Penfield Town Justice James Mulley has encountered cases on his eviction dockets with outcomes which could have been markedly different had the tenants been represented by legal counsel.
This prompted Justice Mulley to contact VLSP for ways in which VLSP and the Appellate Division, Fourth Dept. could collaborate in providing free legal representation in some of the town courts.
Discussions with several of the town court justices culminated in the successful launch of the new Tenant Town and Village Court Program, a partnership between the attorneys of the Appellate Division and VLSP.
On January 4th, seven volunteer attorneys joined VLSP staff in the building you see below: Irondequoit Justice Court at 1300 Titus Avenue.
With the help of pro bono services, three tenants at the Irondequoit Town Court avoided immediate eviction on Monday, with negotiations buying them from 2 weeks to 2 months to work out payment and relocation.
VLSP staff attorney Karen Chung is heading up this project which will include additional town courts in the future. VLSP staff paralegal Pauline Smith ensured everyone needing help was assisted as people arrived at the town court.
Craig Peterson, Alan Ross, Lisa Paine, Joe Dinolfo, Brittany Jones and Chris Larrabee were among the volunteer attorneys on hand Monday evening, when winter temperatures finally took hold – an especially tough time of year to face eviction.
Of four eviction cases on the town court docket, three of the tenants were delighted to have attorney representation, while one declined assistance.
“The one-on-one client contact reminds me why I do what I do,” said Alan Ross, Deputy Clerk of the Appellate Division, Fourth Dept.
“It’s also great experience for younger attorneys who will be looking for new employment after a couple years at the court,” added Sheila Gaddis.