Non-Attorney Volunteer Resources
GENERAL INFORMATION
As a registered non-attorney volunteer, you consented to the following materials during the sign-up process.
Click below to download / review again.
Additional Resources:
Volunteer Closure Form: Submit after each volunteer opportunity / task
Main staff contact: Diana Onuschak, Director of Administration and Community Engagement
NOTE: VLJ continues to develop new materials to support our non-attorney volunteers.
Be sure to check back when taking on a new assignment, and staff will highlight/share resources for less common assignments via email once you express interest.
working with vlj clients - training videos
TRAINING: Trauma-Informed Lawyering
This 1-hour recorded training prepares you to work with VLJ clients, some of whom seek legal assistance after experiencing a trauma. This program provides a basic introduction to working with trauma survivors during their legal cases. It will give an overview of the psychology and symptoms of trauma, as well as practical advice for working with survivors while minimizing re-traumatization.
TRAINING: Online Filing: eCourts and JEDS
This 1-hour recorded training focuses on NJ court e-filing procedures, specifically for the E-courts and new JEDS system. Participants will learn how to register both attorney and non-attorney accounts, how to file in different venues, how to deal with filing fees and waivers, and how to address common issues with both systems.
Jump to 36:09 for instruction on how to create a JEDS account.
TRAINING: Help Clients Complete Divorce Complaint & Fee Waiver
This 45-min recorded training focuses on assisting self-represented litigants with completing their initial packet to file for divorce in NJ, including the Complaint and a Fee Waiver. Template is provided to eligible VLJ clients, and attorneys and non-attorney work with clients 1:1 to complete the packet in full. Drafted Complaints are reviewed by a staff attorney, before they are filed with the court to officially open the case.
TRAINING: Running public search for clients seeking an expungement (MCCS and Promis Gavel)
This 1.5-hour recorded training prepares you to work with VLJ clients who are seeking an expungement to run public searches using their name and date of birth, and compile results to be reviewed by an attorney to determine if they are eligible to seek an expungement under the NJ statue.
Jump to 41:40 for instructions on how to access and run searches using MCCS and PromisGavel