Message from New Executive Director, Geraldine Gruvis-Pizarro | |
As the new Executive Director of the Volunteer Lawyers Project, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to lead this extraordinary organization. Stepping into this role is both a humbling challenge and an exciting privilege, and I am inspired every day by the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and partners.
This season, as we reflect on the work ahead, I am proud to affirm that VLP continues to stand firm in our mission: ensuring meaningful access to justice for those who need it most. Together, we are not only providing critical legal services but also building stronger, more equitable communities. I look forward to working alongside all of you as we carry this important mission forward. Thank you for your continued support, passion, and partnership.
With Gratitude and Hope,
Geraldine
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2025 Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event
On a rainy September afternoon, VLP gathered for our much-anticipated Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event. We were honored to celebrate our remarkable volunteer community and to mark the retirement of our Executive Director, Joanna Allison, who is concluding an extraordinary 32-year tenure at VLP.
We are proud to announce our 2025 award-winners:
- Pamela Kogut, Esq. — Denis Maguire Award
- Kevin Finnegan, Esq. — Judge Edward M. Ginsburg Gideon’s Trumpet Award
- Steven Greenzang, Esq. — Yvette C. Mendez Award
- Joanna Allison, VLP Executive Director — Joanna Allison Legacy of Service Award
Our heartfelt thanks go out to every volunteer who makes VLP’s work possible, and especially to our Awardees for the outstanding contributions they have made to our mission.
2025 Annual Event Photos
2025 Annual Event Program Book
2025 Annual Report
| Dorothy Anderson Steps Up to the Plate at LFD Clinic | |
A woman came to our “Lawyer for the Day” Housing Clinic seeking assistance with an eviction case. She was paired with our pro bono attorney, Dorothy Anderson, who immediately took the case. The client explained that her landlord was accusing her of repeatedly refusing maintenance access to her unit; an allegation she strongly denied. In fact, the client said she had withheld rent because of persistent, unresolved habitability issues which the landlord failed to address.
After listening attentively to the distress this potential eviction was causing the client, Attorney Anderson prepared a strong defense and represented her in court the very same day. During trial, on cross-examination, the building manager and maintenance worker contradicted themselves on numerous details and provided inconsistent testimony. Thanks to Attorney Anderson’s thorough preparation and sharp advocacy, the eviction case was dismissed with prejudice, meaning the client may remain in her home.
Her work not only safeguarded the client’s housing stability but also pushed the necessary repairs into motion. Thank you, Attorney Anderson, for your unwavering commitment to our mission and to the clients we serve!
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Senior Facing Bankruptcy Finds Relief with ERLI's Assistance
“It always feels good to help clients; it’s cases like these that reminds me how impactful our work is.”
-Briana Saint Pierre
In September, a senior facing bankruptcy called the ERLI helpline seeking guidance and support. Overwhelmed by financial stress, she believed that filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy was her only option.
Briana Saint Pierre, ERLI Intake Specialist, screened the client for services and quickly realized she was collection-proof—meaning her income and assets were protected from collection. Briana provided brief advice to help the client understand what that meant for her situation and suggested other avenues, such as consulting a credit counselor. She then referred the client to VLP’s Bankruptcy Unit, where an attorney offered an advice call that ultimately eased the client’s fear and sense of urgency around filing for bankruptcy.
Briana reflected, “At first the client wasn’t fully reassured, but once she received advice and additional resources from the Bankruptcy Unit, I could hear her stress and anxiety ease over the phone.”
Thanks to Briana’s empathy and the collaboration between ERLI and VLP’s Bankruptcy Unit, the client left the call with clarity, options, and a renewed sense of relief. The ERLI team continues to make an impact by listening deeply, advocating fiercely, and helping clients find stability during their most difficult moments.
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This Pro Bono Month has been jam packed with both old and new volunteers getting involved with VLP, starting with our New Volunteer Orientation at the beginning of the month, where we hosted 28 attorneys and law students interested in learning more about our volunteer opportunities. VLP also hosted WilmerHale and Kirkland at our Family Law and Guardianship and Appeals clinics, where they made a tremendous impact helping our clients and assisting our staff. VLP also attended Pro Bono Fairs at Boston University, Boston College, and Suffolk University where we were able to connect with law students about how they can get involved in VLP, and the importance of legal aid. At VLP, our work is powered by volunteers, so this month and every month, we thank them for their support of our mission to increase access to justice.
| | Year-to-Date Community Impact | | Join Us for an Upcoming Clinic | | |
Join us for an Upcoming Training
Consumer Debt Defense Training
Monday, December 1, 2025
12:00 pm- 1:30 pm
Zoom
This training will help explain to volunteers how to defend indigent clients being sued for credit cards in small claims and civil court.
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Litigation in Action: Navigating Your Trial Step by Step
Thursday, January 15, 2026
12:00 pm- 5:00 pm
Boston Bar Association
You’re ready for trial, you’ve got your witness list, and you know who the other side is calling to the stand… but then what? How do you craft an effective opening statement or a powerful closing argument? What should you ask on direct examination, and how do you skillfully cross-examine the other side’s witnesses? How do you get your evidence admitted and keep theirs out?
If you’ve ever wondered about these questions, this training is for you! Join us for an interactive session designed to strengthen your litigation skills. Experienced attorneys and judges will walk you through each stage of a summary process trial in housing court, share practical examples, and then give you the opportunity to put your new skills into practice.
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Spring 2026 Internship Opportunity at VLP
Our Spring 2026 Internship Application is still open! If you know or are a student looking to make a difference in your community while gaining hands-on legal experience, this position is for you.
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Discounted MCLE Vouchers for our Volunteers
We offer discounted training vouchers to those who volunteer with us, reducing the cost of MCLE trainings to $35. Email us to request your voucher today.
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VOLUNTEER with us.
Join our expansive network of dedicated professionals today!
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