VLP is Fully Functioning, and Doing It Remotely!
VLP will continue operating remotely for the foreseeable future, but rest assured that we are operating at full capacity.
While putting safety first, we have not sacrificed quality! Our clinics, trainings, and other events are still going strong. Read more below!
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We went remote
. Are we still providing meaningful access to justice?
While it seemed a near-impossible set of hurdles to overcome to become a fully remote office, the answer has proven to be a resounding: Yes, we can, we have, and we are.
The VLP staff made this transition as seamless as possible for our clients, volunteers, and one another. Here's how!
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Virtual get-togethers with our volunteers and upcoming substantive trainings keep our volunteers engaged and informed, while virtual group lunches keep our staff connected to each other. We have also launched a way for clients to apply for legal assistance online with our
Online Application for Legal Services
, which has already seen quite a bit of success.
Every single day there are new people reaching out to us ready to help in any way they can. VLP's work has received attention from other organizations too, and even news outlets like WGBH!
One example of this came when a legal clinic in Michigan reached out asking for VLP's input on creating new programs. They commended VLP's track record, methods, and mission, and they asked for advice on how they can emulate these practices in their own organization. This is a tremendous compliment to VLP! Board Member Stuart Rossman said it best when he responded to the news:
"Over 40 years ago the ABA helped to create VLP as a demonstration project that could serve as a model for other communities and here we are still fulfilling our founding principle. [Our founder] Esther Lardent would be proud. I know that I am!"
The key piece to all of these accomplishments is all of YOU! Without your dedication and support, VLP would not be what it is today. Thank you!
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Pro Bono Housing Case Win
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Recently, a VLP housing client had a tremendous win in his case thanks to
Skadden Attorney Benjamin Jiang
!
The client, a single father of two children, had been living in his apartment for a little less than a year. During that time, he faced ongoing issues with bad conditions, including no heat, a leaky roof, and a rodent infestation. There were also issues with the landlord entering the client’s apartment without permission and the landlord’s dog attacking the client’s son. Attorney Jiang accepted the case pro bono and fought hard for the client. In the end, Attorney Jiang, with mentorship from
VLP Staff Attorney Amy Anthony
, was able to secure a
$15,000 payment
for the client in waived rent and a cash payment!
Attorney Jiang’s win is an incredible example of how an attorney can change their client’s life. The client expressed his gratitude when he wrote to Attorney Anthony, stating,
“This was such a difficult, scary and dark time for my sons and I and because of your willingness to help, and your gracious heart, we came out victorious and we were able to establish a great new life! Thank you, thank you, and thank you!”
VLP is very fortunate to have volunteers like Attorney Jiang fighting for the rights of the underrepresented!
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COVID-19 Help and Legal Updates for Attorneys
It's hard for clients to keep track of the ever-changing legal landscape that the pandemic has brought with it. It can be hard for attorneys too! That's why we've done our best to assemble and maintain a collection of resources and updates.
MassProBono
and
VLP's COVID-19 Help Page
are living libraries of information and resources. We will continue post updates as needed, so make sure to check them out!
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MassProBono
In tech news, the VLP-led website
MassProBono
has been the subject of conversation lately. MassProBono strives to be the state's one-stop-shop for all things pro bono. On MassProBono, organizations and individuals alike request to list their pro bono opportunities, promote legal trainings and events on the shared calendar, post cases in need of pro bono help, and more!
The SJC (Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court) recently created a committee around the pro bono response to COVID, and the committee has expressed interest in boosting MassProBono's visibility. The hope is to make pro bono resources more available to the legal community. We are working closely with the committee to plan a state-wide campaign to boost the usage and awareness of the site.
Be sure to visit
MassProBono
to see volunteer opportunities around the state!
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Remote Civil Appeals Clinic
Our Civil Appeals Clinic is up and running remotely!
Every Wednesday from 12pm-4pm, VLP, along with APBCo (Association of Pro Bono Counsel) firms and volunteers, offer an advice clinic for clients with appeals questions. This clinic has been incredibly successful for years, and we are happy to continue offering this service remotely.
Our call center, ERLI, performs the intakes by phone or screens the online intakes. A call is then scheduled between our client and a volunteer attorney, where the attorney answers questions, completes research, and may even help with document drafting. Some of these cases even go on to be full representation appeals cases!
Without the help of our volunteers offering their time and energy, so many clients would not have any support as they navigate the process of appeals.
Thank you to everyone who worked to make this a reality!
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Clients Helped During COVID-19
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Since March 13th, our call center has helped
more than 400 new clients
by providing them with either information & referrals or with legal assistance.
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Meanwhile, our staff and volunteer attorneys have accepted
over 170 new cases
since the start of the stay-at-home order!
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It hasn't been an easy time, but there have been so many tremendous efforts by you, our volunteers, to make sure justice never falls through the cracks.
Now more than ever, we can all be proud to be part of such an impactful organization.
Thank you for all that you do!
Stay happy and healthy, VLP family!
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Thank You to Our Partners and Sponsors:
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