An eviction isn’t a one-off event. Beyond the impact the legal proceeding can have, trying to find a new place to live with an eviction on public record makes it nearly impossible, which is why tenants facing eviction often try to find a way to avoid a judgment of possession being entered against them so their future housing prospects aren’t cut off.
In early 2026, Ada* was behind on rent and struggling with ongoing mental health challenges following a violent incident at work. Without employment and navigating anxiety, she now had to manage another challenge: her landlord filing for eviction. Adding to the stress, Ada couldn’t afford an attorney, and in a state where 97% of tenants face an eviction without one, Ada’s experience was the unfortunate rule and not the exception. Yet Ada wasn’t giving up. She found an organization that might be able to help, so she reached out. Hoping this was a turning point, Ada soon experienced another challenge: she was not able to make decisions on or actively participate in her case even though she was the one at risk of losing her home, leaving her more frustrated than ever. This wasn’t the help she wanted or needed.
With a determined spirit, Ada found her way to a Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) Tenancy Program legal clinic. During her meeting with pro bono attorneys, Ada was advised on her options: move out prior to the court hearing with VLJ preparing a request to dismiss based on her vacating the property or, if she was unable to move out within that time, prepare and offer her landlord an agreement to move out. Fortunately, Ada secured new housing so she opted to move out before the hearing and submit a request to dismiss to avoid an eviction judgment being entered against her. To ensure Ada’s plan to move with a dismissal was granted, Staff Attorney Nina DePalma took her case to see it across the finish line. As with any negotiation, there was back and forth between the landlord’s attorney and Nina, but the evening before trial, Nina shared the good news with Ada that the eviction was going to be dismissed. Ada was able to move out and avoid an eviction judgment that would limit her future housing options.
In looking back on her experience with VLJ, Ada said it was a big relief for her, sharing:
“Before VLJ, it was me and ChatGPT against the world. The tenancy clinic was very helpful. I felt like I was getting the information I needed to get through the situation, and it was a big turning point for me. I was able to move out. The day before court Nina reached out to let me know we might not have court. Later that day she called me saying we wouldn’t have to go.
The reason why I had such a good experience with VLJ was because I was looking to be more informed. I didn’t get that at the other organization. With all the attention that was put into my case at VLJ, I didn’t feel like I was another person to be dealt with. I was in a vulnerable position at the time and fatigued from back-to-back compounding challenges. After meeting with VLJ, it changed how I view lawyers. I used to be intimidated and feel dumb. With Nina and everyone I worked with at VLJ, it made me feel like I got my power back. I felt very included in the progress of my case and that made all the difference. The service VLJ is providing is really important and I wish more people knew about it.”
Having moved out and now in stable housing, Ada is focused on healing with renewed hope for the future.
Providing civil legal services is only part of ensuring access to justice. Listening to, caring for, and empowering clients, that’s when access to justice really happens.
*Client’s name has been changed to protect their privacy.
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