Volunteer Lawyers for Justice Names Patton Boggs LLP as its "October 2011 Pro Bono Law Firm"

With Help of Volunteer Attorneys, Non-Profit Provides Access to Equal Justice Within Legal System to Low-Income Individuals in N.J. End Quote

Newark, NJ (1888PressRelease) November 23, 2011 - Established in 2001, Newark, N.J.-based VLJ provides comprehensive legal services to economically-disadvantaged adults, children, and families in New Jersey. Programs include free legal counsel and advice, educational seminars on various legal matters, and direct representation for at-risk individuals facing critical civil legal issues.

In keeping with its strong dedication to pro bono work, Patton Boggs has most recently partnered with VLJ to provide counsel and advice and limited scope representation at VLJ's Newark Legal Advice & Resource Clinic for Consumers (NLARCC), which was created in response to the growing number of debt collection cases filed against low income debtor-defendants in New Jersey.

"Our volunteer attorneys have been providing much-needed legal assistance to our clients of NLARCC. More specifically, Erin Kahn, Kristi Midboe Miller, Catherine Pushchak and Ora Sheinson have aided more than 30 individuals who desperately needed guidance in their special civil matters," said Karen Sacks, Esq., founding executive director of VLJ. "We wish to thank Patton Boggs for the contribution of its attorneys' valuable time and expertise, its resources, and unremitting support."

VLJ's Continued Need for Volunteer Attorneys

Since its founding in 2001, VLJ has grown tremendously from a grass-roots effort of 30 volunteer attorneys in Essex County to a state-wide, non-profit with more than 1,500 volunteer attorneys now aiding thousands of low-income clients each year. In order to continue this essential work, VLJ is in constant need of volunteer attorneys.

VLJ is an approved legal services provider of the New Jersey Supreme Court. This designation allows certain court costs and filing fees to be waived for VLJ's clients, enables VLJ volunteer attorneys to claim an exemption from mandatory pro bono assignments after 25 hours of voluntary service, and provides the opportunity for out-of-state attorneys to volunteer with the program. Frequently recognized for its contributions to the community, VLJ received the "Community Builder Award" from the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice in 2008 and was the 2007 recipient of the New Jersey State Bar Association's "Annual Pro Bono Award."

Please visit VLJ's web site at www.vljnj.org to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

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