VLSP’s Debt Collection Defense and Bankruptcy Clinics Need Volunteers Community Service
By Heather Tiffee, VLSP Asst. Program Manager - Client Services

In April 2003, Voluntary Legal Services Program began what was expected to be a simple addition to the Debt Collection Defense Clinic. Twice a month, on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, individuals who pre-qualified for services could attend the Bankruptcy Clinic. Over the course of about one month, clients received the assistance of experienced bankruptcy attorneys in filling out the complex and often confusing Chapter 7 Petitions.

As each month passed, more and more Debt Collection clients were seeking to alleviate their financial problems through bankruptcy, while others just needed to stop the constant harassment that was worsening their health. This upward trend has continued, and the number of people served at each clinic continues to grow.

Over the past year, the addition of the Bankruptcy Clinic has proven to be a huge success, helping over 50 low-income individuals in the Sacramento and surrounding areas to file with the bankruptcy courts. Many of those who have completed this process have indicated that their lives and financial stability have greatly improved. The never ending phone calls and letters from creditors have ceased, restoring peace of mind, and most have a better understanding of what happened, how credit works, and what they need to do now to avoid such hardships in the future.

VLSP would like to take this opportunity to say “THANK YOU” to all of the attorneys and students who have so generously volunteered their time and efforts. The Debt Collection Defense and Bankruptcy Clinics would not be possible without your assistance and dedication. The clinics are, however, always in need of more volunteers, especially those experienced in the defense of lawsuits, bankruptcy, and general debt collection issues. Volunteers do not need prior experience, as VLSP is willing to help train any volunteer who is willing to help.

For further information, about the Debt Collection Clinic or the Bankruptcy Clinic, please contact Alysa Meyer, VLSP Staff Attorney, at (916) 551-2106 or at ameyer@vlsp.org.

Below you will find a list of the MCLE trainings provided by VLSP later this year, including those relevant to debt collection. Further information about these trainings, and about VLSP in general, can be obtained through our website: www.vlsp.org.

MCLE CLASSES:

Answering Debt Collection Lawsuits - Tuesday, September 14, 2004, 5:30-7pm. Speaker: Alysa Meyer, Staff Attorney for VLSP’s Debt Collection Defense Clinic. Enrollment fees: $25 for VLSP volunteers; $40 for others.

Guardianship Procedure: Creating Alternative Families - Wednesday, September 15, 2004, 6-9pm. Speakers: Evelyn Skall, Esq, Sacramento Superior Court, Probate Division; Oneatha Herne, Court Investigator. Enrollment fees: $35 for VLSP volunteers; $65 for others.

Small Estate Administration - Monday, October 4, 2004, 12- 1:15pm. Speaker: Deborah Patterson, Esq., Webb, Patterson & Tapella. Enrollment fees: $20 for VLSP volunteers; $35 for others.

Basics of Simple Estate Planning - Saturday, October 16, 2004, 10-11:30am. Speaker: Jean C. McEvoy, Esq., Law Office of Jean C. McEvoy. Enrollment fees: $25 for VLSP volunteers; $40 for others. For further information about these trainings, or to enroll, please contact Denise Carroll at (916) 551-2153.