The Princeton Justice Initiative is one of several organizations participating in the national weeklong “Celebration of Pro Bono” under this year’s theme of “Voices of Democracy: Ensuring Justice for All,” which commemorates greater access to free professional services by “shining a light on the countless hours provided by individuals in the legal field to our most vulnerable citizens” from October 22 to 28, according to a press release.
PJI, described as “a social impact, legal aid, and public interest 501(c)3 nonprofit with a mission to alleviate poverty in Central Jersey,” kicks off the upcoming seven-day observance with an “informal, after-work meet-and-greet” in Princeton on Tuesday, October 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Nassau Inn at 10 Palmer Square East, Princeton.
PJI, based on Herrontown Road, became Pro Bono certified in early 2023, but was able to take on more cases by the end of this year thanks to grant funding from AmeriCorps, an independent government agency for national service and volunteerism, awarded back in June.
“The barriers our clients encounter in accessing legal aid seem insurmountable to them,” Lavinia Lee Mears-Parasole, the chair and co-founder of Princeton Justice Initiative, says. “They cannot afford private legal representation and either do not qualify for civil legal aid or must deal with the inadequate number of legal aid providers. We believe that there is a moral imperative — as well as constitutional and statutory obligations — to work collaboratively to increase access to civil legal aid, and to the basic resources needed for everyday survival.”
“The aim of the grant is to build organizational infrastructure at the same time we add lawyers,” PJI CEO Saul Petersen explains in a quote. “We have really simplified the on-boarding process and, for attorneys who are able to give us a few pro bono hours, we have used digital tools to all but eliminate the burden of paperwork. So they can do what they do best, which is to help people in New Jersey who are being denied justice.”
The press release continues that PJI has been able to recruit volunteers through its ShareFairs, a “dual purpose” event for “providing free community outreach services, as well as creating an environment where individuals curious about volunteer opportunities can chat with the staff.”
PJI holds both remote and pop-up ShareFairs to give people equal access to a range of resources, from legal advice to vaccines. The group’s latest ShareFair Community Resource Fair was held in partnership with AmeriCorps Seniors on October 14 in Manville.
“In addition to promoting PJI’s legal services, the ShareFairs provide us with an opportunity to engage volunteers outside the legal field,” Lisa Cimpko, the organization’s co-founder and director of client advocacy, adds. “If someone has mentorship expertise in an area that can be helpful to our clients, the AmeriCorps funding gives us the capability to expand in ways that leverage the skills of adults with a passion for giving back — maybe just for a couple of hours but, hopefully, more.”
Any attorneys interested in offering pro bono services are encouraged to call the Princeton Justice Initiative at 609-366-6186 or visit PJIHelps.org. For more information, contact AmeriCorps at AmeriCorps@pjihelps.org.
