Michael Campolongo
“A lot of people claim that they are too busy to take on pro bono work, though I believe that the hesitation stems primarily from a fear of stepping outside of one’s legal comfort zone. I understand, because I had to overcome this myself. However, by working through your own small comfort barrier, you can help someone else escape from a considerably more uncomfortable situation. There is real power in this."
Blending Passion with Purpose at Volunteer Lawyers for Justice
At Lowenstein Sandler LLP, Michael Campolongo (“Mike”) is a force in the Emerging Companies & Venture Capital group, skillfully drafting and prosecuting patent applications for a wide range of technologies. Yet, it’s Mike’s dedication to using his legal talent to ensure access to justice for people experiencing poverty that has earned him the title of Volunteer Lawyers for Justice’s (VLJ) August 2024 Volunteer of the Month.
With an academic background that includes a bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from Rowan University, multiple advanced degrees from Cornell University including a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering, and a Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University School of Law, Mike’s career trajectory might seem more Silicon Valley than access to justice; however, his commitment to social justice and helping those with unmet civil legal needs has always been a driving force in his life.
Mike first connected with VLJ through the tenancy clinic at Lowenstein Sandler shortly after finishing law school. It was a recommendation from colleagues that led him to VLJ, but it was the organization’s mission and the ease of getting involved that solidified his ongoing volunteerism. Since beginning his pro bono journey with VLJ’s Tenancy Program in 2020, Mike has volunteered over 40 hours helping keep neighbors safely and stably housed at home.
"VLJ makes it incredibly easy to volunteer," Mike shared. "Their team is fantastic to work with, and they provide you with the resources and support you need to get right into it."
Despite the pressures of a demanding career, Mike challenges the notion that lawyers don’t have enough time for pro bono. "A lot of people claim that they are too busy to take on pro bono work, though I believe that the hesitation stems primarily from a fear of stepping outside of one’s legal comfort zone. I understand, because I had to overcome this myself. However, by working through your own small comfort barrier, you can help someone else escape from a considerably more uncomfortable situation. There is real power in this."
For Mike, the rewards of volunteering are simple yet profound. "I don't have a specific favorite memory," he says, "but I always enjoy the feeling of knowing I helped someone with their problems. I tend to remember the last conversation I had with the client after completing the work, and ending on that positive note always makes my effort worth it."
Mike’s belief in the transformative power of pro bono in supporting communities historically under-resourced and under-represented is clear. He draws a powerful analogy between more traditional forms of volunteering, like food banks and clothing drives, and the critical necessity of legal services.
"Legal services are no different—at some point, everyone needs access to legal services. Many will not be able to afford them, and pro bono work is the solution. VLJ does not merely ensure access to legal services. They provide access to the best and brightest attorneys, which is something that should not just be limited to those who can afford it."
Before he was a lawyer, Mike taught an introductory physics course at Auburn Correctional Facility, a maximum-security prison in upstate New York, as part of the Cornell Prison Education Program. Mike also has a deep-rooted love for hip hop and board games that led him to co-found Chill B Games—a company devoted to publishing hip hop-themed games due to their lack of representation in the board game industry. These experiences paint a picture of someone who is as diverse in his interests as he is passionate about justice and representation. Since joining the profession, Mike has also donated his time and talent to the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund, helping with legal name changes, and the New Jersey Innocence Project at Rutgers University.
Mike’s journey is a testament to the profound impact legal professionals can have when they step out of their comfort zones and into the lives of those who need their help the most. To Mike, our August 2024 Volunteer of the Month, a volunteer with deep compassion for VLJ’s clients and passion for ensuring access to justice, thank you!
If you’ve been inspired by Mike’s story, consider joining VLJ as a volunteer. The support, resources, and sense of fulfillment you’ll find are unparalleled—and the impact you can make is immeasurable. Find your why at www.vljnj.org/why-probono.
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