apply for FREE LEGAL help today!
Ayuda Legal Gratuita - Para obtener ayuda en español, comuníquese con VLJ al
(973) 645-1955
You will be asked for information about your household’s income and property
Some VLJ programs are open to anyone in the state, while others are limited to specific counties
Until you sign a retainer agreement with a VLJ attorney, you are responsible for meeting all deadlines in your legal matter
vlj can help with
For more information about specific VLJ programs and legal areas, please click the below squares. If you need help with something else, please visit NJ 211 or call 2-1-1.
VLJ CAN ALSO HELP THE FOLLOWING POPULATIONS
If you identify as one or more of the following, you should contact VLJ immediately to see if we can help you with your legal issue(s).
EVICTION DEFENSE
VLJ’s Tenancy Program - If you are an Essex County tenant facing eviction and you have an upcoming trial date or are waiting to be given a trial date, you may be eligible to speak to an attorney about your case. Essex County tenants facing eviction can call (973) 943-4754 between 10 and noon on Mondays or register for our advisory clinic held at 10AM on Wednesdays.
Services are currently limited to Essex County tenants only.
Consumer debt defense & filing for bankruptcy
VLJ’s Debt Relief Legal Program - Get free legal help with lawsuits for unpaid bills, debt collection cases in the Special Civil Court, and bankruptcy.
To be screened for eligibility and apply for services, call VLJ at (973) 645-1955 or apply online by clicking on “Online Intake Form” below.
To learn more about your rights, the following legal seminars are made available by VLJ. All that’s required is a device and Wi-Fi.
CRIMINAL RECORD EXPUNGEMENT
VLJ’s Reentry Legal Services (ReLeSe) - Get free legal help with expunging eligible New Jersey criminal records.
Intake for new applicants is currently on hold.
education law issues
VLJ’s Children’s Representation Program - Parents and guardians can get free legal help to:
make sure children in need of special education services are getting the necessary services in school,
respond to children being harassed or bullied at school, and/or
respond to children facing discipline issues.
The first step is to complete an application by calling the Education Law Center at 973-624-1815 x 30 or Disability Rights New Jersey at 800-922-7233 or 609-292-9742. These organizations will talk to you about your issue and determine if you have a legal issue that should be referred to VLJ’s office for services.
To learn more about your rights, the following legal seminars are made available by VLJ. All that’s required is a device and Wi-Fi.
divorce
VLJ’s Divorce Program - Get free legal help with certain types of divorce cases in New Jersey.
Intake for new applicants is currently on hold.
To learn more about your rights, the following legal seminars are made available by VLJ. All that’s required is a device and Internet access.
families in newark’s south ward
VLJ’s South Ward Promise Neighborhood Program - Get free legal help with certain civil legal issues impacting residents of Newark’s South Ward.
VLJ is a member of Newark’s South Ward Promise Neighborhood Program. Newark’s South Ward includes the following zip codes: 07108, 07112, 07114. Parents and guardians who live in the South Ward, and/or have children who attend school in the South Ward can access free civil legal help through VLJ.
To be screened for eligibility and apply for services, call VLJ at (973) 645-1955 or apply online by clicking on “Online Intake Form” below.
TRAFFICKING SURVIVORS
VLJ’s New Jersey Trafficking Survivors Legal Assistance Program - Get free civil legal help for victims/survivors of human trafficking in New Jersey.
To be screened for eligibility and apply for services, call VLJ at (973) 645-1955 or apply online by clicking on “Online Intake Form” below.
veterans
VLJ's Veterans Legal Program - Get free legal help for certain civil legal issues that impact veterans, including criminal record expungement, driver’s license restoration, bankruptcy, consumer debt defense, eviction, child support modification, and estate planning.
NOTE: We are not able to help with the following types of legal issues:
VA benefits or military discharge upgrades
Active criminal cases
Municipal court cases
VeteransGuide.org is an initiative founded by the Disability Advocate Group, LLC. We provide comprehensive educational materials and direct access to a panel of expert counselors and legal professionals in collaboration with the National Advocates for Veterans Disability Assistance, LLC (NAVDA).
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice provides this for informational purposes only and does not endorse or otherwise have responsibility for/ownership over the information on VeteransGuide.org.