Anniversary Celebrations

From a humble network of storefront offices in 1966 to our formidable statewide presence today, New Jersey Legal Services has grown to nearly 700 strong, with programs serving all 21 counties. With a dedicated and driven team of colleagues who have worked fearlessly along the way, New Jersey Legal Services has served millions of low-income people —lifting some from the horrors of poverty and, for others, helping make life more bearable. Sadly, there remains much work to be done, and many whom we have not been able to help, whether due to lack of resources or lack of available legal arguments or government assistance. But 55 years after Legal Services first opened its doors in New Jersey, we are still here today: fighting to ensure access to justice for all disadvantaged people; leveraging vast statewide experience, expertise, and resources; constantly innovating; and advocating vigorously for systemic and transformative change.

Fifty Years Advancing Justice: Legal Services programs are the primary vehicle by which society provides free civil legal services to people who could not otherwise afford it. This year, Legal Services programs in New Jersey commemorate 50 years of working to close the justice gap for disadvantaged individuals and families. Since our inception, we have handled over 2.4 million cases, represented nearly 8 million clients, and effected major changes in every area of law affecting people living in poverty.