The Court of Appeals held that counsel's representation, when viewed as a whole, did not constitute ineffective assistance. You need to tell the court that your public defender has not talked to you and ask the court to relieve the PD's office and appoint other counsel.Visit one of the locations below for free Wi-Fi, computer, scanning and telephone access to complete and file court papers or appear for virtual hearings. Here are answers to some of the most frequent questions asked of us. Strictly speaking, ineffective counsel (or ineffective assistance of counsel) is NOT a civil claim. I filed a civil lawsuit Nassau County New York. I am the plaintiff, the judge set a trial date. Nathanson Law Firm is dedicated to providing our clients with legal services in Trial and Litigation cases. I would not be prepared to close the door to the viability of ineffective assistance of counsel as a ground for a new trial in a civil action. The right to file a claim alleging ineffective assistance of counsel exists only for defendants in criminal cases.