๐๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ ๐ก๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐น ๐ฉ๐ผ๐น๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ ๐ผ๐ป๐๐ต!
At Volunteer Lawyers for Justice, volunteers are at the core of our mission to ensure access to justice for people experiencing poverty. They consistently and powerfully show up for our clients and communities, generously donating their time and talent to ensure justice is not limited to those who can afford it. While there are not enough days in National Volunteer Month to personally celebrate all our volunteers, VLJ is spotlighting a few who represent the incredible humans partnering with us to change lives.
VLJ March 2024 Volunteer of the Month: Misbah Fatima
For Volunteer Lawyers for Justice, we found a โpot of justice goldโ in the form of our March 2024 Volunteer of the Month, Misbah Fatima. Misbah is Director, Corporate Counsel within Prudential Financialโs Law, Compliance, Business Ethics and External Affairs department.
Misbah's journey into the legal profession began with a strong academic foundation, earning a B.A. in English and Jurisprudence, summa cum laude, from Montclair State University, followed by her law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law. Misbahโs dedication to the law extends beyond her day-to-day, serving as adjunct faculty at Montclair State University teaching courses in legal research and writing.
VLJ February 2024 Volunteer of the Month: Amara Conteh
From Washington, D.C., with love (for pro bono and ensuring access to justice).
Thatโs the spirit behind Volunteer Lawyers for Justiceโs February 2024 Volunteer of the Month, Amara Conteh. An associate at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Amaraโs enthusiastic embrace of volunteering her legal talent not only represents the firmโs dedicated partnership with VLJ, it demonstrates the transformative power one person can have even hundreds of miles away.
VLJ January 2024 Volunteer of the Month: Lynn Norcia
Lynn Norcia, Of Counsel with Starr, Gern, Davison & Rubin, P.C., stands as a shining beacon of compassion and justice for children and families. Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) is incredibly fortunate to count Lynn among our family of volunteers, and what better way to kick off a new year than to recognize her as our January 2024 Volunteer of the Month.
Lynn's journey with VLJ began in 2018, and since then, she has volunteered nearly 30 hours, providing much-needed pro bono legal help valued at over $8,000. While Lynn's introduction to VLJ remains a mystery, likely the result of a serendipitous email that made its way to her inbox, her desire to give back was always clear, and her altruistic spirit has seen her volunteer with VLJโs Divorce Program and South Ward Promise Neighborhood Program. Lynnโs firm, Starr, Gern, Davison & Rubin, believes that giving back to the community is an important part of its role as a leading law firm in Essex County and has been very supportive of her volunteer work.
VLJ December 2023 Volunteer of the Month: Linda Dennis
In the bustling realm of Prudential Financial's Law, Compliance, Business Ethics and External Affairs department, Linda Dennis, an executive assistant with an impressive 27-year tenure, stands out as a beacon of giving back through pro bono and community service. Recognizing the incredible work Linda does ensuring access to justice for people experiencing poverty, Volunteer Lawyers for Justice celebrates and cheerleads her as our December 2023 Volunteer of the Month.
VLJ November 2023 Volunteer of the Month: Natalie Dallavalle
In the world of corporate law, one may not always have the time to do pro bono. Yet, for Volunteer Lawyers for Justiceโs November 2023 Volunteer of the Month, pro bono service to others is her lodestar. This month, VLJ recognizes Natalie Dallavalle, Associate Counsel - Litigation with PSEG, whose selfless service for those who served is a testament to the power and impact compassionate people can have when they undertake pro bono. Natalie earned her bachelorโs degree in English and Political Science from The College of New Jersey and her Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University School of Law; Natalie is also a member of the New Jersey Women Lawyers Association.
As part of PSEGโs litigation group, Natalie represents the company on complex commercial and environmental matters, both individually and with outside counsel. Her work extends to environmental concerns, property, and contract disputes. She's the ultimate fixer, striving to ensure the lights stay on and the gas keeps flowing for the countless community members who rely on PSEG's services.
VLJ September 2023 Volunteer of the Month: Hillary D. Freeman
In our bustling world, there are unsung heroes who work tirelessly to champion causes that often go unnoticed, and through their efforts, plant the seeds for a better tomorrow. VLJโs September 2023 Volunteer of the Month is one such โgardener,โ harnessing the power of pro bono to ensure children have access to the services and support they deserve. This month, we cheerlead and honor the Hillary D. Freeman, Esq., a special education powerhouse and Founding Partner of Freeman Law Offices. Hillary received a Bachelor of Science in Corporate Communications and Politics from Ithaca College and a Juris Doctor from Widener University School of Law.
