VIP promotes equal justice for the poor by providing civil legal services not otherwise available, collaborating with other legal services organizations and promoting a culture of volunteerism by educating and exposing attorneys and law students to issues of poverty.

As a matter of principle and civic responsibility, Philadelphia VIP believes that access to the legal system should be ensured for all residents and businesses in Philadelphia. More than 24% of Philadelphia’s citizens fall below the poverty line. For most families, this means a daily struggle for employment, family stability and shelter. These individuals and families also are disproportionately involved in the legal system, forced to engage with the courts to secure their basic human needs. Individuals and families who are denied access to justice are at risk for losing their income, connections to their family and their home. Moreover, for the growing number of citizens for whom English is a second language, self-representation is, at best, difficult and frustrating. VIP promotes equal justice for the poor by providing civil legal services not otherwise available, collaborating with other legal services organizations and promoting a culture of volunteerism by educating and exposing attorneys and law students to issues of poverty.

Child abuse expungement
Civil forfeiture
Consumer issues
Domestic relations