Volunteer Lawyers for Justice believes access to free civil legal services has the power to change lives. As more people achieve just outcomes, families grow stronger, communities become more stable, and the legal system becomes more equitable. This is especially the case when neighbors are able to expunge criminal records, opening doors once thought closed. Better said by a VLJ ReLeSe (Reentry Legal Services) Program client:
“I was living in a shelter at the Rivera Hotel in Newark, NJ and Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) set up a table and came in talking to all of us just trying to see if there was anything that they can help with. Within, a couple of minutes of talking to VLJ they offered to help and at that moment, I had hope. They made me feel like there was a way out of my circumstances. I was homeless, no money, no job and living in shelters. Despite that, I wanted to try to broaden my work experience and go for a security guard job but the woman at security was kind of enough to explain to me that I would not be able to due to my record. With my record now being expunged, I hope to further my education and pursue employment.
Working with VLJ has been an incredible and unbelievable experience. To meet with a community of volunteers that were so upbeat, pleasant, kind, patient, and professional was just truly unbelievable. It was really life-changing to see a community of volunteer lawyers to come together and advocate for someone who they never met before. VLJ gave me calmness just by noticing how calm you guys were made me calm. I can’t express my thank yous to VLJ. My experience with you guys has been so incredible that even if my expungement was not granted, even if it did not go through I would have nothing bad to say I would still be grateful because I got to experience this incredible service with VLJ. I always try to recommend you guys, and one thing I tell people is that it may not happen for you like it did for me, but still try to reach out to VLJ to see if there is anything that they can do. I feel so enlightened, blessed, and I am rejoicing. Thank you VLJ!”