly supports a determination of disability, then a DAP staff member will represent the client at a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge.
For more information, contact: 212-613-5024

Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc.
Disability Advocacy Project – Social Security Disability Lawyer in Upstate New York
The Disability Advocacy Project provides free legal help for individuals seeking disability benefits, including SSI and SSDI, to secure the support they deserve. Navigating SSI and SSDI eligibility issues, as well as applying for benefits, can be overwhelming. Our experienced attorneys and advocates are here to help you with paperwork, appeals, and deadlines. We do not charge attorney fees to represent people with their disability claims.

New York Legal Assistance Group: Find information about filing a Social Security disability appeal in Federal Court here.

Legal Aid & Low-Cost Assistance

Family Court / Domestic Violence (State Court)

  • Albany County Family Court Help Center: [email protected].
  • LIFT Family Legal Connection Hotline: 1-800-696-8629.
  • The Legal Project (DV representation): (518) 435-1770.
  • Equinox (DV advocacy & shelter): (518) 432-7865.

Community Court Access Program (CCAP)

  • Assistance with Family Court, divorce, landlord/tenant, foreclosure, guardianship, estates.
  • Appointments: (518) 285-6165 | [email protected].

Bankruptcy Resources

  • The Legal Project (Schenectady): (518) 435-1770.
  • Legal Aid Society of Northeastern NY: 833-628-0087.
  • Syracuse University Bankruptcy Clinic: (315) 443-4582.
  • Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York: Utica (315) 793-7000 | Binghamton (607) 231-5900.

Other Federal Districts

  • SDNY Pro Se Intake Unit: (212) 805-0175.
  • EDNY (Central Islip): Hofstra Pro Se Legal Assistance Program.
  • WDNY: Federal Pro Se Assistance Program (SUNY Buffalo Law School collaboration).

Federal Pro Se Assistance Project:
The Federal Pro Se Legal Assistance Projects (Fed Pro) of the City Bar Justice Center provides free, limited-scope legal services to pro se litigants (plaintiffs or defendants) with cases in the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern District of New York (EDNY) and the Southern District of New York (SDNY) who cannot afford to hire an attorney.  The Eastern District of New York includes the counties of Kings (Brooklyn), Queens, Richmond (Staten Island), Nassau, and Suffolk. The Southern District of New York encompasses the counties of New York (Manhattan), Bronx, Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, Dutchess, and Sullivan.

State Court Help Centers

Note: The NDNY-FCBA Pro Se Assistance Program provides limited-scope assistance and does not offer representation, file appeals, or appear in court. Attorneys may use this guide when referring litigants to appropriate outside resources.