VLP will be conducting trainings aimed at helping volunteer attorneys bring a civil case on behalf of a tenant plaintiff seeking damages and remediation of severe substandard housing conditions. Examples of these conditions include long-standing code violations affecting health and safety, mold, bed bugs, rodent infestations, structural issues, and lack of heat or other utilities.

These cases not only help the individual client, but also help to improve the quality of housing units to many of our low-income clients.

The training will be an introduction to bringing a civil case including; common causes of action, developing your evidence, demand and presentment letters, filing the complaint, and conducting discovery. Sample pleadings and motions will be made available as well.

This training will be followed by a second training focusing on trial skills and practical matters needed for a civil trial in housing court.

Lunch will be provided.