Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) is a comprehensive pro bono program whose mission is to improve the lives of economically disadvantaged adults, children, and families in New Jersey.
Here is a list of some programs for which we can provide assistance. Some of these programs have limited geographic and financial eligibility requirements. Call us today at (973)-645-1955 to see how we can help you with your legal issue or help you volunteer as an attorney.
Bankruptcy Program - This project pairs volunteer attorneys with low-income individuals who require assistance with Chapter 7 bankruptcies.
Child Support Program - Volunteer attorneys provide legal advice and limited-scope representation to clients with child support modifications and emancipation issues. Free clinics for basic information regarding this matter are held on Thursday afternoons in downtown Newark. Call to register for this free service.
Children's Representation Program - Volunteer attorneys represent children with disabilities who have been denied special education services to which they are entitled and/or represent children who are victims of harassment or bullying in a school setting.
Consumer Law Program - Helps provide assistance to low-income debtors who need legal advice and limited-representation in civil court. Free walk-in clinics are held every Tuesday morning in downtown Newark.
Disaster Legal Response Program - Volunteer attorneys provide assistance to the victims of Superstorm Sandy with storm-related legal issues including FEMA, insurance, contract disputes, state grants, and NJ DEP Blue Acres real estate matters.
Divorce Program - VLJ coordinates two monthly divorce legal clinics, one focused on filing for divorce and the other addressing all issues post-filing. Clients receiving consultations at the filing clinic will have just attended a one hour seminar outlining the divorce process in New Jersey. Clinics are held the first two Thursday afternoons of every month in downtown Newark.
Reentry Legal Services (ReLeSe) - ReLeSe helps Essex County residents with criminal records address the civil legal barriers that serve as obstacles to their successful community reintegration. Clinics include help restoring driver's licenses and criminal record expungement.
Trafficking Victims Legal Assistance Program - Volunteer attorneys represent victims of human trafficking under NJ's Human Trafficking Prevention, Protection and Treatment Act.
Veterans Legal Program - Three distinct projects—Female Veterans Program, Discharge Upgrade Program, PSEG Legal Clinic—provide legal service to veterans and military personnel. Volunteer attorneys help with changing military records, driver's license restoration, expungement of criminal records, and child support issues at a monthly clinic in Newark.
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) is a comprehensive pro bono program whose mission is to improve the lives of economically disadvantaged adults, children, and families in New Jersey by empowering them with the tools, advice, and pro bono representation to obtain fair and equal treatment within the legal system.
WHY VOLUNTEER?
There is a dire need for your services. The need for legal assistance by low income persons in New Jersey is staggering. Studies show that one out of three indigent persons need legal assistance with critical legal matters at any given time; however, only one out of six will ever get the legal assistance they desperately need. Private attorney participation in the delivery of legal services to the poor is absolutely critical.
Pro bono work is personally and professionally rewarding. There are huge personal rewards to securing an education for a child with special needs or helping a victim of domestic violence, consumer fraud, or an unlawful eviction. There are also enormous professional rewards such as: valuable training in different areas of law; the development of lawyering skills through interviewing clients, gathering facts, devising case strategy, arguing a case or negotiating a settlement; the ability to mentor and train newer volunteers; enhanced public image with private clients and the community at large; and the marketability of skills to potential employers.
You will be exempt from mandatory pro bono assignments. Attorneys in New Jersey may claim an exemption from mandatory court-appointed pro bono cases if they have provided 25 or more hours of voluntary pro bono service through VLJ.
Opportunities exist for all. You do not have to be a litigator to participate. VLJ provides opportunities for corporate, tax and other attorneys, in house counsel, educators, law students and others to get involved.
We support you. VLJ assists volunteers in every way possible to guarantee positive pro bono experiences for both volunteer attorneys and clients. To that end, VLJ will:
- Provide malpractice insurance at no cost to volunteer attorneys
- Refer only cases that have been screened for eligibility and legal merit
- Refer cases to attorneys based on their expressed areas of interest
- Take volunteers' schedules and other time commitments into account
- Provide free legal training for all attorneys agreeing to provide 25 hours of pro bono assistance
- Supply backup support, case materials, waiver of court costs and access to translators, court reporters and other service providers.
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