Kerrie R. Heslin, Esq.
“As attorneys, we are held to a higher standard. It is part of our responsibility to ensure that the administration of justice is done. Sometimes we get paid for that and it’s great. But sometimes we don’t, and it’s still great because justice is done. There are a lot of people who need the services of attorneys yet can’t afford it, but they deserve the help. If all the attorneys in New Jersey stood up and volunteered their time, a lot of people would have access to justice.”
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) must be Irish, because we struck gold with our March 2023 Volunteer of the Month, Kerrie R. Heslin!
Kerrie is a Partner at Nukk-Freeman & Cerra, P.C., one of the largest labor and employment firms in the NYC metropolitan area with offices on the nation’s east and west coasts. Devoting a majority of her practice to litigation and employment matters involving discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower claims, wage and hour and benefits issues on behalf of employers, Kerrie oversees the firm’s litigation team of 18 attorneys. Kerrie received a Bachelor of Science in Finance/Marketing from Syracuse University, and she received her Juris Doctor from Seton Hall Law. Kerrie is licensed to practice law in New Jersey, and she is admitted before the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
Kerrie has been a fixture with VLJ’s Veterans Legal Program for years, volunteering alongside pro bono partner Panasonic in the Veterans Legal Wellness Clinic to serve those who served. In addition to the Veterans Legal Wellness Clinic, Kerrie also takes cases for extended representation. One of the first cases Kerrie volunteered on involved a claim for New Jersey unemployment benefits, specifically a claim for an alleged overpayment of tens of thousands of dollars. The State of New Jersey was trying to collect the alleged overpayment made during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet Kerrie knew deep down that her client was truly entitled to the benefits they received. Before coming to VLJ, Kerrie’s client had tried several times to explain their case and situation to the NJ Department of Labor, but sadly, their advocacy was not heard.
To ensure her client received timely assistance, Kerrie met with them in person during COVID, and after two hearings involving technological issues, Kerrie kept pushing her client’s case, eventually securing a dismissal of the overpayment. Kerrie remarked, “That is why we do this. This is why we need to stand up for those who may not be able to help themselves.” Volunteering and pro bono seemingly come natural to Kerrie: in addition to her role as an ally to the firm’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, she currently serves on the boards of the Women President's Organization and the National Association of Minority & Women Owned Law Firms, supporting efforts to help women grow their businesses and develop relationships between corporations and minority and women-owned law firms.
When not wearing her attorney hat, Kerrie enjoys being active outdoors. Among her outdoor pursuits are golfing, skiing, and travelling. Kerrie readily admits she is an avid golfer, but look closer and you’ll see an “avid golfer” with a 10 handicap! Travel is a family affair: starting when her children were young, Kerrie and her family traveled to all the national parks. Kerrie was adamant that her children see and experience the beauty of the United States while also witnessing how others outside New Jersey lived. Kerrie’s recent travels have seen her visit Thailand and Greece, with an Italian adventure planned for 2023.
As the only attorney in her family, Kerrie appreciates how large the access to justice gap is, and why it is vital for attorneys to donate their time and talent, “As attorneys, we are held to a higher standard. It is part of our responsibility to ensure that the administration of justice is done. Sometimes we get paid for that and it’s great. But sometimes we don’t, and it’s still great because justice is done. There are a lot of people who need the services of attorneys yet can’t afford it, but they deserve the help. If all the attorneys in New Jersey stood up and volunteered their time, a lot of people would have access to justice.”
When it comes to volunteers like Kerrie, we hit a hole in one! We are grateful to Kerrie for her continued support, partnership, and invaluable compassion and kindness. She is dedicated to seeing our clients, recognizing their experiences, and empowering their truths.
Kerrie R. Heslin. Bold. Compassionate. Adventurous. Pro bono superstar.