VLJ is pleased to recognize Daniel D’Alessandro as our January Volunteer of the Month. Dan is a partner with McCarter & English, where he is a commercial and securities litigator. January is National Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Month, and given Dan’s extensive volunteerism with VLJ’s NJ Human Trafficking Victims’ Legal Assistance Program, it is very fitting he receive this distinction this month.
Dan has been a volunteer with VLJ since 2008, initially with the ReLeSe program helping to expunge criminal records. His first expungement was relatively straightforward and the relief was granted. When Dan subsequently received a holiday card from the client with a thank you note, the small and unexpected gesture of appreciation reflected for him just how meaningful the work is for pro bono clients.
Then, when VLJ launched its Human Trafficking Program in 2014, Dan volunteered on the first vacatur case, which became the first petition granted in the State of New Jersey. His record-clearing expertise helped build the foundation for VLJ’s vacatur practice moving forward. Dan shares, “The work was challenging because it had not been done before, but it is memorable because of the client’s appreciation to have someone advocate on her behalf that she is a victim – and a survivor – of trafficking, and not a criminal.”
Karen Robinson, VLJ Managing Attorney, shares, “Dan is incredibly skilled at handling sensitive matters, navigating challenging conversations while making clients feel at ease and comfortable to share their traumatic past. We are so fortunate to have had Dan as a volunteer with our trafficking program right from the beginning. He has been vital to its success.”
Dan remains an active volunteer during the COVID-19 pandemic, and even during his parental leave following the birth of his son, further demonstrating his strong commitment and deep dedication to pro bono. Pro bono work matters to Dan because, “It is important to share your time, knowledge, and skillset with those in need. It helps you become a better, more well-rounded person and attorney. No matter how small or routine the matter may seem, it is an opportunity to do good and have a positive and meaningful impact on the client’s life. Representing victims of human trafficking is critically important because of the horrific experiences that these individuals have dealt with. It is important to tell their story of being a victim and all the good things they have done and achieved in working to overcome those experiences and get back on their feet. Their achievements inspire and motivate.”
Thank you, Dan, for inspiring and motivating others to represent survivors with the same compassion and empathy as you, and congratulations!