Representing YourselfThis information is provided for individuals who are representing themselves in civil actions in the Eastern District of New York. The Brooklyn Courthouse handles cases arising in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. The Central Islip Courthouse handles most cases arising in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. When you are representing yourself without the assistance of an attorney, you are proceeding "pro se," and you are called a "pro se litigant" or a "self-represented litigant." "Pro se" is a Latin term meaning "on one's own behalf," and a "litigant" is someone who is suing someone or is being sued in court. If you are a pro se litigant, you can only represent yourself. You cannot represent anybody else, including corporations or organizations, a class in a class action, or your child (except to appeal the denial of the child's social security benefits). The Pro Se Office can help you by accepting your papers for filing and providing procedural advice.
All of the information you need is available on this website. You may also contact the Clerk’s Office at the Eastern District of New York at these locations: |
Clerk's Office Locations |
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BROOKLYN |
CENTRAL ISLIP |
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Litigants may also seek free, confidential, limited-scope legal assistance by contacting the Pro Se Legal Assistance Clinics funded and operated by the New York City Bar Justice Center and Hofstra University. Visiting the Courthouse: All visitors to the courthouses in the Eastern District of New York will be screened for security purposes. All bags will be x-rayed. No weapons of any kind are permitted. Cameras, phones, and recording device are not permitted in the courtrooms and may be checked with the Court’s security officers. Individuals displaying aggressive or disrespectful conduct will be escorted from the courthouse. |
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