Since November 1, 2010, the Housing Court has allowed qualified attorneys to represent litigants on a limited basis without the pervious requirement that the client hire the attorney for the entire duration of a case. Called Limited Assistance Representation, or LAR, this new policy has the potential to save litigants considerable money since they now have the option of retaining counsel for a particular motion hearing or to assist with a specific document.

For instance, a landlord might hire an attorney for the purpose of arguing a Motion to Issue Execution or a Motion to Dismiss. Similarly, a tenant could hire an attorney to argue a Motion to Vacate a default judgment. Either side could hire an attorney under LAR to represent them in a mediation, the process through which the vast majority of cases at Housing Court are resolved. LAR also allows an attorney to assist a landlord or tenant in answering discovery or preparing a particular document.

Attorney Saccardi is qualified under Housing Court Standing Order No. 1-10 to represent clients according to the new LAR policy. While some cases may require full representation, there are many that lend themselves to LAR. For more information or to see if LAR might be a good fit for you, please contact Attorney Saccardi.

For additional information on LAR at the Housing Court, there is a useful FAQ on the court’s website.