Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings – New York, NY

OATH Trials Division Overview

The Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) is New York City’s central, independent administrative law court. Unlike the state court system, OATH is part of the executive branch of city government. The headquarters at 100 Church Street houses the Trials Division, which handles complex administrative disputes and disciplinary proceedings. This division functions separately from the Hearings Division (which handles summonses for quality-of-life violations).

Judicial Functions

The Trials Division presides over serious cases involving city employee discipline, disability hearings for civil servants, and complex regulatory matters referred by other agencies. Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) hear testimony, review evidence, and issue decisions or recommendations. Cases here often involve agencies like the Department of Buildings, the Taxi and Limousine Commission, and the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. Additionally, this location supports the Center for Creative Conflict Resolution, offering mediation and restorative justice services.

• Employee Discipline: Adjudicates misconduct charges for city workers.
• Loft Board: Resolves coverage and rent disputes for loft tenants/owners.
• Mediation: Alternative dispute resolution for workplace conflicts.

Facility and Access

Visitors to the OATH Trials Division must pass through airport-style security screening. Valid photo identification is required for entry into the building. While the Hearings Division (for ticket disputes) has locations in every borough, the Trials Division is centrally located in Lower Manhattan. Litigants should check their hearing notices carefully to ensure they appear at the correct division and address. The facility is fully accessible to persons with disabilities. ⚖️🏙️👨‍⚖️📝🏢👮‍♂️📑