Volunteer Today To Help Ensure Access To Justice For VLJ Clients

Each year, 3 in 4 households with no- and low-incomes in the United States experience one or more civil legal issues. More than half of those households report that those legal issues significantly impact their lives—from their ability to remain (or become) financially stable, maintain good physical and mental health, and build healthy relationships. Moreover, these issues often disproportionately impact marginalized communities which make up the majority of those seeking help from VLJ (in 2021, 75% of VLJ clients identified as BIPOC, 61% as women, and 8% as non-English speakers).

Exacerbating the gap in access to civil legal justice, according to the Legal Services Corporation’s The Justice Gap report, Americans with no- and low-incomes did not receive any or enough legal help for 92% of their civil legal problems. This is compounded by the fact that there is generally no constitutional right to an attorney in civil legal matters (in contrast with the constitutional right to counsel in criminal matters).

Every day, VLJ volunteers are working to combat these statistics. By deciding to volunteer with VLJ, you can help ensure New Jerseyans experiencing poverty have access to justice.

Virtual Clinics - Limited-Scope Opportunities

  • The following limited-scope clinic opportunities are currently virtual and utilizing the Zoom platform.

  • No prior experience is needed to volunteer, but all new volunteers will be asked to review some materials before attending.

  • Volunteers must make every attempt to volunteer for the full virtual clinic window. Partial coverage impedes VLJ's ability to provide timely services and ensure a good client experience. 

  • Send email to confirm your interest in a particular clinic volunteer opportunity. Spots confirmed on a first come, first serve basis.


tenancy

At this virtual legal clinic, individuals facing eviction meet with an attorney team to discuss their case and possible defenses to use in court. Some tenants are referred for ongoing representation.

Note: Because this is a virtual drop-in legal clinic, sometime we end up not need a Spanish interpreter. If you have signed and interpreting is no longer needed, a VLJ staff person will email you to let you know.

Available opportunities:

  • Wednesday, 10/30/2024, 10am - 1pm EDT

    • Interpreting Volunteer (Spanish) (1 spot) - Join attorney teams

  • Wednesday, 11/6/2024, 10am - 1pm EDT

    • Interpreting Volunteer (Spanish) (1 spot) - Join attorney teams

  • Wednesday, 11/13/2024, 10am - 1pm EDT

    • Interpreting Volunteer (Spanish) (1 spot) - Join attorney teams

  • Wednesday, 11/20/2024, 10am - 1pm EDT

    • Interpreting Volunteer (Spanish) (1 spot) - Join attorney teams

  • Wednesday, 12/4/2024, 10am - 1pm EDT

    • Interpreting Volunteer (Spanish) (1 spot) - Join attorney teams

  • Wednesday, 12/11/2024, 10am - 1pm EDT

    • Interpreting Volunteer (Spanish) (1 spot) - Join attorney teams

  • Wednesday, 12/18/2024, 10am - 1pm EDT

    • Interpreting Volunteer (Spanish) (1 spot) - Join attorney teams

To sign up email Diana (include date(s) of interest)

CONSUMER DEBT RELIEF

At this virtual legal clinic, self represented litigants get help with consumer debt defense issues, including but not limited to active suits in Special Civil (DC docket), return of security deposits, and bankruptcy assessments.

Available opportunities: N/A

DIVORCE

At this virtual legal clinic, self represented litigants get help to file for divorce, or respond to an active case, prepare pleadings, get prepped for mediation, hearings, etc.

Available opportunities:

  • Tuesday, 11/19/2024, 1 - 4 pm EDT

    • Interpreting Volunteer (Spanish) (2 spots) - Join attorney teams

    • Administrative Volunteer (2 spots) - Join attorney teams

  • Tuesday, 12/17/2024, 1 - 4 pm EDT

    • Interpreting Volunteer (Spanish) (2 spots) - Join attorney teams

    • Administrative Volunteer (2 spots) - Join attorney teams

To sign up email Diana (include date(s) of interest)

VETERANS

At this virtual legal clinic, attorneys, with the help of non-attorneys, meet with veterans and military personnel to conduct a holistic legal intake to determine what issues are holding the veteran back in civilian life (e.g., suspended driver’s license, criminal record, consumer debt, etc.). Attorney provide advice, screen for merit, and determine crucial next steps for veterans to move forward with their legal issue(s).

Available opportunities: N/A

To sign up email Diana (include date(s) of interest)

EXPUNGEMENT (RECORD CLEARING)

At this virtual clinic, individuals with a criminal record meet with an attorney(s) to review their record to determine if they are eligible to seek an expungement under the NJ statue. Non-attorney work with volunteers to help run public access searches (via internet) and complete Records Requests on behalf of clients who need more supporting documentation to determine eligibility.

Available opportunities: N/A

To sign up email Diana (include date(s) of interest)