Nukk-Freeman & Cerra, P.C. Named a 2024 NJBIZ Leaders in Law Pro Bono Honoree
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 27, 2024
CONTACT
Chris Sisco (she/her/hers)
Director of Marketing & Business Development
Nukk-Freeman & Cerra, P.C.
(973) 507-7638
CSisco@nfclegal.com
Eric W. Hughes (he/him/his)
Bershad Director of Communications
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice
(973) 233-5724
ehughes@vljnj.org
NEWARK, NJ – Nukk-Freeman & Cerra, P.C. (NFC), a leading employment law firm headquartered in New Jersey, has been recognized as a 2024 NJBIZ Leaders in Law Pro Bono honoree. This prestigious accolade celebrates NFC's unwavering commitment to harnessing the power of pro bono to ensure access to justice for people experiencing poverty in New Jersey. A 100% women-owned firm, NFC has consistently demonstrated a deep-seated dedication to giving back to the community, and through their robust pro bono initiatives, NFC embodies the belief that access to justice is a right, not a privilege.
NFC's efforts to ensure access to justice include their partnership with Volunteer Lawyers for Justice's (VLJ) Veterans Legal Program. Over the years, NFC attorneys and paraprofessionals have dedicated their time and expertise to holistically address the challenges facing those who served, ranging from bankruptcy and child support modifications to eviction defense and unemployment compensation.
“Nukk-Freeman & Cerra is honored to receive this award for pro bono legal services. It is a testament to our unwavering commitment to serving those in need,” said Kerrie R. Heslin, Partner. “One of the tenets of our Core Values is that ‘we care about the world beyond NFC and are dedicated to giving back’. Through our various pro bono efforts, our lawyers and professional staff get to use their expertise to give back and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. Being recognized as a 2024 NJBIZ Leaders in the Law – Pro Bono honoree is a testament to the dedication and great work of the entire NFC team.”
Since 2018, NFC has generously volunteered with VLJ a total of 314 pro bono hours, valued at $109,939, on 153 legal matters for veteran clients. Further, NFC extends their spirit of giving back by participating in community service events such as volunteer days at the Community Food Bank of New Jersey and holiday drives for the New Jersey Council for Jewish Women's Back2School Store. Even more, NFC's support of organizations like Small Businesses Need Us, Start Small Think Big, Community Health Law Project, and New Jersey Law and Education Empowerment Project (NJ LEEP) underscores the firm’s culture of pro bono.
Cathy Keenan, VLJ’s Executive Director, had this to say on NFC’s honor, "With over 60% of VLJ’s clients being women, it is not lost on me the profound impact a 100%-women owned law firm has on addressing the unmet civil legal needs of so many neighbors and community members. Indeed, Nukk-Freeman & Cerra’s unapologetic embrace of pro bono, especially when it comes to serving those who served, speaks to how doing good isn’t just good for the public, it’s good for business. I am proud of the incredible pro bono work NFC has undertaken, and this honor is well-deserved and well-earned recognition of the time and talent generously donated to close the access to justice gap.”
Nukk-Freeman & Cerra, along with other NJBIZ Leaders in Law honorees, will be celebrated on May 14 at The Palace at Somerset Park.
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About Nukk-Freeman & Cerra, P.C. (NFC)
NFC is a prominent employment law firm headquartered in New Jersey, with offices in New York and California. As a 100% women-owned firm certified by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and an active member of NAMWOLF, NFC provides a progressive, creative and forward-thinking approach to the practice of employment law. Learn more at www.nfclegal.com.
About Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ)
VLJ is an award-winning, comprehensive nonprofit legal services program based in Newark, NJ, with a statewide reach. VLJ's mission is to ensure access to justice for people experiencing poverty. The Newark-based organization ensures fair access to the legal system through partnerships with corporations and hundreds of volunteer attorneys. In 2023, VLJ’s work impacted over 4,200 people—including 1,644 children—and its volunteer attorneys donated over $2 million in free legal services.