VLJ’s EXPUNGEMENT CLINIC - Sign up

The Paper Prisons Initiative reports that approximately one in three adults in the United States have a criminal record. VLJ’s Expungement Clinic provides an initial opportunity for individuals with a New Jersey criminal record to assess their eligibility for expungement, the legal process that seals records related to criminal charges or convictions.

During the clinic, volunteer attorneys meet with clients one-on-one to review their public records and, utilizing New Jersey’s expungement statute (N.J.S.A. 2C:52-1 - 32), determine eligibility for expungement. Attorneys then communicate their findings and provide legal advice regarding subsequent steps.

Volunteers are encouraged to help eligible clients file their expungement petition with the court after their clinic appointment.


Important notes for potential volunteers:

  • Volunteers must make every attempt to be available for the full 3-hour virtual clinic window. Partial coverage impedes VLJ's ability to provide timely services and ensure a good client experience. 

  • Submitting the form below does not guarantee you a volunteer spot. Your volunteer spot will be confirmed by a calendar invite sent from VLJ. Sign ups are on a first come, first serve basis and if a slot is full we can include your name on our waitlist.

  • All new volunteers are required to submit a New Volunteer Form before arriving at the clinic; if incomplete, you will be turned away and unable to volunteer.

  • CANCELLATION NOTICE krobinson@vljnj.org ASAP.

click to review clinic schedule
click to sign up to volunteer!

2026 clinic schedule

  • Tuesday, January 12 from 1 - 4 pm
    16 volunteer spots available

  • Tuesday, February 9 from 1 - 4 pm
    16 volunteer spots available

  • Tuesday, March 9 from 1 - 4 pm
    16 volunteer spots available

  • Tuesday, April 13 from 1 - 4 pm
    16 volunteer spots available

  • Tuesday, May 11 from 1 - 4 pm
    16 volunteer spots available

  • Tuesday, June 8 from 1 - 4 pm
    16 volunteer spots available

  • Tuesday, July 13 from 1 - 4 pm
    16 volunteer spots available

  • Tuesday, August 10 from 1 - 4 pm
    16 volunteer spots available

  • Tuesday, September 14 from 1 - 4 pm
    16 volunteer spots available

  • Tuesday, October 12 from 1 - 4 pm
    16 volunteer spots available

  • Tuesday, November 9 from 1 - 4 pm
    16 volunteer spots available

  • Tuesday, December 14 from 1 - 4 pm
    16 volunteer spots available

expungement clinic - 2027 sign-up

INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEERS
PRO BONO COORDINATORS (GROUP SIGN UPS)

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

  • Flexible volunteering. If dedicating 3-hours at once (or Tuesday generally), do not work with your schedule, please consider providing pro bono services to clients outside of the limited-scope clinic setting.

    Whether or not you have prior experience in expungement, VLJ provides training and support outside of the clinic setting for volunteers who cannot attend clinics and still want to provide this life changing service to individuals seeking a fresh start. Reach out to VLJ Staff Attorney, Emerald Sheay (esheay@vljnj.org), for more information about your interests/availability.

  • VLJ partners. If you work with ADD PARTNERS HERE in addition to completing this form, please make sure your internal pro bono coordinator is aware of your interests/availability in volunteering with this VLJ clinic.