VLJ Defender of Justice

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VLJ October 2024 Defender of Justice: Yasmine Boto

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VLJ October 2024 Defender of Justice: Yasmine Boto

Meet Yasmine Boto, one of Volunteer Lawyers for Justice's (VLJ) dedicated staff and a familiar face who has been with the organization since 2022. Yasmine's journey with VLJ began as an intern for the ReLeSe (Reentry Legal Services) Program, Veterans Legal Program, and driver’s license restoration efforts during her 3L year at New York Law School. After graduating from law school, Yasmine joined VLJ as a Wilf Public Interest Fellow, expanding her work to the Tenancy Program and Children’s Representation Program. Now, Yasmine focuses her efforts on the ReLeSe Program, Divorce Program, and estate planning for veterans.

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VLJ August 2024 Defender of Justice: Margo Katz Rosenberg

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VLJ August 2024 Defender of Justice: Margo Katz Rosenberg

For our August 2024 Defender of Justice, Volunteer Lawyers for Justice is thrilled to spotlight Margo Katz Rosenberg, a staff attorney whose dedication and passion are inspirational. Margo's journey with VLJ began in October 2021 as a volunteer attorney, and recognizing her immense potential and commitment, she quickly transitioned to a staff attorney role in the Tenancy Program in January 2022. Almost three years later, her impact continues to grow. As she aptly puts it, "Time flies when you're having fun!"

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VLJ June 2024 Defender of Justice: Eric W. Hughes

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VLJ June 2024 Defender of Justice: Eric W. Hughes

At Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ), stories of resilience, compassion, and commitment to justice abound. So much so VLJ never hesitates to share the voices and experiences that encompass the transformative power of pro bono. For VLJ’s June 2024 Defender of Justice, we pull the curtain back to spotlight one staff member who helps bring those stories to you: Eric W. Hughes.

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VLJ February 2024 Defender of Justice: Adaneka Witter Judge

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VLJ February 2024 Defender of Justice: Adaneka Witter Judge

“Dedicate yourself to what gives your life true meaning and purpose; make a positive difference in someone's life.” — Roy T. Bennett

If ever there is someone who embodies this quote and more, it is Volunteer Lawyers for Justice’s February 2024 Defender of Justice, Adaneka Witter Judge. Dedicated to her community, to her dreams, and to a better tomorrow, Adaneka is proof you don’t have to go very far to find the best among us.

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VLJ December 2023 Defender of Justice: Karen Robinson

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VLJ December 2023 Defender of Justice: Karen Robinson

Dedicated to Justice. Determined to Ensure Justice. Defender of Justice.

Three phrases to describe one incredible person, so incredible it would be a disservice not to shine a much-deserved spotlight on her. For Volunteer Lawyers for Justice’s December 2023 Defender of Justice, we celebrate a pillar of our organization: Karen Robinson.

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VLJ October 2023 Defender of Justice: Deja Kemp-Salliey

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VLJ October 2023 Defender of Justice: Deja Kemp-Salliey

At Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ), we're not just an organization; we're a team of individuals committed to making New Jersey a better place to live and work. Among our remarkable team, there's one standout worthy of being VLJ’s October 2023 Defender of Justice: Deja Kemp-Salliey. Deja joined VLJ this March as our newest Development Associate, and in such a short period of time she has made her mark.

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VLJ August 2023 Defender of Justice: Nina DePalma

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VLJ August 2023 Defender of Justice: Nina DePalma

In the heart of the legal world, where compassion and expertise meet, there's a bright star named Nina DePalma, Esq., who is a guiding light at Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ). In recognition of her achievements and commitment, Nina is VLJ’s August 2023 Defender of Justice.

Nina, a staff attorney in VLJ’s Tenancy Program, also serves as a fellow with the New Jersey Housing Justice Corps. Nina earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology of Law and Society from Moravian University and a Juris Doctor from Rutgers Law School-Newark (class of 2020). During law school Nina was an editor for the Rutgers Journal for Law and Public Policy, and had the privilege of addressing her class as their chosen commencement speaker. Nina also won the Sera Ramcharitar Memorial award at Rutgers Law, which is awarded to the student who excelled in work on behalf of the underprivileged, particularly women, children and families.

