VLJ Continues Free Legal Aid Clinics in Monmouth and Ocean Counties for Victims of Superstorm Sandy

NEWARK, N.J. - Nov. 5, 2013 - PRLog -- In November and December,Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (http://www.vljnj.org/) (VLJ) will continue holding free legal aid clinics in Monmouth and Ocean Counties for New Jersey residents dealing with legal issues directly related to Superstorm Sandy. The clinics are part of VLJ's Disaster Legal Response Program (http://www.vljnj.org/index.php?page=disaster-legal-response) (DLRP), which also includes extended representation and a statewide, toll-free phone number staffed by volunteer attorneys.

In Monmouth County, clinics are being held at Brookdale Community College at One Crown Plaza in Hazlet on the following Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.:

November 15
December 13


In Ocean County, clinics will take place at the Brick Presbyterian Church at 111 Drum Point Road in Brick on the following Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.:

November 8
November 22
December 6
December 20


At these free legal clinics, VLJ's volunteer attorneys provide counsel, advice and/or limited scope assistance to participants. Matters often include insurance, housing or landlord/tenant issues, contractor disputes, and FEMA appeals. Volunteers at the clinics have included attorneys from McCarter & English LLP, Patton Boggs LLP, UBS, Citi, Duane Morris LLP, Gibbons PC, Jackson Lewis LLP, and Morgan Lewis. Clinic participants should bring all relevant documents, such as correspondence with FEMA, insurance policies and correspondence with insurers, mortgages and recent mortgage statements, and leases and correspondence with landlords.

Clinics are also being held in Bergen County. A regularly updated list of clinic dates is available at http://www.vljnj.org/.

All Sandy victims with legal issues in New Jersey stemming from the storm, regardless of their income and assets, are eligible to meet with a volunteer attorney at the legal clinic for advice and/or brief service. Clients needing extended representation are screened for financial eligibility, and VLJ will attempt to locate a volunteer attorney for those who qualify.

VLJ's DLRP also includes a statewide, toll-free phone number - (855) 301-2525. Intake staff is available to answer calls on Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will screen cases for potential placement with volunteer lawyers. Callers may also leave a message on the hotline after hours and receive a prompt call-back from a VLJ volunteer or staff member to address their issues.

VLJ is a state-wide 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation based in Newark. 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.