Volunteer Lawyers for Justice
2 credits.
Prerequisites: Minimum 2.6 cumulative GPA

Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) is a comprehensive pro bono program for New Jersey housed at the law offices of McCarter & English, LLP in downtown Newark. VLJ refers cases of indigent clients to volunteer private attorneys recruited to the program in addition to operating a number of courthouse clinics. Areas of law include family, housing, consumer and special education law. Students will gain exposure to each of these areas and work directly with VLJ clients and volunteer attorneys. Besides offering very flexible hours and a collegial atmosphere, VLJ offers the ideal candidate an opportunity to contribute to the success of this comprehensive center for New Jersey. VLJ externs develop significant contacts with attorneys from both public interest firms and private law firms throughout New Jersey.

The student extern will work under the supervision of VLJ's staff attorney and Director of Pro Bono Services. The student will work on VLJ's pro se clinics. Through the clinics, the student will interview prospective clinic clients, attend the clinics and meet with clients to provide legal assistance and prepare court papers under the supervision of a VLJ volunteer attorney, prepare court documents including motions, complaints, court orders and other court papers, and make court appearances, if a third year, or observe court appearances, if a second year. Students will also perform legal research to assist VLJ volunteer attorneys with court papers.

For more information on externship application procedures and deadlines, please visit the Career Services section on myLAW (the Blackboard portal).