Free Legal Advice for Residents Affected by Sandy Offered in Brick

In November and December, Volunteer Lawyers for Justice  (VLJ) will continue holding free legal aid clinics in Ocean County for New Jersey residents dealing with legal issues  directly related to Superstorm Sandy.

The clinics are part of VLJ's Disaster Legal Response Program (DLRP), which also includes extended representation and a statewide, toll-free phone number staffed by volunteer attorneys.

In Ocean County,  clinics will take place at the Brick Presbyterian Church at 111 Drum Point Road in Brick on the following Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.:

• November 8
• November 22
• December 6
• December 20

At  these free legal clinics, VLJ's volunteer attorneys provide counsel,  advice and/or limited scope assistance to participants.

Matters often  include insurance, housing or landlord/tenant issues, contractor  disputes, and FEMA appeals.

Volunteers at the clinics have included  attorneys from McCarter & English LLP, Patton Boggs LLP, UBS, Citi,  Duane Morris LLP, Gibbons PC, Jackson Lewis LLP, and Morgan Lewis.

Clinic participants should bring all relevant documents, such as  correspondence with FEMA, insurance policies and correspondence with  insurers, mortgages and recent mortgage statements, and leases and  correspondence with landlords.

All  Sandy victims with legal issues in New Jersey stemming from the storm, regardless of their income and assets, are eligible to meet with a  volunteer attorney at the legal clinic for advice and/or brief service.

Clients needing extended representation are screened for financial  eligibility, and VLJ will attempt to locate a volunteer attorney for  those who qualify.

VLJ's DLRP also includes a statewide, toll-free  phone number - (855) 301-2525. Intake staff is available to answer  calls on Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will screen cases  for potential placement with volunteer lawyers.

Callers may also leave a  message on the hotline after hours and receive a prompt call-back from a  VLJ volunteer or staff member to address their issues.

VLJ is a  state-wide 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation based in Newark.

VLJ  provides comprehensive legal services to economically disadvantaged  adults, children, and families in New Jersey to ensure fair and equal  treatment within the legal system. Programs include free legal counsel  and advice, educational seminars on various legal matters, and direct  representation for at-risk individuals facing critical civil legal  issues.