Children's Representation Program
If you are looking for free legal help in New Jersey regarding an education matter, please click here.
Through VLJ’s Children’s Representation Program (CRP), volunteer attorneys help children eligible for special education with issues regarding special education programs and services, harassment, intimidation and bullying, disciplinary issues, and truancy charges. Education cases typically involve full-scope litigation with the school district. All cases are screened for legal merit by experienced special education attorneys, and experienced special education attorneys are available to provide mentorship, guidance, support, and in limited cases, co-counseling.
Court/Docket: Office of Administrative Law (OAL); Municipal Court (Truancy Only)
Format: Full-Scope Litigation (Hybrid)
Volunteer attorneys will receive a case file containing a description of the facts of the case and legal assistance sought from our referral partners, the family’s contact information, and relevant case documents. Limited-scope opportunities to represent clients solely through an OAL settlement conference may be considered, but volunteers are encouraged to commit to litigating matters to a final resolution.
Time Commitment: Hybrid representation (~20 – 200+ hours)
Experience NOT Required: No prior experience is required to volunteer; however, all volunteers with limited experience in this practice area are provided an experienced special education attorney for appropriate mentorship and guidance.
Training Available: VLJ has extensive training materials (written & video) on special education, discrimination in school discipline, and bullying laws in New Jersey.
How to sign up?
Complete VLJ’s Volunteer Form (click or tap the button below).