With fall in full swing, Volunteer Lawyers for Justice is delighted to introduce Saturday Zammit, one of VLJ’s Fall 2023 interns; Saturday is spending her internship supporting VLJ’s Tenancy Program.
Ever the dedicated student with a thirst for knowledge, Saturday is dually enrolled at Rutgers Law School and the Rutgers School of Social Work (having earned a B.A. in Cognitive Science and Psychology from Rutgers University). When asked why she chose to go to law school, Saturday said the decision was deeply rooted in her passion for working with people. Indeed, with a JD and MSW in her future, Saturday is uniquely positioned to combine her love of problem-solving with her desire to help people.
For Saturday, what stands out most about interning with VLJ is the opportunity to gain invaluable exposure to housing law, including the many rules and regulations that often determine whether someone will remain stably housed or experience homelessness. In fact, Saturday values the chance to delve into the recurring local issues residents of Newark face, and VLJ’s Tenancy Program is akin to having "boots on the ground” leading to a perspective law school can’t teach.
When asked what advice she would offer to those on the fence about doing pro bono, Saturday emphasized the unique learning experience gained from engaging with clients as they navigate their legal matters. She believes it offers a different level of analysis and provides insight into the everyday concerns of others, helping her become a more informed and empathetic person.
For Saturday, the essence of "ensuring access to justice" lies in rectifying imbalances in accessing legal help. As she put it, “Legal services are so expensive and hard to get; the idea of where to even begin when you have a problem is challenging enough. Just ensuring access to starting the journey to find justice is powerful.” Saturday envisions ensuring access to justice as simplifying the process, so everyone can work toward a just resolution within the legal system.
Saturday Zammit is a shining example of how people—with unique skills, diverse experiences, and copious amounts of compassion—can play a pivotal role in ensuring access to justice for people experiencing poverty. Saturday’s dedication and drive to help others truly embody the spirit of VLJ, and we are incredibly grateful to have her spend her fall semester with us!
““Ensuring access to justice lies in rectifying imbalances in accessing legal help.”
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