VLJ’s mission is to ensure access to justice for people experiencing poverty. In 2023, VLJ’s work impacted over 4,200 people—including 1,644 children—and OUR volunteer attorneys donated nearly $2 million in free legal services.

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A Call to Action From VLJ — Help Clear Criminal Records During Second Chance Month

This week, for over 25 hours, our nation listened to the words—and pleas—of New Jersey’s senior United States Senator, Cory Booker. Senator Booker called on champions to rise and act, warning of grave and urgent danger to our democracy and constitutional principles. Senator Booker is no stranger to Volunteer Lawyers for Justice, having helped launch ReLeSe, our Reentry Legal Services Program, in 2007 while serving as then-mayor of Newark. His words are particularly meaningful in light of April being Second Chance Month.

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How We Do Justice Matters - A Veteran’s Journey to a Fresh Start

Brenton is a former U.S. Marine who connected with Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) when seeking assistance with several legal matters. Among them was a criminal record that had been holding him back for decades. Brenton’s journey toward clearing his criminal record began in April 2024 when he attended VLJ’s Veterans Legal Clinic. Initially, Brenton sought guidance on a separate legal concern but also expressed interest in expunging his record.

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Volunteer Lawyers for Justice Launches PRIDE Name Change Program

Newark, NJ — Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) is proud to announce the launch of its new PRIDE Name Change Program, a collaborative effort with Merck, Rutgers Law School, and Emanuel Lutheran Church. This initiative aims to provide free legal assistance to New Jersey residents seeking to legally change their names, with a focus on serving transgender, non-binary, and non-cisgender community members with no- and low-incomes.

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