Volunteer at CJLS

Volunteer attorneys help CJLS expand access to justice. Their work strengthens families, communities, and the civil justice system. They are an integral part of our mission and help CJLS reach more clients seeking fair and just outcomes in their legal cases.

Volunteer Attorney Program

With support from our legal and administrative staff, CJLS volunteer attorneys provide quality direct legal services to those who would otherwise be without representation.

CJLS needs attorneys who will accept one, two, or three cases per year on referral from our offices. The cases are mainly in the areas of family and consumer law, as well as housing, expungement, public benefits, and health. There are opportunities in many case types and we will work with you to determine the areas of law in which you desire referrals. Once determined, our staff will only refer clients whose legal problem matches your preferred area of expertise.

Benefits of being a Volunteer Attorney for CJLS:

Volunteer attorneys are covered by our malpractice insurance.
Volunteer attorneys are eligible for free CLE-approved training from Legal Services of New Jersey.
Volunteer attorneys may be exempt from Court required pro-bono assignment.

We need Your Help

Low-income people are going to court without essential representation. The Justice Index scores states on how they provide residents with access to the justice system. New Jersey ranks just 31st in access to attorneys for those who cannot pay.

There is just 1 legal aid attorney for every 10,000 low-income people in the state. When faced with a legal problem, most low-income New Jerseyans must go to court without legal help. That puts them at a disadvantage from the start.

Pro Bono Volunteers help CJLS to expand our capacity and help more people in need. With your help, we can move closer to keeping the promise of Justice for All.

To become a Pro Bono Volunteer, contact
Zaida Cruz, Patti Carrington, Pro Bono Coordinators at 732-249-7600
zcruz@lsnj.org, pcarrington@lsnj.org

Our Mission

Central Jersey Legal Services’ (CJLS) mission is to provide high-quality, free civil legal assistance to support families, preserve homes, and maintain economic stability for low-income residents of Middlesex, Mercer, and Union Counties. CJLS provides legal representation for individuals and families in need.

We do this work to ensure that low-income clients are treated with fairness and dignity in the resolution of their civil legal problems. CJLS attorneys and paralegals support families fighting for better, safer housing, stable, supportive family relationships, and financial security sufficient to lead healthy, independent lives. The participation of volunteer private attorneys is a critical piece of our mission. Your contributions make it possible for us to help many more people and expand the areas of law where we can help.