The Power of Pro Bono - “Jordan" — Volunteer Lawyers for Justice

Volunteer Lawyers for Justice is piloting a 4-day work week. Effective May 1, 2024, VLJ’s business hours will be Monday - Thursday, from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Eastern; the office is closed on Fridays. Learn more here.

The Power of Pro Bono - “Jordan"

Image is a stock photo and not of the actual client.

"Jordan"*, a veteran living in Monmouth County, contacted Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) earlier this year when her family was facing eviction. Jordan’s landlord had made a series of thinly veiled racist comments and false claims in an attempt to force Jordan and her family to leave the apartment. Ultimately, the landlord sued Jordan for alleged nonpayment of rent as well as several other baseless claims, including multiple allegations of damage to the premises and lease violations. In fact, it was the landlord’s refusal to properly maintain the premises that resulted in damage, which Jordan had been insisting he rectify.

A VLJ staff attorney accepted Jordan’s case for full representation and, at a trial that lasted several days, meticulously countered the landlord’s extensive allegations. Through efforts at trial, the VLJ staff attorney was able to successfully develop Jordan's case on cross-examination and through the impeachment of the landlord's witnesses. The judge ultimately granted the VLJ staff attorney's motions for dismissal of the landlord’s many claims, leading to the case being dismissed in its entirety. Moreover, as a result of VLJ’s efforts, the landlord hired a contractor to make the repairs necessary for Jordan and her family to continue living safely and stably in their apartment. At VLJ, we take cases and change lives. 

*Client's name has been changed to protect and ensure their privacy.