VLJ August 2023 Volunteer of the Month: Kaitlyn E. Stone
This monthโs VLJ Volunteer of the Month is no stranger to being recognized for their above and beyond contributions to pro bono and ensuring access to justice. Indeed, our August 2023 Volunteer of the Month was VLJโs Pro Bono Attorney of the Month in July 2017, and currently serves on VLJโs Board of Trustees (after having served as Co-Chair of VLJโs Generation Now Committee), giving a sense of just how dedicated and passionate they are. VLJ is thrilled to recognize Kaitlyn (โKateโ) E. Stone, Esq. as this monthโs Volunteer of the Month for her exceptional dedication to pro bono, VLJ, and helping New Jerseyans with their unmet civil legal needs.
Kate is a partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP, having joined the firm in September 2022. Kate's origin story began at the University of Rhode Island, where she earned a B.A., summa cum laude, in writing and rhetoric and in English language and literature. Kate served as a writing tutor in URIโs Writing Center and as an intern to the Provost during her undergraduate studies. Kate then earned her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Seton Hall University School of Law (class of 2013).
VLJ July 2023 Volunteer of the Month: Willard C. Shih
As New Jerseyโs housing affordability crisis continues, it is more important than ever to ensure tenants facing eviction have access to justice based on their merits and not their ability to afford an attorney. Fortunately for VLJ, our July 2023 Volunteer of the Month is a dedicated volunteer fighting to keep our Tenancy Program clients stably housed at home. This month, we celebrate the compassionate dedication and powerful impact of Willard C. Shih, Esq.
Having begun his legal career at a NYC โBig Lawโ firm, Willard is now a Shareholder at Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, P.A., a firm he has been with since 2001. His practice includes business and commercial disputes and representing law firms and attorneys in various claims involving professional negligence. Willard received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Relations from Columbia University and a Juris Doctor from Fordham Law. Additionally, Willard is a certified Civil Trial Attorney in New Jersey and a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.
VLJ June 2023 Volunteer of the Month: Cristina Baragona
There is a saying that veterans are generally the first to volunteer, so much like the veterans VLJ serves, our June 2023 Volunteer of the Month was one of the first volunteers when VLJ launched its Veterans Legal Wellness Clinic in 2017. For her compassionate dedication to serving those who served, VLJ honors Cristina Baragona, Esq. as this monthโs Volunteer of the Month.
Cristina is currently Assistant General CounselโCompliance, Employment, and Privacy at BASF. Prior to joining BASF, Cristina was an associate at Lowenstein Sandler. At BASF, Cristina is responsible for employment law and supporting HR and managers with matters ranging from recruitment, onboarding, employee issues, through retirement and resignations. In short, Cristina often sees the lifespan of oneโs employment journey at BASF. Cristina received a Bachelor of Arts in English and Political Science from Lehigh University and her Juris Doctor from Seton Hall Law.
VLJ May 2023 Volunteer of the Month: Jennifer Prioleau
Not too many volunteers are โHave bar license, will travel,โ but for VLJโs May 2023 Volunteer of the Month, thatโs the spirit of how she ensures access to justice, whether itโs from her home in New Jersey, corporate headquarters in Pennsylvania, or global headquarters in Germany. This month, VLJ honors Board Trustee and Secretary Jennifer Prioleau, Esq. as our Volunteer of the Month.
Jennifer serves on the executive leadership team of B. Braun Medical Inc. as Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Chief Compliance Officer & Corporate Secretary, where her primary responsibility is to lead all legal, compliance and governance functions. Jennifer earned a bachelor of arts from Tufts University in International Relations & Russian and a Juris Doctor from Northwestern University School of Law.
VLJ April 2023 Volunteer of the Month: Megan Williams
While the saying โApril showers bring May flowersโ exists, there is no rain on our parade as we recognize and celebrate VLJโs April 2023 Volunteer of the Month, Megan Williams. Megan is an associate at Lowenstein Sandler who joined the firm in January 2021. Megan was no stranger to Lowenstein as she was a summer associate during law school. Megan graduated with a B.A. cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh, and received her Juris Doctor from Washington and Lee University School of Law, where she was the managing editor of the German Law Journal.
VLJ March 2023 Volunteer of the Month: Kerrie R. Heslin
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) must be Irish, because we struck gold with our March 2023 Volunteer of the Month, Kerrie R. Heslin!
