April is Second Chance Month
April 14, 2026
Your Chance to Help VLJ Clear Criminal Records
April is Second Chance Month and the demand for expungement relief has never been higher.
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ)'s ReLeSe (Reentry Legal Services) Program, New Jersey Survivors Justice Project, and Veterans Legal Program urgently need attorney volunteers to help eligible clients prepare and e-file their expungement petitions. There are 16 clients currently waiting for life-changing legal relief—read below about why they need your help this month.
Why Your Advocacy Matters
Criminal records often create a "permanent punishment" that disproportionately impacts minority communities:
100 million U.S. adults have a criminal record, the same number as those with a college degree.
Nationally, Black Americans are incarcerated at 5 times the rate of white Americans. In New Jersey, Black adults are 12 times more likely to be incarcerated than white adults.
90% of employers, 80% of landlords, and 60% of colleges use background checks to screen applicants.
Change a Life (Including Your Own)
Clients regularly express how pro bono has changed their lives. As one client shared, "I will be 40 years old in April and I needed a fresh start. It's like I have a clear conscience again. I can pursue more job opportunities and I am currently in school and I graduate in September so I just want to say thank you to VLJ!"
Volunteers also find expungement work to be particularly meaningful. ReLeSe Program volunteer Melissa Sarsten Polito said:
“Serving VLJ clients is helpful to me both personally and professionally. Personally, it keeps me grounded in the lessons of my own journey—gratitude, resilience, and responsibility—and reminds me why advocacy matters. Professionally, it sharpens my lawyering by expanding my problem-solving perspective, deepening client empathy, and ensuring that my skills are consistently put to work for those who need them most.”
How You Can Help
VLJ’s pro bono opportunities include neighbors and community members who are ready to move forward in their lives, but need your help to make it happen. Review all clients currently awaiting pro bono placement at vljnj.org/pro-bono-opportunities.
This month, please join us for Second Chance Month (also National Volunteer Month, so perfect timing!) to help a client clear their criminal record. Prior expungement experience is not required, and VLJ provides comprehensive training and mentorship, malpractice insurance, and an exemption from Madden assignments (for those who volunteer at least 25 hours in a calendar year).
Ready to help a neighbor move forward? Review our available pro bono opportunities via the link below or email Emerald Sheay at esheay@vljnj.org to get started.
Thank you for generously giving your time and talent to deliver free civil legal help that protects rights, expands opportunity, drives economic mobility, and strengthens communities!