Newark, NJ (September 9, 2019) — Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) is pleased to announce it has received a significant grant from the PSEG Foundation to support the Veterans Legal Program at VLJ.
The Veterans Legal Program began in 2014 to assist with legal issues that veterans frequently face. The Veterans Legal Program includes the PSEG Veterans Legal Clinic, a free monthly legal clinic held in downtown Newark, where veterans have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with volunteer attorneys and paralegals from PSEG, Gibbons, and McCarter & English. Currently, volunteers provide veterans with legal advice and assistance drafting letters and legal pleadings, and there are plans to expand the clinic to serve more veterans in the coming year. VLJ also partners with veteran’s service providers across the state, including the East Orange VA Hospital, GI Go Fund, and VAST, to provide seamless service to veterans in need of services. In 2018, VLJ assisted 181 veterans through the Veterans Legal Program.
“VLJ is fortunate to partner with PSEG and the PSEG Foundation to provide much-needed legal aid to veterans struggling to return to civilian life after they return home from military service. The talented team from PSEG not only continues to expand the free legal services provided to veterans, but they serve as leaders in the legal community with their volunteer efforts,” said Cathy Keenan, VLJ’s Executive Director.
The PSEG Foundation helps build sustainable and thriving communities by supporting the environment, education and workforce development while fostering equity, safety and diversity and inclusion in the communities we serve. “We’re proud to support Volunteer Lawyers for Justice again this year as it is an organization critical to enhancing lives and strengthening our community,” said Jamar Tyndale, Manager of Corporate Responsibility and the PSEG Foundation program officer for VLJ. “The PSEG Veterans Legal Clinic offers our nation’s service members an opportunity to reintegrate into civilian life by addressing and resolving their critical legal issues. We hope our efforts help to show these veterans how much their service is appreciated,” added Tyndale, who is also an attorney.
VLJ is very grateful for the PSEG Foundation's support in meeting the legal needs of veterans in our community.
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VLJ is a non-profit law firm that provides civil legal services to low-income and vulnerable client populations throughout New Jersey. VLJ’s model for ensuring fair access to the legal system makes the most of scarce financial resources through partnerships with hundreds of volunteer attorneys. VLJ impacts over 3,600 people—including veterans, children, tenants, families, and victims of human trafficking—each year through 11 distinct pro bono programs. To learn more, please visit www.vljnj.org