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VLJ June 2023 Defender of Justice: Jeff Stephens

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VLJ June 2023 Defender of Justice: Jeff Stephens

“Ensuring access to justice is showing up,” whether that is at the courthouse or on the neighborhood block. For VLJ’s June 2023 Defender of Justice, “showing up” is his “just getting started.” For this month’s Defender of Justice, VLJ recognizes and honors the commitment, compassion, and dedication of Jeff Stephens.

Jeff is a senior staff attorney in VLJ’s Tenancy Program and also oversees VLJ’s quarterly Estate Planning Clinic and co-leads VLJ’s internship efforts. Jeff received a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and political science at Hunter College and his Juris Doctor from Rutgers Law-Newark.

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VLJ April 2023 Defender of Justice: Eilleen Ingram-Willis

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VLJ April 2023 Defender of Justice: Eilleen Ingram-Willis

“If we want a beloved community, we must stand for justice.” – bell hooks

That quote from author, cultural critic, and professor bell hooks is an apt summary of one of VLJ’s many “whys” to our work. It acknowledges that “community” and “justice” must always go in the same sentence, hand in hand. This quote is not just philosophical at VLJ, it takes corporeal form and is embodied by our staff. Indeed, for VLJ’s April 2023 Defender of Justice, this quote encompasses the passion, commitment, and unwavering zeal for the communities we serve. It is then we honor, cheerlead, and champion our newest Defender of Justice, Eilleen Ingram-Willis.

With VLJ since November 2021, Eilleen is a managing attorney where she leads VLJ’s South Ward Promise Neighborhood (SWPN) and Human Trafficking Programs. Eilleen completed undergrad at the University of Pennsylvania, and she received her Juris Doctor from Rutgers Law School-Newark.

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VLJ February 2023 Defender of Justice: Alexandra Bravo

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VLJ February 2023 Defender of Justice: Alexandra Bravo

VLJ can’t properly ring in the new year without another installment of our Defender of Justice series. VLJ’s February 2023 Defender of Justice is a name and face many know and appreciate, and she is a tour de force for our veterans: Alexandra Bravo. Alexandra is a staff attorney who oversees VLJ’s Veterans Legal Program and handles issues relating to child support as they arise in other programs. Alexandra is no stranger to VLJ, having interned with the organization during law school (summer 2016) prior to joining as a staff attorney in October 2019. Alexandra received her bachelor’s degree from Seton Hall University, graduating magna cum laude, and she graduated from Rutgers Law School-Newark in 2017.

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VLJ December 2022 Defender of Justice: Jaclyn Kramer

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“Fundraising is the gentle art of teaching the joy of giving.” Those words from Hank Rosso capture many elements of what it takes to raise support for a worthy cause: gentleness, art, teaching, joy, and giving. One would argue that those five elements, or more precisely, characteristics, are what make a great fundraiser. Ask anyone at VLJ about our fundraising and the response would be, “Yes, we have those five characteristics here, and her name is Jaclyn Kramer.” Gentleness, art, teaching, joy, giving, and more are what bring VLJ to honor, recognize, and appreciate Jaclyn Kramer as VLJ’s December 2022 Defender of Justice.

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VLJ October 2022 Defender of Justice Tracy Griffinger Nelson

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VLJ’s October 2022 Defender of Justice is Tracy Griffinger Nelson, VLJ’s Director of Finance. Tracy started volunteering at Volunteer Lawyers for Justice in 2008 after she and her partner sold their organic baking company to a distributor. Tracy was looking for meaningful work when her cousin Michael Griffinger, a renowned attorney at Gibbons P.C., told her, “I have the place for you!”

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NEW FEATURE: VLJ Defender of Justice

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VLJ is proud to recognize Abigail Oliver as our next Defender of Justice! Abigail joined VLJ as a legal assistant in the thick of the pandemic in 2020, and despite the challenges of learning a new job remotely, she has become an integral member of VLJ’s team. Abigail works on VLJ’s Tenancy, Children’s Representation, and South Ward Promise Neighborhood Programs and previously worked on Estate Planning.