VLN Expands Criminal Expungment Phone Advice

In February 2008, based on popular demand, VLN is expanding our criminal expungement phone advice service to occur twice a month, rather than once a month. Qualifying clients can speak to an experienced attorney to receive advice on how to expunge a criminal record. Clients interested in signing up to speak to an attorney should call the VLN client intake line at (612) 752-6677.

VLN launched our new weekly Civil Forms Workshop, which assists self-represented litigants in completing court documents. The most common forms we assist with are: Answers, Motions to Vacate, Garnishment Exemptions, Motions to Quash Garnishments, Collecting on Judgments (up to $5,000) and expunging criminal cases resolved in the client's favor. Law students and paralegals work on their computers to complete the forms (specifically designed for this workshop) under the supervision of volunteer attorneys. Clients walk out of the workshop with their completed forms and written instructions for next steps to take. This workshop has been popular with clients and volunteers both. Persons interested in signing up for Civil Forms Workshop should call the VLN Client Intake Line at (612) 752-6677.

In Fall 2007 VLN launched our new weekly Debt Buyer Defense workshop assists self-represented litigants answer lawsuits in which the plaintiff is a debt buyer. This workshop, designed and launched primarily by volunteer attorney Sam Glover, helps defendants raise important defenses to these suits, and especially against some of the exorbitant interest and attorneys fees requested by the plaintiffs. As with the Civil Forms Workshop, clients leave the service with completed paperwork and written instructions for next steps. This workshop has also been popular with clients and volunteers - both of whom see the tangible results of their time. Persons interested in signing up for Debt Duyers Defense Workshop should call the VLN Client Intake Line at (612) 752-6677.

Starting Fall 2007 VLN has expanded our phone advice services to include weekly or bi-weekly phone advice appointments on employment and creditor debtor issues. We also created a specific service for clients who wish to negotiate a payment plan with a plaintiff or creditor. Persons interested in signing up for phone advice should call the VLN Client Intake Line at (612) 752-6677.

VLN Wins Non-Profit Excellence Award!

On October 4th, 2006 VLN was awarded the Non Profit Excellence Award for a small non profit given by the Minnesota Council of Non Profits, MAP for Non Profits and Marquette Financial Services. The video of the award ceremony was featured on TPT Channel 17. Click here to download the 3 minute video that walks you through a day at VLN offices. (you will need Realplayer to view this file) A special thanks to our 2005 volunteers who made this award happen!

Last Updated: 2/27/2008