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.
The Power of Pro Bono - “Isaac"
Isaac* and his family faced uncertainty when their landlord attempted to evict them from their long-time home located in a three-unit building. Throughout their tenancy, the landlord would sporadically send them notices of nonrenewal, telling the family their lease would not be renewed because it is an owner-occupied property, yet the landlord continued to accept the family’s rent payments. Continuing the trend, the landlord sent a notice of nonrenewal urging the family to move out of their long-time home so the rent for the unit could be increased. After the landlord filed an eviction complaint against Isaac and his family—despite them not owing any outstanding money—Isaac turned to Volunteer Lawyers for Justice for help.
VLJ August 2023 Defender of Justice: Nina DePalma
In the heart of the legal world, where compassion and expertise meet, there's a bright star named Nina DePalma, Esq., who is a guiding light at Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ). In recognition of her achievements and commitment, Nina is VLJ’s August 2023 Defender of Justice.
Nina, a staff attorney in VLJ’s Tenancy Program, also serves as a fellow with the New Jersey Housing Justice Corps. Nina earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology of Law and Society from Moravian University and a Juris Doctor from Rutgers Law School-Newark (class of 2020). During law school Nina was an editor for the Rutgers Journal for Law and Public Policy, and had the privilege of addressing her class as their chosen commencement speaker. Nina also won the Sera Ramcharitar Memorial award at Rutgers Law, which is awarded to the student who excelled in work on behalf of the underprivileged, particularly women, children and families.