News & Updates
In the bustling realm of Prudential Financial's Law, Compliance, Business Ethics and External Affairs department, Linda Dennis, an executive assistant with an impressive 27-year tenure, stands out as a beacon of giving back through pro bono and community service. Recognizing the incredible work Linda does ensuring access to justice for people experiencing poverty, Volunteer Lawyers for Justice celebrates and cheerleads her as our December 2023 Volunteer of the Month.
“Greg”* is a veteran who was referred by Community Hope SSVF to Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) for assistance with his debt relief matter. At the time of his referral to VLJ, Greg was living in a small shack with no running water or electricity, forcing Greg to depend on his “neighbors” for electricity via an extension cord.
At one point, Greg’s neighbors put their PSEG bill in his name, with Greg’s consent, but failed to make multiple payments. This resulted in a PSEG bill of $2,940.64 in Greg’s name that was ultimately sent to collections. This unpaid bill was the only thing preventing Greg from obtaining much needed housing assistance, thus forcing him to remain unsuitably housed.
In 2012, "Shonda"* underwent a medical procedure at a local hospital. Shonda received Charity Care and believed the bill to be fully covered because she was without employment. Sometime after Shonda's procedure, the hospital filed suit against her, but she never received notice.
Nine years later, in 2021, Shonda was blindsided by a bank levy of $872.86, all the money she had in her checking account at the time. In December 2021, Shonda came to VLJ's Debt Relief Legal Program (DRLP) clinic for help. In speaking with Shonda, VLJ learned that the hospital had obtained a default judgment against her years earlier for $4,079.33 and recently filed a motion to turn over funds. VLJ sprung into action and began representing Shonda. VLJ filed a motion to vacate the default judgment that was granted. Then, VLJ filed a motion opposing the levy that was also granted. Once the matter was reopened, in February 2022, VLJ filed an answer to the initial complaint that began the suit in 2012. Doing so allowed Shonda to finally be heard in court.
