Volunteer Lawyers for Justice Names Susan McGahan as its January 2011 Pro Bono Attorney of the Month

Jan. 24, 2011 - PRLog -- Newark, N.J.-based Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) has named Susan McGahan, Esq. of Hanover Township as its "January Pro Bono Attorney of the Month." A general attorney of intellectual property law with AT&T Services, Inc. in Bedminister, McGahan spearheaded AT&T's newly established pro bono program, specifically the company's efforts with VLJ's Newark Legal Advice and Resource Clinic for Consumers (NLARCC).

"Susan played an integral role in cementing the relationship between VLJ and AT&T, and we can't thank her enough for that," said Karen Sacks, Esq., founding executive director of VLJ, which provides comprehensive pro bono legal services to economically disadvantaged individuals in New Jersey. "At our new consumer law clinic, Susan and her fellow attorneys at AT&T have been providing much-needed legal counsel and limited scope representation to self-represented debtors. We thank Susan and AT&T for their commitment to VLJ."

Established in 2001, VLJ has grown from a grass roots effort of 30 volunteer attorneys in Essex County to a state-wide not-for-profit with five staff attorneys and more than 1,500 volunteer attorneys aiding thousands of clients each year. 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 addition, VLJ's Newark Reentry Legal Services (ReLeSe) assists ex-offenders with civil legal issues serving as barriers to successful community reintegration.
New Consumer Law Clinic Combats Rise in Debt Collection Cases in Newark

This fall, VLJ established NLARCC in response to the growing number of debt collection cases filed against low-income debtor-defendants in Newark. Through NLARCC, VLJ attorneys such as McGahan help under-served individuals address a wide range of concerns. Those include law suits by creditors or debt collectors to recover alleged debts, credit report issues and discrepancies, garnishments of wages, harassing calls and letters on debts, and frozen bank accounts among others.

"Before VLJ's clinic started this fall, many low-income debtors did not know where to turn for help," said McGahan. "At AT&T, we are proud to partner with VLJ in assisting individuals dealing with overwhelming debt issues. I am also honored to be recognized by the organization for my efforts and look forward to continuing my work with VLJ."

The Essex County Superior Court hosts the consumer law clinic three times a month at the Hall of Records located at 465 MLK Boulevard in Newark. This enables debtors and their volunteer attorneys instant access to the documents they need through the court's electronic filing system. For more information about upcoming clinics, visit www.vljnj.org.

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." 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.

# # #

About Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ): 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 five staff attorneys and more than 1,500 volunteer attorneys providing free legal services to thousands of clients each year.