VLJ proudly features Allison Schrader Dunn, Esq. as our June 2022 Volunteer of the Month. Allison is an attorney at Gomperts Penza McDermott & Von Ellen, LLC where she exclusively focuses her practice on family law including matrimonial and post-matrimonial “FM” proceedings, non-dissolution “FD” proceedings, and domestic violence “FV” proceedings.
Allison was first introduced to VLJ in 2018 by a colleague and regular volunteer of VLJ’s Divorce Clinic in Union County. What was supposed to be one-time coverage has become years of dedication and volunteerism with VLJ’s Divorce clinic. Since then, Allison has volunteered at more than fourteen clinics and provided pro bono legal help to more than two dozen clients. Allison shares that none of this would be possible without her firm giving her the chance to volunteer as she does. “I’m lucky I have the support of my firm and partners and that they value pro bono legal work as much as I do.”
Allison did not let the COVID-19 pandemic stop her and instead, increased her volunteerism. Allison shared that pre-pandemic, she was limited in how often she could attend the clinic, but since turning virtual, Allison is able to volunteer at as many clinics as possible. Not only is Allison a dedicated volunteer, but she is also a zealous advocate for VLJ. Allison encourages other matrimonial attorneys to get involved and shares with them that “Volunteering at VLJ gives us the opportunity to serve an underserved community; it takes the guess work out of the pro bono work that we will be assigned; and it aligns perfectly with our practice.”
She adds, “I personally believe that as attorneys we have a moral obligation to use our degree to help others.” Turns out she had that sense from an early age. When her parents recently moved from their old house, Allison found her 6th grade yearbook. The caption below a photo of her at 12 years old graduating from elementary school asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Her response: “A lawyer.”
The legal field and public interest work have always been important to Allison. During her time at Rutgers Law School – Newark, she served as an editor of the Rutgers Law Review and a board member of the Rutgers Public Interest Law Foundation. After graduating, her spirit of volunteerism continued with New York Lawyers for the Public Interest where she assisted applicants seeking asylum. In addition to providing pro bono legal services, Allison volunteers as an ESL tutor with One World One Love, a nonprofit organization that assists refugees resettling in New Jersey.
After years of working in commercial litigation, Allison “left big firm life and took a few years off from law practice after having her second child.” When she returned to the practice of law, she fell into family law. Allison shared that family law has been a rewarding practice because she feels like she’s helping people and making a difference by helping them set themselves up in a better situation. She adds, “The family law practice dovetails nicely with pro bono work because there is a lack of divorce and non-dissolution services available to people experiencing poverty. As far as I’m aware, VLJ is the only organization in New Jersey that provides pro se divorce litigants with legal assistance at the courthouse both in person and remotely.”
On behalf of VLJ’s clients, staff, and Board, we celebrate Allison and her dedicated passion for ensuring access to justice for people experiencing poverty. Thank you, Allison!