Willard C. Shih, Esq.
“Access to justice and justice itself are not something only for those who can afford it. In fact, justice and access to justice are more important for those who may not believe they can get justice.”
As New Jersey’s housing affordability crisis continues, it is more important than ever to ensure tenants facing eviction have access to justice based on their merits and not their ability to afford an attorney. Fortunately for VLJ, our July 2023 Volunteer of the Month is a dedicated volunteer fighting to keep our Tenancy Program clients stably housed at home. This month, we celebrate the compassionate dedication and powerful impact of Willard C. Shih, Esq.
Having begun his legal career at a NYC “Big Law” firm, Willard is now a Shareholder at Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, P.A., a firm he has been with since 2001. His practice includes business and commercial disputes and representing law firms and attorneys in various claims involving professional negligence. Willard received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Relations from Columbia University and a Juris Doctor from Fordham Law. Additionally, Willard is a certified Civil Trial Attorney in New Jersey and a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.
While Willard finds his work fulfilling, he recognizes the importance of giving back and uses his legal knowledge to serve others. Since 2021, Willard has assisted three VLJ clients with housing-related matters—including two veterans—and donated 18 hours of his time. In his most recent pro bono case, Willard helped a resident of Newark dismiss an eviction and settle a related case where the landlord was suing for back rent. Outside of VLJ, Willard’s generous donation of time and talent continues: he is involved with the Middlesex County Bar Association and the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey, and if that weren’t enough, his passion for improving the legal system in New Jersey has led him to serve on the Civil Practice Rules Committee of the New Jersey Supreme Court, the Early Settlement Panel with the Chancery Court in Middlesex County, and the Access to Justice Committee with the American College of Trial Lawyers.
As Willard handles significant business and financial disputes in his daily work, he understands the importance of staying connected with his community. He recognizes that some individuals have easier access to legal counsel, while others struggle to obtain the representation they need. Willard offered, “For me, access to justice and justice itself are not something only for those who can afford it. In fact, justice and access to justice are more important for those who may not believe they can get justice.” He also understands the power being an attorney has, especially within a system that is not designed for non-attorneys:
“I enjoy being able to work with someone who otherwise would feel challenged in a ‘foreign situation’ like our judicial system. I applaud the New Jersey Courts for working to be open to everyone, but that only goes so far. At times, counsel is needed to get a just result, even more so when you consider the courthouse is just one avenue of justice. There are many steps and other alternatives outside of the courtroom where one can achieve or be denied justice. There are people who feel they are being treated unfairly, and sometimes, unfortunately, it takes an attorney writing a strident letter on their behalf. People react differently when they interact with a lawyer versus someone who is pro se.”
Outside of his professional and volunteer endeavors, most of Willard’s time is spent with his wife and children. To keep himself mentally and physically fit, Willard is an avid basketball player, often seen on the court at 5:00 AM, playing 4-5 times a week. He started playing with other neighborhood fathers when their children were infants, and the “love of the game” keeps him coming back.
Willard's journey as a VLJ volunteer serves as a testament to the impact one person can make. His commitment to pro bono services, belief in access to justice for everyone, and his support to his community showcase what makes him a remarkable volunteer and attorney. To Willard, VLJ's July 2023 Volunteer of the Month, thank you for harnessing the power of pro bono to ensure access to justice for people experiencing poverty!
Connect with Willard on LinkedIn