The Justice Gap:
In Essex, there are over 290,000 low-income residents who are financially eligible to receive ENLS services. Last year, ENLS, using staff and pro-bono volunteers, provided free legal assistance in civil law matters to over 3,000 households. Thousands of other eligible households went unserved because of ENLS's very limited resources. Thus, involving members of the private bar in the delivery of legal assistance to low-income people is a key component of ENLS' access to justice mission.
Volunteers
Attorney Volunteers - Private Attorney Involvement (PAI) Program:
The Private Attorney Involvement (PAI) Program provides to local attorneys the opportunity to donate their time and expertise to help low-income residents with a civil legal problem. Pro-bono attorneys provide services to those who may otherwise have gone unserved due to ENLS funding limitations. If you are a private attorney and interested in learning more contact us at [email protected] or register online at PROBONONJ. If registering online, be sure to select �get started,� and then �Essex-Newark Legal Services�.
Attorneys who participate in the PAI Program and provide 25 hours of service to clients earn an exemption from mandatory municipal court assignments. In addition, PAI attorneys are eligible to participate in legal training provided by Legal Services of New Jersey, which can be used to meet mandatory CLE requirements. More importantly, attorneys participating in the PAI Program know that their time and experience helped an individual or family in dire need of civil legal assistance.
In house Volunteers
ENLS is proud to host those who wish to donate their time at ENLS's office. Law graduates and student interns are mentored by experienced staff attorneys in a well supervised and structured setting. Student volunteers assist staff attorneys throughout the legal process from client intake through court appearance. ENLS will work with the student and his or her school to help the student obtain funding or earn class credit for their internship activities.
Those interested in internship opportunities should send their resume, along with a cover letter to:
Jose Ortiz, Deputy Director
Essex-Newark Legal Services
5 Commerce Street, 2nd Floor
Newark, New Jersey 07102
[email protected]
Paralegals
Volunteer paralegals are welcomed. Volunteering is an excellent way to gain legal experience.
Other Volunteers
ENLS welcomes individuals and groups who wish to volunteer their time to make a difference. Individuals and groups who are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities at ENLS should e-mail [email protected] or call 973-624-4500.
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