Northeast New Jersey Legal Service

Our Mission

At Northeast New Jersey Legal Services (NNJLS), our mission is to ensure equal access to justice for residents of Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic Counties, New Jersey, who are experiencing poverty. We believe that no one should be denied a meaningful opportunity to have their day in court simply because they cannot afford a lawyer. To achieve this mission, we provide free legal assistance to those in need, focusing on the areas of housing, consumer, family, and public benefits.

Our Services

We are a private non-profit public interest law firm that provides free legal help in civil (non-criminal) matters to underserved individuals and families experiencing poverty. Our experienced attorneys and support personnel work to ensure that our clients do not lose their housing due to eviction or foreclosure; that they are not harassed by debt collectors or victimized by unfair business practices; that they and their families have fair custody and support arrangements in the event of separation or divorce; and that they can receive the public benefits and other forms of income support they need to maintain their independence and meet their daily needs.

We also have specialized programs in place to address the legal needs of vulnerable populations, including, but not limited to, veterans, seniors, survivors of domestic violence, survivors of sexual assault, students, immigrants, persons living with HIV or AIDS, individuals formerly incarcerated who now face legal barriers to re-entry, individuals experiencing homelessness, and residents experiencing poverty with federal income tax issues.

Why We Exist

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere, - Martin Luther King Jr. Our existence is a response to the increasing demand for legal assistance by people who cannot afford private attorneys. Our history dates back to the 1960s, when concerned attorneys and legislators realized the need to provide funding for legal services organizations and began forming non-profit organizations dedicated solely to providing legal assistance for the impoverished. Over the years, we have grown and evolved to meet the changing needs of our community.

Who We Serve

We provide free legal assistance to residents of Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic Counties experiencing poverty, including seniors, persons living with a disability(ies), and persons experiencing homelessness. Due to limited funding, we cannot serve all those who come to us for help. If we cannot provide you with legal assistance, we will try to refer you to local agencies where you may be able to receive the help you need.

Get Involved

At NNJLS, we believe that equal access to justice is a fundamental right that requires the collective effort of our community. We invite you to join us on our mission by volunteering, donating, or spreading the word about our services. Together, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.