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Free · Confidential · New York City

A weak account
is a weak case.
We build the record.

Peer-led legal support for students and families navigating school discipline, juvenile arrests, and Family Court in New York City.

Submit an Intake → Read the guides
About Vocatia

Peer-led.
NYC-based.
No cost.

Vocatia is a free advocacy organization run by trained student fellows in New York City. We serve students and families navigating school disciplinary proceedings, juvenile arrests, and Family Court — situations where the procedural record often determines the outcome, and where most families are entirely unprepared for what comes next.

Our fellows organize the facts, identify procedural gaps, and prepare a clear record before the first hearing. When a case requires attorney involvement, we make a direct referral to qualified counsel in New York City.

There is no cost. There is no eligibility requirement.

Request Support →
Legal proceedings
What We Cover

Three types of proceedings.

School
Disciplinary Hearings

Superintendent’s suspensions, hearings before a hearing officer, written notices, and the appeal process under Chancellor’s Regulation A-443.

Read the guide →
Juvenile
Arrests & Proceedings

Arrest, detention, and arraignment procedure for juveniles. Rights under § 5033, parental notification requirements, and potential suppression issues.

Read the guide →
Family Court
Petitions & Hearings

The petition process, fact-finding hearings, and disposition in New York Family Court. What to expect and how to prepare your record at each stage.

Read the guide →
New York City New York City
Get Help

You do not need
to have it
figured out.

Start with what you know. A Vocatia fellow will review your intake within 48 hours and identify the next step — whether that is procedural guidance or a referral to an attorney.

Confidential and secure
No legal jargon required
Reviewed within 48 hours
Free for students and families

For immediate emergencies, contact intake@vocatia.law directly.

0/5000
Fellowship

Live casework.
Structured oversight.

Fellows work on real cases under direct supervision. No simulated work. No law school required.

Apply Now Rolling applications · No prior legal experience required
Intake Fellow
5–8 hrs / week

Review initial submissions. Organize case facts into structured timelines. Flag urgent matters for priority response.

Research Fellow
6–10 hrs / week

Research applicable procedural requirements and juvenile defense precedent. Produce case-specific briefs.

Outreach Coordinator
4–6 hrs / week

Build relationships with student organizations and legal aid offices. Expand the referral network.