South Jersey Legal Services

- 47 Newton Ave, Woodbury, NJ 08096

In a world where legal challenges can be complex and expensive, having access to quality legal assistance is not a privilege, but a fundamental need. For many individuals and families in New Jersey, particularly those with limited income, the high cost of legal representation can be a significant barrier to seeking justice and resolving critical issues. South Jersey Legal Services (SJLS) exists to bridge this gap. As a non-profit organization, SJLS is dedicated to providing free legal representation and advocacy to low-income individuals in civil matters. Their mission is to empower the community by ensuring that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, has the opportunity to navigate the judicial system and achieve justice. The Woodbury office serves as a vital resource for Gloucester County and the surrounding areas, offering a lifeline of support for those who need it most.

The work of South Jersey Legal Services is about more than just legal documents; it's about providing a path to stability and security for the most vulnerable members of our community. The organization's focus on civil legal matters, such as family law, housing, and public benefits, directly addresses the issues that have the most significant impact on people's daily lives. While the provided client reviews for a specific assigned attorney highlight some personal frustrations, they also underscore the fact that SJLS is a service that operates on a pro bono basis and is often the only option for people who cannot afford a private lawyer. The sentiment expressed, "he wasn't being paid so I guess money motivates alot of people...however, satisfied with the efforts contributing to her case and outcome," speaks to the challenging nature of legal aid work while also confirming that, despite the personal dynamic, the firm’s efforts ultimately led to a satisfactory result. The fact that the case reached a positive conclusion is a testament to the organization's commitment to its mission, regardless of the individual circumstances. This dedication to achieving a favorable outcome, even under challenging conditions, is a core strength of SJLS.

South Jersey Legal Services operates as part of the larger Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ) network, which has been providing essential legal aid for over 50 years. This affiliation means that the Woodbury office is part of a broad and well-established system, with access to a wealth of resources and expertise. The organization's mission is to "empower low-income individuals to access the judicial system so they will achieve the greatest possible measure of substantive, procedural and economic justice." This guiding principle is at the heart of every case they take on. They handle a diverse range of civil matters, including consumer issues like bankruptcy and debt collection, domestic violence restraining orders, and landlord-tenant disputes. By focusing on these critical areas, they help clients maintain housing, protect their safety, and secure their financial future. The service provided is a lifeline for many, offering not just legal representation, but also hope and a path toward a better life.

Location and Accessibility

South Jersey Legal Services is conveniently located at 47 Newton Ave, Woodbury, NJ 08096, USA. This central location in Gloucester County makes the office an accessible resource for residents throughout the region. The organization is well-prepared to serve all members of the community, offering a wheelchair accessible parking lot and a wheelchair accessible restroom, ensuring that individuals with mobility needs can visit the office comfortably and with ease. It is important for prospective clients to remember that appointments are required to receive services. This policy ensures that a qualified legal professional is available to provide undivided attention to each individual’s specific case. By requiring appointments, the office can maintain an organized and efficient system for serving the high volume of clients who rely on their assistance. A restroom is available for client convenience on site.

Services Offered

South Jersey Legal Services provides a wide array of civil legal assistance and representation, specializing in matters that affect low-income individuals. Their services include:

• Consumer Law: Assistance with bankruptcy, debt collection, credit issues, and foreclosures.
• Housing Law: Legal representation for landlord-tenant disputes, including evictions, lockouts, and habitability issues.
• Family Law: Handling cases involving divorce, child custody, visitation, and domestic violence restraining orders.
• Public Benefits: Helping clients navigate the complexities of public benefits programs, including denials and terminations.
• Elder Law: Providing wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives for senior citizens and disabled individuals.
• Education: Assisting with special education matters.
• Employment & Unemployment: Offering legal counsel on employment and unemployment issues.

Features / Highlights

Several key features make South Jersey Legal Services a vital resource in the New Jersey community:

• Free Legal Assistance: The organization provides free legal services to low-income individuals who meet eligibility requirements, removing the financial barrier to justice.
• Dedicated to Civil Matters: Their specialization in civil law allows them to focus on the legal issues that most directly impact the lives of their clients, such as housing, family, and public benefits.
• Community Focus: SJLS is an integral part of the South Jersey community, with a strong mission to empower individuals to achieve justice.
• Accessibility: The Woodbury office is equipped with a wheelchair accessible parking lot and restrooms, making it a welcoming space for all clients.
• Holistic Support: While the provided reviews touch on the interpersonal aspect, the ultimate positive outcomes demonstrate the firm's dedication to achieving favorable results regardless of the circumstances.
• Part of a Larger Network: As a member of the Legal Services of New Jersey network, SJLS benefits from a robust support system and a wide range of resources.

Contact Information

Address: 47 Newton Ave, Woodbury, NJ 08096, USA

Phone: (856) 848-5360

What is worth choosing

For individuals in New Jersey who find themselves in a challenging legal situation and are unable to afford a private attorney, South Jersey Legal Services is an invaluable resource. What is truly worth choosing about this organization is its powerful and unwavering commitment to equal justice. They do not turn people away simply because they cannot pay; instead, they provide high-quality legal representation and advocacy to those who need it most. While the provided reviews are frank about the personal challenges of the attorney-client relationship, they ultimately confirm that the legal services provided led to a successful outcome. This is the core of what SJLS offers: results-oriented legal assistance that empowers clients to overcome their legal hurdles. By choosing South Jersey Legal Services, you are not only getting professional legal representation, but you are also gaining an advocate dedicated to helping you achieve stability and justice in your life. Their focus on the most critical civil matters, coupled with their long-standing presence and expertise in the community, makes them an essential and trustworthy partner for those seeking a path forward.

South Jersey Legal Services

47 Newton Ave, Woodbury, NJ 08096, USA