Organization Details:

Since its founding in 1990,the Brooklyn Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project, Inc. (the VLP) has maintained as its objective the practical realization of justice for the poor. The VLP maintains a standing commitment to the principle that the legal system will fail unless it is accessible to all. Recognizing that the Federal Poverty Guidelines for obtaining service from other legal service providers excludes many members of the working poor, the elderly and others, the VLP endeavors to make available pro bono counsel to such underserved residents of Brooklyn, New York.

Description and/or History:
Founded in 1990 as a committee of the Brooklyn Bar Association, the Volunteer Lawyers Project (the VLP) became an independent 501(c)(3)NYS non-profit in July 1992. Its mission is to provide high quality pro bono civil legal representation and advice and counsel from the private bar to poor and low-income residents of Brooklyn. It is governed by a 15 member Board of Directors; at the present time the staff consists of three attorneys and one non-attorney, the Pro Bono Coordinator. Each year, the VLP assists over 2000 persons, providing equal access to the legal system.

Contact people:

Jeannie Costello, Executive Director, (718) 624-5446, (email) James Slattery, Board President, (718) 780-0050, (email) Jessica Spiegel, Volunteer Manager, (718) 624-3894 ext 4), (email)

Address:

123 Remsen Street, 2nd Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201 (See a map)

Directions:

The 2,3,4,5,N, R and F subways are all conveniently located within 5 minutes of the VLP office in Brooklyn Heights, near the courts, government offices and Borough Hall. On the 2,3,4 and 5 the stop is Borough Hall; on. . . (more)