Pro Bono
How can private attorneys help Central Jersey Legal Services?
A little of your time can make a big difference in the life of a very
low income person or a struggling family. Simply by contributing your
professional and legal skill to resolve a person’s critical legal
need, you can make a real difference. Why not join colleagues who already
are volunteering
their service throughout central New Jersey? It is simple, it is easy
and it is also most satisfying and very rewarding work.
Why is my help necessary?
National and state research, most recently Legal Services of New Jersey,
LSNJ, document and confirm that the very low income residents of this
State have significant and substantial unmet legal needs. An organization
like Central Jersey Legal Services can help meet SOME of this need. However,
if all of the region’s poverty population, over 120,000 according
to the 2000 census, is to be served, we need to do better. We need the
help of additional legal professionals and that is where you can help.
In response to this need, bar associations in the region and lawyers
came forward to work with local legal services offices to better serve
the region’s very low income population. Since the mid-1980’s
private attorneys have represented hundreds of clients in resolving significant
legal problems which were adversely impacting their life and their families.
We are seeking your help in this collaborative effort.
How can I participate? How does the program work?
Our Pro Bono program needs attorneys who will accept one, two or three
cases per year on referral from our offices. The referrals are mostly
in the areas of family law, consumer law or other specific area of the
civil law. We will work with you to determine the area, or areas of the
civil law which you desire referrals. Once determined, our staff will
only refer clients whose legal problem matches your preferred area of
expertise.
Before you receive a referral, the Legal Services office will complete
client financial eligibility and determine that the client’s
legal needs is both consistent with office policies and is a match
to your case preference. If you wish, staff will even prepare a short
case issue outline, highlighting cogent facts. Should you desire, Legal
Services will be happy to host you and your client for their first
meeting and staff will be available to assist in interpreting or any
other way you wish.
Worried about professional liability issues? Not a problem, you will
be covered under malpractice insurance maintained by CJLS.
OK, I’m
sold - how can I become a volunteer attorney for Central Jersey Legal
Services?
It is easy and simple. Simply contact CJLS by e-mail,
telephone or regular mail, request an application and we will do our
best to get you enrolled and started on your first case as quickly as
possible.
The volunteer attorney effort at CJLS is organized under two
guiding principles. One is the professional responsibility of pro bono
publico,
attorneys working for the public good. The other, is simply lending
a hand to people facing legal difficulties which require a lawyer’s
help to resolve. If you decide to join the program, not only will you
earn the lasting gratitude from your client, you will also receive
appreciation from other volunteer attorneys and, most certainly, from
all of us at Central Jersey Legal Services.
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