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23 Years
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Free Legal Services for Low-Income Residents in Northern New Jersey
Northeast New Jersey Legal Services (NNJLS) is a nonprofit public interest law firm dedicated to ensuring equal access to justice for low-income residents of Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic Counties, New Jersey. Founded in 2003 through the merger of three local legal aid organizations, we specialize in civil legal matters where financial barriers often prevent individuals from securing representation. Our experienced attorneys and staff focus on housing, family law, consumer protection, and public benefits, while offering specialized programs for veterans, seniors, domestic violence survivors, immigrants, and individuals with HIV/AIDS. We combine direct legal representation with community education initiatives to empower residents to understand and assert their rights.

With offices in Hackensack, Jersey City, Paterson, and Union City, we serve urban and rural communities across a diverse socioeconomic landscape. Our commitment to justice is rooted in the belief that no one should face eviction, debt harassment, or family law disputes without legal support due to financial constraints. Through multilingual services and virtual outreach, we remove barriers to access while maintaining rigorous professional standards. Over 10,000 individuals annually benefit from our free legal assistance, reflecting our enduring mission to bridge the justice gap in Northern New Jersey.
Services
Housing Legal Assistance Family Law Representation Consumer Protection Public Benefits Advocacy Veterans Services Immigration Support Senior Legal Aid Disaster Relief Legal Help Education Rights Advocacy Expungement Services
Details
  • Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
  • We have over 20 years of combined experience through our merged agencies dating to the 1960s.
  • Our staff includes specialized attorneys for veterans, seniors, and domestic violence survivors.
  • We serve four office locations with multilingual support for diverse communities.
  • Our community education programs empower residents to understand legal rights.
  • We handle over 10,000 cases annually with proven outcomes in civil legal matters.
What people say
Prevented eviction Secured child custody Resolved debt issues Accessible multilingual staff Empowering education programs
Services
Housing Legal Assistance
We provide legal representation for tenants facing eviction, unsafe housing conditions, and landlord disputes. Our attorneys help clients understand lease agreements, security deposit laws, and fair housing rights. This service ensures stable housing through court representation and negotiation with landlords.
Family Law Representation
Our family law team assists with custody arrangements, child support, domestic violence protection orders, and divorce proceedings. We prioritize children's welfare while helping clients navigate complex legal systems. Services include court filings, mediation, and emergency legal interventions for at-risk families.
Consumer Protection
This service combats predatory lending, debt collection harassment, and fraudulent business practices. We represent clients in disputes over credit reporting errors, identity theft, and unfair debt collection tactics. Our goal protects consumers' financial stability through legal advocacy and education.
Public Benefits Advocacy
We help clients secure essential public benefits including SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, and disability claims. Our advocates assist with application processes, appeals, and hearings to ensure access to critical income support programs. This service addresses systemic barriers to social safety nets.
Veterans Services
Specialized legal support for veterans includes expungement of criminal records, benefits claims, and housing assistance. We address unique challenges faced by service members through partnerships with veteran organizations. Our team understands military service's legal implications and connects clients with tailored resources.
Questions
Who qualifies for free legal services?
Residents of Bergen, Hudson, or Passaic Counties with income at or below 125% of federal poverty guidelines qualify for our services.
What areas of law do you handle?
We specialize in housing, family law, consumer protection, public benefits, immigration, and veterans' issues through our core programs.
How do I apply for legal assistance?
Apply online through our website or call (973) 523-2900 during business hours to determine eligibility and submit required documentation.
Do you offer services in multiple languages?
Yes, our staff provides services in English, Spanish, and several other languages through interpreter partnerships.
Can I get help with immigration cases?
We assist with citizenship applications, green card renewals, and certain immigration relief programs for eligible clients.
Are walk-in consultations available?
All four office locations welcome walk-ins during regular business hours for initial intake assessments and referrals.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Nicolina Triliegi
Nov 11, 2021 Report
So Mr Gabe Fox turned out to be so much more then I expected. Well technically, he did his job!!! And then some. Most of us are used to huslers that we don't even know what a good Lawyer looks like. I had to for a time use an other Lawyer and after that exsperiance I was doing everything I can to get back to Mr Fox. I could absolutely tell how much research whent into the game plan he suggested for my case, Backed up always by proper law. My old real estate account in NYC many years ago was Sherman and Sterling. I know Lawyers! He really was exceptional. The organization seemed also vary professional
T. G.
Oct 23, 2021 Report
Northeast NJ Legal Services has a few great lawyers on their team. I have won two different cases with two different lawyers from this office. They were very knowledgeable and determined to get me exactly what I needed. If you need representation, reach out to them. Initially youll most likely get their voicemail. They usually respond to voicemails within a business day.
Victoria Cepeda
Aug 21, 2021 Report
I have been working with their Jersey City office and it has been a lot of work. Over a year now and my moms bankruptcy case hasnt been filed yet. First we were told it was due to COVID (closures) but now that the court services have resumed the excuse for delays is that they file five cases at a time. If one of the files is incomplete, the others sit until heaven and earth meet In hindsight, should have filed directly with the court since my mom is a senior. Avoid working with paralegal Marvin Evertz He is in hurry to respond or expedite anything (called and spoken to him 4x in the
Salwa Ahmed
Jul 30, 2021 Report
Hi . I am salwa Ahmed - when I get the letter from SSA about stapping my benefits started July 2021 because I 'am over resorse . I didn't know what that means. I called legal service ask for help. After short time Victoria called me and I mat her next day in the office in Hackensack. She explained everything in letter . The way when she was talking gives feel that I'm in good hands. After She mead copy.

She told me how and wher I go even directions. always call SSA making 3 way call and many Tim waiting more than 45 minutes with no luck some time. When the ssa worker's answers Victoria was so patient
Ilir Januzi
Jun 22, 2021 Report
I found myself in a very stressful situation in the last year, and I did not know where to turn. I had been recommended attorneys but none seemed like the right fit. I was so relieved when I came across this firm. Since the first moment I called them, they have been so helpful and knowledgeable. Thanks to Gabe Fox He is the man! Went above and beyond. He followed up with me, called me just to make sure I'm doing okay, every single question of mine is always answered in a quick and thorough way. He really made my situation a lot easier to handle mentally because I know he had my back and I can rely
Ruben Garcia
Mar 13, 2021 Report
I took advantage of this service for the first time and the truth left me very surprised by the quality of service that this agency offers, my most sincere thanks, especially to Angela Rodriguez, excellent person with a huge heart. God bless you all.