This month, VLJ is excited to honor volunteer attorney Aaron Haier. Aaron is new to the VLJ volunteer scene, and we are immensely grateful to have him fighting for our tenancy clients. Aaron is an Associate in the Litigation department of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, where he works on a broad set of litigations, investigations, and regulatory matters for a variety of corporate clients.
Aaron is extremely passionate about serving his community and using his legal knowledge to give back. He is also a long-time housing advocate. Prior to law school, Aaron worked for the City of Newark’s Department of Health, where he oversaw the Newark Healthy Homes Program and was responsible for policy development and legal enforcement strategies in connection with home environmental issues, including lead poisoning and childhood asthma.
Now, as a practicing lawyer, Aaron remains focused on the goal of keeping his neighbors in stable, safe, and healthy homes. Aaron accepted his first tenancy case with VLJ in 2021, and successfully represented a tenant in his hometown of Jersey City who was experiencing severe habitability issues amidst a global pandemic. He fiercely advocated for his client and her right to a safe and decent home, and ensured that any lawsuits filed against her were dismissed.
Since then, Aaron has also joined the VLJ Generation Now committee and continues to actively find ways to partner with VLJ and other nonprofits to ensure access to justice for everyone. Aaron says that pro bono work is crucial because "Justice is not something for purchase. It should be available and accessible to everyone, regardless of one’s income."
Aaron is thrilled to be a VLJ volunteer and urges other attorneys to join our ranks, sharing that he is consistently wowed by VLJ staff attorneys whose collaboration makes the volunteer experience seamless. Aaron's clients are extremely fortunate to have his tenacity and fearless advocacy, and VLJ is grateful to have his passion and dedication as well!