We have several opportunities for non-Lawyers to get involved with VLJ and make a difference!
Providing access to free, quality legal services to low-income communities is paramount. VLJ needs all types of volunteers to help us meet the demand and live up to our mission to ensure access to justice for people experiencing poverty.
While volunteer attorneys provide valuable legal advice and services to VLJ clients, our clients and staff need help with much more! Perhaps you want to volunteer your time to work with VLJ clients one-on-one to help them complete paperwork and interpret for non-English speaking clients, or maybe you have a skill or passion that you’d like to use to accelerate VLJ’s mission.
We need all the help we can get, and we are so thankful to everyone who takes the time to work with our team and join VLJ’s mission to create equal and fair access to legal services, regardless of income or status.
PLEASE NOTE: VLJ’s non-attorney program is need-based, meaning we are not able to provide consistent ongoing volunteer hours or opportunities. Additionally, most volunteer opportunities are virtual using email, phone, and Zoom.
How to get started:
Review our various volunteer roles below,
Read our program FAQs, and if you want to sign up to volunteer,
submit a Non-Attorney Volunteer Form.
Newly submitted interest forms are reviewed every few weeks. Eligible non-attorney volunteers will be contacted (by email) and provided further information, resources, and current opportunities.
VLJ staff will then periodically reach out by email to see if you are interested and available to assist on a particular matter based on the information you provided on your Volunteer Form (interests, availability, etc.). Registered volunteers can also review opportunities on their own.
BILINGUAL VOLUNTEER
Are you passionate about increasing equal access to justice and speak a second (or third) language? Then consider joining VLJ as a Bilingual Volunteer! As the number of individuals seeking free legal services continues to grow and diversify, it is important to VLJ that we continue to meet the needs of everyone. VLJ is currently able to provide limited translation/interpretation services, but we need more help. Not only is navigating the legal system confusing, but VLJ’s clients are asked to provide some very personal information so we can provide the assistance they need. Having the ability to share their story with someone who speaks their native language is imperative. Volunteering your time to help interpret for non-English speakers seeking free legal help with VLJ is so meaningful.
Experience required: No experience required, but must speak a language other than English, maintain high level of confidentiality, and commitment to serving vulnerable people.
Time commitment: Varies (2 - 15 hours) per client; depends on the clients’ level of need and complexity of legal issue.
ADMINISTRATIVE VOLUNTEER
Are you a non-attorney professional or student who is passionate about social justice and expanding access to legal services for low-income communities? Then considering joining VLJ as an Administrative Volunteer! While VLJ provides free legal services, much of the work involves interviewing clients, completing paperwork, requesting records, scheduling appointments, and providing wraparound assistance. As an Administrative Volunteer with VLJ, passionate individuals are paired with one VLJ client at a time to help them move forward in their case with VLJ. You may be asked to collect information from a client, help them complete forms, or collect and submit documentation to VLJ.
Experience required: No experience required, but must maintain high level of confidentiality, and commitment to serving vulnerable people. VLJ staff work to appropriately pair volunteers with clients based on their experience and interests.
Time commitment: Varies (2 - 15 hours) per client; depends on the clients level of need and complexity of legal issue. A volunteer is never paired with more than one client at a time.
OTHER SKILLS VOLUNTEER
Are you passionate about giving back and have some specialized skill(s)? Then considering joining VLJ as an Other Skills Volunteer! Individuals who are professional photographers, graphic designers, filmmakers, writers, social media gurus and more can help increase the visibility of VLJ and expand access to legal services for NJ residents.
Experience: No experience required, but must maintain high level of confidentiality.
Commitment: Varies per assignment.