Managing attorney, Karen Robinson, calls Debra a dream volunteer --- always willing to dive into any practice area, go the extra distance to put a client over the finish line, and is never without a pro bono case on her plate. For being a fearless advocate, a pro bono leader, and a force for good in our state, Volunteer Lawyers for Justice is proud to recognize Debra Levin as our October 2021 Volunteer of the Month!
September 2021 Volunteer of the Month: Candy Velazquez, Esq.
We’re proud to feature Candy Velazquez as our September 2021 Volunteer of the Month! As founder and principal attorney of Velazquez Law, LLC, Candy represents clients in central and northern New Jersey in the areas of divorce and family law, and elder law.
Candy began volunteering with VLJ’s Divorce Program in 2019 where she served as an expert in family law for VLJ’s divorce clinic. A tireless advocate for Spanish-speaking clients proceeding through the divorce process, Candy quickly became the go-to person assisting the majority of VLJ’s Spanish-speaking divorce clients.
A year later as the Covid-19 pandemic unfolded, many were forced to reduce their pro bono hours. Refusing to allow the pandemic to hinder her ability to assist New Jersey’s most vulnerable populations, Candy sought new ways to reach clients. In addition to advocating for remote divorce work at VLJ, Candy also regularly participated in remote clinic settings and virtual Q&A sessions for litigants navigating the divorce process by themselves.
A firm believer in the right to access justice regardless of financial means, Candy’s advocacy for pro se litigants extended beyond the divorce clinic. Over the course of her time with VLJ, Candy has helped a number of clients with full representation assistance. She shared,
“Pro bono work is critical to justice. In family law, in particular, not having an attorney can be incredibly detrimental to a litigant, especially if their adversary is represented. Everyone deserves quality representation.”
In addition to her phenomenal work within VLJ’s Divorce Program, Candy is extremely passionate about providing legal assistance to survivors of domestic violence. Since she began volunteering with VLJ, Candy has represented many clients who are survivors. She is also involved with the Battered Women’s Legal Advocacy Project of Morris County, where she handles restraining order hearings for victims of domestic violence on behalf of the BWLAP. Candy recognizes that domestic violence survivors are in desperate need of representation and has dedicated her pro bono work to serving this specific population. Candy says,
“I am very passionate about protecting victims of domestic violence and regularly look for opportunities to assist survivors. I consider myself fortunate to represent survivors of domestic violence via VLJ –being a part of the empowerment process for these clients has been tremendously rewarding.”
For her never-ending dedication to assisting clients navigating the divorce process, and her passionate advocacy for domestic violence survivors, we are proud to recognize Candy Velasquez, Esq., as our September 2021 Volunteer of the Month!