VLJ’s ReLeSe Names Pamela J. Minetto, Esq. as its "August Pro Bono Attorney of the Month"

Sept. 8, 2011 - PRLog -- Volunteer Lawyers for Justice's Newark Reentry Legal Services (ReLeSe) has named Pamela J. Minetto, Esq. of Bernardsville, N.J., as its "August Pro Bono Attorney of the Month." Minetto successfully represented a ReLeSe client in regard to a driver's license restoration case, lifting a 16-year suspension. She is an associate with Mound Cotton Wollan & Greengrass of Newark, N.J.

Established in 2001, Newark, N.J.-based VLJ provides comprehensive legal services to economically-disadvantaged adults, children, and families in New Jersey. VLJ's ReLeSe program assists ex-offenders with civil legal issues serving as barriers to successful community reintegration. Through direct in-house representation and referrals to volunteer attorneys, ReLeSe aids its clients with driver's license restoration, resolution of long outstanding municipal matters, modification of child support orders, and the expungement of criminal records.

Minetto's recent case for ReLeSe stemmed from a 1990 accident involving the client's uninsured car and a default judgment entered against him in 1993, the combination of which ultimately lead to the suspension of his driving privilege the following year. Despite previous attempts by the client and ReLeSe to negotiate a payment plan, the plaintiff insurance company, that had procured the Order for Judgment by Default, refused to consent to lift the suspension until the entire amount was paid in full. Minetto filed a motion with the court requesting relief either by vacating the default judgment or by establishing a reasonable payment plan while concomitantly lifting the 16-year suspension.

"Pamela successfully argued that the 16-year suspension had severely hindered our client's ability to obtain and maintain employment, and that the plaintiff's refusal to consent to license reinstatement had the effect of creating a virtual debtor's prison," said Gina DeVito, Esq., managing attorney of ReLeSe. "She secured a consent order, setting up a payment schedule and allowing for restoration of the client's driving privilege."

Minetto possesses more than 20 years of experience representing insurers in coverage actions and advising them on coverage issues involving third-party liability and property damage claims. Admitted to practice in New York, New Jersey, California, Washington and Nevada, she is also experienced in the areas of environmental and toxic tort defense. Prior to her career as a lawyer, she was a geriatric and psychiatric social worker.

"Pamela's tireless efforts on behalf of ReLeSe have given our client a new lease on life," said DeVito. "We are extremely thankful for her dedication and the support of Mound Cotton."

VLJ's Continued Need for Volunteer Attorneys

Since its inception, 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 addition to ReLeSe, VLJ's programs include free legal counsel and advice; educational seminars on various legal matters such as consumer law, bankruptcy, family law, and special education; and direct representation for at-risk individuals facing critical civil legal issues. 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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About Volunteer Lawyers for Justice: Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) provides comprehensive legal services to economically-disadvantaged adults, children, and families in New Jersey to ensure fair and equal treatment within the legal system. 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. Established in 2001, VLJ has grown from a grass roots effort of 30 volunteer attorneys in Essex County to a state-wide 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with six staff attorneys and more than 1,500 volunteer attorneys providing free legal services to thousands of clients each year.