VLJ is pleased to kick off our new year by honoring Diane Russini as our Volunteer of the Month. Diane has been fulfilling VLJ’s mission of “taking cases and changing lives” by serving as a consistent volunteer and supporter of VLJ’s Debt Relief Legal Program. We are in an unprecedented time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people are experiencing poverty for the first time and those who have been financially unstable may find themselves in a worse situation. Throughout the pandemic, though, Diane has been committed to helping clients navigate these hardships by volunteering at VLJ’s Debt Relief Clinic.
Through VLJ’s limited scope clinics, Diane has helped clients settle their cases with creditors, explained and drafted responsive pleadings, and even secured the return of a client’s security deposit with a single phone call. Diane most enjoys speaking with her clients and learning their story. Her interactions may be limited to a single clinic, but her impact is immediate and powerful – one former client referred to Diane as his “angel” when she worked to negotiate a settlement on the eve of a garnishment hearing he had with a creditor.
Diane has worked as a public defender in New York City; with incarcerated juveniles in the justice system; and representing litigants in workers’ compensation administrative hearings. While her past legal experiences are not within the realm of debt relief or consumer law, Diane explains, “If someone is willing to come to a clinic, it is an honor for me to show up and be there to help them.” Even though she inevitably encounters new legal issues outside of her expertise, Diane cites VLJ’s mentorship and training opportunities as key reasons for why she chose to start pro bono work with VLJ and why she continues to volunteer every month. Nari Wang, VLJ Senior Staff Attorney, who oversees the legal clinic adds - “Clients need sound legal counsel, but many of our clients also need kindness and a listening ear – this is where Diane invariably excels and it is no surprise that her clients always leave the clinic feeling heard and helped.”
Thank you, Diane, for inspiring us, and for serving our clients.
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