Kerrie is a Partner at Nukk-Freeman & Cerra, P.C., one of the largest labor and employment firms in the New York metropolitan area with offices on the nationโs east and west coasts. Devoting a majority of her practice to litigation and employment matters involving discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower claims, wage and hour and benefits issues on behalf of employers, Kerrie oversees the Firmโs litigation team of 18 attorneys. Kerrie received a Bachelor of Science in Finance/Marketing from Syracuse University, and she received her Juris Doctor from Seton Hall Law. Kerrie is licensed to practice law in New Jersey, and she is admitted before the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
VLJ February 2023 Volunteer of the Month: Steven Kim
February is the season for spreading love which is perfect timing to honor and celebrate Steven Kim, VLJโs February 2023 Volunteer of the Month, who has a huge heart for pro bono and volunteering to ensure access to justice for people experiencing poverty. Steven is presently Vice President, Corporate Counsel at Prudential Financial where he has been for nearly six years. Steven holds a pharmacy degree from Rutgers College of Pharmacy, and he received his Juris Doctor from New York University School of Law. Steven is barred in New York and holds an in-house license in New Jersey.
January 2023 Volunteer of the Month: Honoring the Service of Outgoing VLJ Board Trustees
As is a beloved VLJ tradition, every month we highlight an โabove and beyondโ volunteer as part of VLJโs Volunteer of the Month series. For January 2023, we highlight three VLJ volunteers who donated their time and talent as members of VLJโs Board of Trustees: Angela Coxe, Bill Krovatin, and Susan McGahan. Angela, Bill, and Susan completed their terms as board trustees at the end of 2022, and have now transitioned off the board. As a way to say โThank you!โ for their service, please read about a few of the names and faces who serve and support VLJ.
December 2022 Volunteer of the Month: Michelle Smith
For some of our pro bono attorneys, VLJ is their first experience with volunteering. For others, theyโve been volunteering long before joining the ranks of ESQ. This month, we honor one such pro bono attorney who started her volunteer work long before she knew the joys of blue booking, CLEs, and โIt depends.โ For VLJโs December 2022 Volunteer of the Month, we honor and recognize Michelle Smith, Esq., Pro Bono Fellow for the City of Newark at McCarter & English LLP.
November 2022 Volunteer of the Month: Steve Berlin
With today being Veterans Day, VLJ is mindful of the many volunteers and supporters who help us serve those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. For VLJโs November 2022 Volunteer of the Month, we honor Steve Berlin, Esq., Managing Senior Counsel Labor and Employment at Panasonic North America, a longtime volunteer with VLJโs Veterans Legal Wellness Clinic.
Steve attended the University of Maryland, where he majored in journalism, and then attended law school at Brooklyn Law. Steve has been practicing law his entire life and โcanโt imagine doing anything else.โ Steve goes so far as to say that he โlovesโ the practice of law, describing it as โa challenging profession but rewarding.โ Steve is active with the New Jersey State Bar Association and serves as editor of their publication, New Jersey Labor and Employment Law Quarterly.
October 2022 Volunteer of the Month: Michelle Stegmann
VLJโs October 2022 Volunteer of the Month joined us just a couple years ago amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and her tenure as a volunteer supporting VLJโs Trafficking Program has personified โTaking cases. Changing Lives.โ
Michelle Stegmann, Esq. has built a career over the past three decades as an attorney and Insurance Claims Senior Vice President, with experience in various lines of business, including environmental, transportation, general liability, professional liability, surety, construction, construction defect, employerโs liability, asbestos and mass tort, crisis management, and E&O claims. Her responsibilities have encompassed attracting, developing and retaining talent, as well as achieving financial goals and sustaining profitability. She is currently with Crum & Forster, based in Morristown, NJ.
September 2022 Volunteer of the Month: Nuo Jiang
VLJโs September 2022 Volunteer of the Month is fairly new to VLJ, but is no stranger to pro bono and volunteering his time and talent to help others. VLJ is ecstatic to recognize and celebrate Nuo Jiang, Esq. as this monthโs Volunteer of the Month. Nuo is a litigation associate at Capehart Scatchard where he focuses his practice, in federal and New Jersey courts, on creditorsโ rights, business collection, tort defense, premises liability and products liability defense, Tort Claims Act defense, construction, estates, employment and professional malpractice.
August 2022 Volunteer of the Month: Jason Holt
In the midst of the August summer heat, we honor a volunteer who always keeps his cool, Jason Holt, Esq. Jason is a member with Chiesa Shaninian & Giantomasi (CSG) where he works with the Real Estate, Development and Land Use practice group and the firmโs cannabis law team. He draws upon his background navigating the political and economic challenges of New Jersey to assist CSG Law in representing its varied portfolio of clients. Holt is a recently appointed Co-Chair of CSGโs Diversity Equity & Inclusion Committee. He also serves on several leadership teams and diversity committees for business, bar and community associations.