VLJ’s 4-Day Work Week
In 2024, Volunteer Lawyers for Justice took a bold and innovative step by piloting a 4-day work week (4DWW). By offering our team 80% of their typical hours (32 hours per week) at full pay, while maintaining the same high standards of service, we challenged the status quo in the legal services field. At first glance, this approach may seem unconventional for a legal office, but VLJ's leadership was unwavering in its commitment to improving employee well-being, reducing burnout, and enhancing staff retention—without compromising our mission to provide access to justice for people experiencing poverty. It might seem counterintuitive to close the office on Fridays, especially when the legal challenges faced by our clients intensify daily. But we proved that working smarter, not longer, could lead to even greater impact.
The transition to a 4DWW required rethinking how we work, a challenge we embraced with guidance from 4-Day Week Global. We streamlined internal meetings, made communications more efficient, and carved out daily time for focused, independent work. Clear communication with clients, volunteers, partners, and funders ensured uninterrupted service, with an emergency coverage plan on Fridays. To measure our success, we tracked key data points, checked in regularly with staff, and partnered with researchers at Boston College to measure our success.
So, how did we do? The results were a resounding success:
Even with ambitious goals, we exceeded all service targets during the pilot. Comparing the same six months of 2023 and 2024, the following increased:
New cases opened (+20%)
Cases completed (+15%)
Volunteer engagement (+12%)
There was no disruption to client services, no impact on funding, and our innovative pro bono programming continued seamlessly. We saw increased staff retention and attracted highly qualified candidates to open roles. Staff worked Fridays as needed for court appearances and critical tasks, with supervisors ensuring this remained an exception, not the norm.
With the success of the pilot mirroring global research showing that shorter work weeks boost productivity, focus, and well-being, VLJ's Board unanimously voted to continue the 4DWW. We will continue to monitor progress, collect feedback, and refine the model throughout the year. VLJ’s leadership remains committed to implementing solutions that ensure access to justice while prioritizing the well-being of our team. As one staff member put it, “The 4DWW has been life-changing.”
As our client community faces increasingly complex challenges, we’re confident the 4DWW will keep the VLJ team refreshed and ready to fight for justice, not just week to week, but for the long-term.
frequently asked questions (faqs)
What are VLJ’s new business hours?
VLJ’s business hours are Monday - Thursday, from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Eastern; the office is closed on Fridays.
What if I need to contact VLJ on a Friday?
Rest assured, if an emergency arises on Friday you can reach us at (973) 645-1955, a number that will be monitored by VLJ staff. We just ask that you reserve this for genuine emergencies that must be resolved on Friday, otherwise, the team will get back to you on Monday. Current clients, volunteers, and partners should experience no disruption in the services we provide.
We will not respond to new client applications on Friday; however, VLJ’s online intake is available at all times here.
Will VLJ’s services be reduced or delivered at a slower pace?
No! This schedule means VLJ staff will be more focused and productive when they are working. Even with reduced hours, VLJ intends to serve the same number of clients per year (if not more) with the same level of service.
What if I have questions or feedback about VLJ’s 4-day work week?
Clients, volunteers, and partners should experience no disruption in the services we provide.
If you have questions about VLJ’s 4-day work week or would like to give us your thoughts about how we are doing, please email vlj@vljnj.org.