Find Legal Assistance

You do not need an attorney when appearing for a hearing before the Appeal Board. However, you have the right to be represented by an attorney or representative of your choice if you wish.

The Appeal Board does not endorse, recommend, or guarantee the work of any person or organization on this list. Attorneys and representatives may not collect a fee for representing a claimant unless the fee has been approved by the Unemployment Insurance Appeal Board. See Labor Law Section 538 and related Rules (12 NYCRR 460.6).

Lawyers and representatives who represent claimants must get approval from the Board to charge a fee. Fees can only be charged after the claimant wins a final decision. A representative who is not a lawyer must be registered with the Appeal Board before charging a fee.

Once the final decision (after any hearing or appeal to the Appeal Board is finished) is in the claimant’s favor, the lawyer or registered representative must apply to the Board for approval of a fee. The procedure to request a fee is in Board Rule 460.6 which can be found on the Board’s website at: www.uiappeals.ny.gov/information-attorneys-and-representatives.

A lawyer or representative who charges a claimant a fee that is not approved by the Board is guilty of a crime. The Appeal Board will order a refund of any fee that is greater than the fee approved by the Board.

Before a case is finished, a lawyer or registered representative can ask the claimant for a preapproved credit card charge of $600.00. The charge cannot be processed until the Appeal Board has approved the fee.

Before a case is finished, a lawyer can ask the claimant for a deposit of up to $600.00. The deposit must be placed in an Interest on Lawyers Account (IOLA). The $600.00 is the claimant’s property until the Board has approved a fee.

For more information call 518-402-0205.