New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on May 21 that her office has reached an agreement to dissolve the law firm Tenants Counsel Network (TCN) after finding it exploited New York City tenants facing eviction. The Office of the Attorney General investigation revealed TCN used deceptive marketing and binding legal agreements with monthly subscription fees, but failed to provide adequate legal counsel, including missing court appearances for clients.
The case is significant because it highlights concerns about vulnerable tenants being misled when seeking legal help. The settlement requires TCN and its founding partner Aryeh Weber to close their operations, refund $172,257 to former clients, and pay $35,000 in penalties. The Office of the Attorney General will oversee the refund process.
“When tenants seek legal counsel, they should be able to trust that their lawyers are going to help them,” said Attorney General James. “Housing is a stabilizing force for New York families, and this law firm preyed on New Yorkers who stood to lose it. Today, my office is putting hard-earned money back in New Yorkers’ pockets and making sure that this law firm cannot harm any tenant again.”
The investigation found TCN began advertising as a for-profit law firm in December 2023 without attorneys experienced in landlord-tenant law. It sent over 35,000 solicitation letters—some signed by non-existent attorneys—to people facing eviction before some had even received court papers. Callers falsely claimed TCN could offer subsidized services or was a non-profit provider. Many clients never spoke with an attorney before signing agreements or during their cases; some did not receive representation at court dates despite paying fees.
Under the settlement terms, TCN must stop representing clients by July 31 and notify all active clients at least 60 days prior. Weber will close his own practice and resign from practicing law in New York state.
This action follows other recent steps by Attorney General James aimed at protecting renters across New York State from housing discrimination or unsafe conditions—such as settlements with property owners accused of denying housing assistance or maintaining substandard living environments.
The New York Attorney General promotes social justice through civil rights enforcement and consumer advocacy; protects public safety; defends civil rights; upholds consumer protections; preserves the environment; operates regional offices statewide; provides services such as fraud investigations and tenant dispute mediation; and functions as a public legal advocacy agency for residents across the state according to the official website. Letitia James currently leads this office.
