VLJ is proud to feature Danielle Weslock of McCarter & English as our June Volunteer of the Month. Danielle is a Commercial Litigator who handles residential and commercial mortgage foreclosures and a Rutgers-Newark Law graduate.
Danielle is a committed volunteer with VLJ across many programs. She took on her first VLJ pro bono matter as a summer associate in a case that made a lasting impression. Her client was a woman in her 70s accused long ago of stealing a scarf from Lord & Taylor. “She was the most appreciative client I’ve had in my entire career,” Danielle shared, “and I’ve done a pro bono expungement every year since.”
The COVID-19 crisis did not stop Danielle’s commitment to pro bono. Even with her family members falling ill, Danielle knew there was little she could do to help them, but a lot she could do for others in need. She donated over 20 hours to serve six clients with ReLeSe’s first remote expungement clinic.
In addition to supporting VLJ’s expungement clients, Danielle has also represented survivors of human trafficking with vacating their criminal records, tenants fighting for the return of their security deposit, and debtors seeking advice and counsel through the Debt Relief Legal Program.
Danielle appreciates the opportunity to engage in legal practices different from what she normally does and volunteering has helped her develop a new communication skill set. “You can’t use legal terms like ‘motion for summary judgment’ or ‘levied on your bank accounts’ with a pro bono client. As a lawyer, this is my expertise, what I worked at for so long, and pro bono is my way of paying it forward; otherwise, these clients would have no access to lawyers.”
Danielle also gives back by recruiting and mentoring junior associates. She encourages them to observe her court appearances and clinic consults or help review client documents to build their confidence and make them feel comfortable enough to handle their own cases. Danielle’s warm and gregarious personality makes her a pleasure to work with and those who have partnered with her at clinics agree; her volunteerism has even cultivated business relationships.
We are so grateful to Danielle for her dedication to VLJ and our clients. She is most deserving of this recognition. Thank you, Danielle.