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.
What's New at VLJ
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.
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.
At Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ), our mission is driven by dedicated professionals who generously give their time and talent to ensure access to justice for people experiencing poverty. This month, we are honored to recognize one such professional as our March 2025 Volunteer of the Month: Maria Linzmayer (she/her).