Before even setting foot in a Torts or Contracts class, incoming 1Ls had the option during orientation to volunteer at a nonprofit. VLJ benefited from 4 such students who worked alongside staff attorneys. Then, in September, Cathy Keenan, VLJ's Director, introduced law students to the various legal clinics and pro bono opportunities available. This semester VLJ continues to host Rutgers law students interested in receiving pro bono credit or internship experience.

"Working at VLJ has provided me with experiences not normally available to law students," said Lisa Perri, a fall semester volunteer. "The staff listens and cares about what you want to get involved with and made a point to expose me to a variety of matters. As a 3L, under attorney supervision, I appeared in municipal court to advocate for clients resolving motor vehicle suspensions and in family court during default divorce proceedings." Upon graduation, Perri will join Morgan, Lewis & Bockius as an associate. "VLJ exposed me to different areas of law than what my practice will concentrate in," noted Perri, "and the skills I developed here will undoubtedly carry over and contribute meaningfully to my work at the firm."   

Lisa Perri, Rutgers Law 3L, during her volunteer hours at VLJ 

Rutgers Law Professor Taja-Nia Henderson actively incorporates skill-building components into her curriculum and offers students the ability to hone these skills by helping on a project in lieu of writing a final paper. Six students elected to spend 30 hours with VLJ's  program, ReLeSe, Newark Reentry Legal Services. Working in teams, the students represented 9 clients in overcoming driver's license suspensions stemming from outstanding municipal court matters, unsatisfied civil judgments, and surcharges owed to the Motor Vehicle Commission. On November 12th, 3L students appeared in Newark Municipal Court and successfully advocated on behalf of grateful clients. Abdullah Muhammad, represented by Nicole DeLaura, said he was elated by her assistance.  "With my lack of knowledge, insight and professionalism in submitting documents, it was so very, very important that I had her help. I was very touched and heartfelt that she put her best foot forward on my behalf."

Under the tutelage of Professor Jack Feinstein of the Urban Legal Clinic, students attend VLJ's monthly divorce and weekly consumer law clinics where they handle a number of responsibilities such as screening clients for program eligibility according to financial guidelines, observing attorney consultations, drafting pro se pleadings and reviewing supportive documents. "Students come to the clinics wanting to learn and they do a great job," notes Keenan. "Students frequently volunteer at a clinic multiple times per semester and help in any capacity where needed." 

Last year, Rutgers Newark began their Bankruptcy Pro Bono Project and VLJ referred 5 cases to the program.  This October, VLJ referred 15 clients to the project which pairs volunteer lawyers with law students to represent clients needing Chapter 7 bankruptcy assistance.  Approximately 40 students volunteered for this program and attended a full day bankruptcy training where the Honorable Morris Stern also spoke to them about the importance of pro bono legal assistance. Students work with a pro bono attorney and assist with client consultations, review client documents, prepare and file pleadings, attend trustee meetings, and ultimately obtain a discharge of the client's debt. The Bankruptcy Pro Bono Project fulfills a huge un-met legal need for low-income clients. Students in turn benefit from close interaction with a practicing attorney and the satisfaction of knowing that even early in their legal career, they have made an incredible difference in their clients' lives. 

VLJ thanks Rutgers law students and faculty for their wholehearted support of pro bono work and commitment to social justice and looks forward to our continued partnership.