DEbt Relief Legal Program
If you are looking for free legal help in New Jersey regarding a consumer debt or bankruptcy matter, please click here.
VLJ’s Debt Relief Legal Program (DRLP) provides legal assistance to New Jerseyans experiencing poverty with financial problems due to debt. Whether a client has one or two discreet debts, or is overwhelmed with significant debt and considering bankruptcy, VLJ and volunteer attorneys employ innovative approaches to address issues faced by clients.
Court/Docket: Special Civil Part or New Jersey Bankruptcy Court
Format: Virtual Clinic via Zoom and/or Remote representation
Volunteer attorneys meet with pro se litigants 1:1 to help identify relevant issues and deadlines, and services may include developing case strategies, negotiating payment plans, and drafting pleadings. For volunteers who are representing clients in Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings, representation is remote, with VLJ staff available to help the client with document collection and signing.
Time Commitment: Virtual Clinic (2 hours); Bankruptcy case (~ 8-12 hours)
Experience NOT Required: Prior experience in bankruptcy and/or consumer law is NOT required; however, attorneys who are representing clients in bankruptcy must be admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.
Training Available: VLJ has training materials (written & video) on consumer law, Special Civil procedure, and bankruptcy, as well as sample pleadings and forms. Volunteers without prior experience are required to review the training materials before volunteering for the first time.
Mentoring: A VLJ staff attorney is present at all legal clinics to provide assistance and support to new volunteers. VLJ will also try to secure a mentor for volunteer attorneys handling their first pro bono bankruptcy case with VLJ.
How to sign up?
Complete VLJ’s Volunteer Form (click or tap the button below).
If you work at Prudential, please talk to your pro bono coordinator about how to get involved.