FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9, 2025
CONTACT
Eric W. Hughes
Director of Communications
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice
(973) 233-5724
ehughes@vljnj.org
American College of Bankruptcy Foundation Continues Commitment to Volunteer Lawyers for Justice and Access to Justice with New Grant
Newark, NJ – Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free civil legal services in New Jersey, is pleased to announce it will be receiving a $10,700 grant from the American College of Bankruptcy and the American College of Bankruptcy Foundation (ACBF). This latest grant marks another year of support from the ACBF for VLJ's Debt Relief Legal Program (DRLP), allowing the organization to continue addressing the complex financial challenges facing communities across the state.
The DRLP is a cornerstone of VLJ's mission to ensure access to justice for people experiencing poverty, working to move families trapped in financial crisis toward stability and financial freedom. Many individuals seeking VLJ's help are overwhelmed by rising debt, facing aggressive harassment from debt collectors, or even being sued over questionable claims. In response to the persistent need for civil legal aid, the DRLP provides legal services across New Jersey, ensuring geographical distance does not become a barrier to justice for those needing bankruptcy counsel and debt relief guidance.
Through its regular legal clinic, the DRLP assists self-represented litigants navigating lawsuits in Special Civil Part and screens clients for eligibility for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The program also tackles consumer debt issues, including crippling medical debt, credit card debt, and back rent. Beyond direct client services, the DRLP is a significant promoter of pro bono work, training and mentoring volunteer attorneys to offer in-demand legal help—from bankruptcy screening to creditor negotiation and, in certain cases, extended litigation representation. Ultimately, the DRLP works tirelessly to ensure poverty is transitory and defines no one.
This newest funding from the ACBF builds upon years of partnership, including a grant received last year. This ongoing support has been transformative in enhancing VLJ's capacity to serve clients facing debt-related legal challenges. The continuous investment from the ACBF is not just financial support of VLJ, it is a powerful investment in equitable access to justice and resilient communities throughout New Jersey.
“The American College of Bankruptcy Foundation is proud to award a grant to Volunteer Lawyers for Justice,” said Norm Pernick, Chair of the College’s Pro Bono Committee. “VLJ’s mission to ensure access to justice for individuals experiencing poverty aligns closely with our values and purpose. We are grateful for the important work they do and wish them continued success in 2026.”
Of the continuing partnership and grant, Cathy Keenan, Executive Director of VLJ, remarked, "We are profoundly grateful for the continued commitment and generosity of the American College of Bankruptcy and the American College of Bankruptcy Foundation. Their consistent support is essential for our Debt Relief Legal Program to function and allows our dedicated staff and volunteer attorneys to make a tangible difference in the lives of our clients. With the high cost of living and persistent inflationary pressures in New Jersey, access to quality, free civil legal services for those struggling with debt and unscrupulous collection practices is more crucial than ever. This renewed confidence from the ACBF ensures VLJ can continue fighting for financial equity, stability, and justice."
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About the American College of Bankruptcy Foundation (ACBF)
The American College of Bankruptcy Foundation was established to promote the ends of justice through educational and charitable activities. Its missions, focused in the areas of bankruptcy and insolvency, are: sponsorship and encouragement of legal research, publications and forums; The American College of Bankruptcy Foundation’s mission is to support and fund activities and programs in the areas of bankruptcy and insolvency consistent with the goals of the American College of Bankruptcy, including fostering the institution and maintenance of legal aid services for the indigent; the establishment of scholarships and grant awards; the sponsorship and encouragement of legal research, publications and forums; and the promotion of diversity, equity and inclusion within the organization and across the insolvency profession; the establishment of scholarships; providing for the collection and maintenance of data and documents for scholarly research; and fostering the institution and maintenance of legal aid facilities for the indigent. The Foundation provides support to pro bono legal service programs providing assistance to an increasingly diverse and evolving number of communities across the entire United States. To learn more, please visit www.americancollegeofbankruptcy.com/foundation.
About Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ)
VLJ is an award-winning, comprehensive nonprofit legal services program based in Newark, NJ, with a statewide reach. VLJ's mission is to ensure access to justice for people experiencing poverty. The Newark-based organization ensures fair access to the legal system through partnerships with corporations and hundreds of volunteer attorneys. In 2024, VLJ’s work impacted nearly 4,500 people—including 1,661 children—and its volunteer attorneys donated $2.2 million in free legal services. Connect with VLJ on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.