Attorney of the Morning:
Eviction Defense at Buffalo City Court
The Volunteer Lawyers Project defends low-income tenants in Landlord/Tenant proceedings through our Attorney of the Morning Program (AOM). This highly successful program, replicated across the country, helps vulnerable families in our community avoid homelessness.
If you are facing an eviction in the City of Buffalo, please show up at Court (Part 15, 7th Floor of Buffalo City Court – 50 Delaware Ave.) on your scheduled date, sign in with the clerk and you will be asked if you would like to speak to an Attorney.
VLP participates in Attorney of the Morning on Wednesday morning only. Other legal services agencies provide free legal services on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
We have coordinators on-site to do client intake/screenings and to assist you. VLP paralegals or interns conduct client intake for income eligibility and clients consult with a VLP or volunteer attorney who will assist them in negotiating a settlement with their landlord or in arguing their case in front of the judge.
AOM is also a valuable experience for our volunteer attorneys, providing them the opportunity to complete client intake, negotiate with opposing counsel, and argue before the court.
If you are an attorney interested in volunteering for AOM, please contact Christopher Szczygiel, Supervising Attorney, at (716) 847-0662 ext. 348.
Forms for Tenants:
Erie County Hub Court
Volunteer Lawyers Project represents low income tenants facing eviction in the Erie County Landlord Tenant HUB Court, which includes all town and villages in Erie County.
If you have a court date for HUB court, please call the attorney referral line at (844) 230-7376. Volunteer Lawyers Project, Neighborhood Legal Services, Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Center for Elder Law and Justice and the Western New York Law Center all provide legal representation to tenants.
The website below was developed, with the help of VLP, to provide know your rights information to tenants facing eviction in New York State.
https://tenanthelpny.org/know-your-rights/
Other Resources
Helpful Videos about Your Rights as a Tenant
Know Your Rights – Rent Receipts
Know Your Rights – Pay or Quit
Evictions: Tips for Going to Court
My Landlord Wants Me To Leave: 5 Things to Know & Do
