NJ Legal Services System Offering Free Sandy Help

New Jersey's legal services system has opened at least 400 cases related to issues arising from Superstorm Sandy.

Melville D. Miller Jr., the president of Legal Services of New Jersey, says people whose homes were damaged by the storm are in need of legal assistance. But many cannot afford it.

Miller's group is the coordinating organization for the state's legal services system. It offers free counsel.

Miller says people need help navigating issues with banks, landlords and insurance companies.

Other people are looking for recourse after having shoddy work done by a contractor.

Miller said in some cases contractors demand money up front, then skip town.

Legal Services of New Jersey received a $550,000 grant from the Robin Hood Foundation in December. The money helped pay for additional staff.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)