“I’m just happy to be able to keep a roof over a family’s head at the end of the day. Sometimes, it feels like ‘I’m just doing my job’ or I’m just going through the motions, caught up with work, but it’s always nice to step back and realize how vital this work actually is for the client.”
- Daniela Geraldo
Get to know Daniela Geraldo, Volunteer Lawyers for Justice’s December 2024 Defender of Justice. Daniela, a dedicated staff attorney on VLJ’s Tenancy Program, has been championing access to justice with VLJ since October 2022. Daniela’s passion for empowering clients is evident in every aspect of her work.
As part of VLJ’s partnership with Newark Community Solutions, made possible by generous support from FurtherJustice, Daniela collaborates with NCS resource navigators to address the intersection of legal and social needs. This innovative approach enables clients to receive comprehensive support, ensuring their needs are met beyond the courtroom.
A graduate of Seton Hall University and Seton Hall Law (class of 2020)—one of the guinea pigs pioneers of the pandemic-era online bar exam—Daniela reflects on the impact of her work: “I’m just happy to be able to keep a roof over a family’s head at the end of the day. Sometimes, it feels like ‘I’m just doing my job’ or I’m just going through the motions, caught up with work, but it’s always nice to step back and realize how vital this work actually is for the client.”
Daniela finds inspiration in VLJ’s “teamwork makes the dream work” approach and compassionate culture:
“VLJ is really driven by its passion to help people, and it’s very special to work in an environment that fosters teamwork with collaborators who want to work together because they genuinely care about their clients. I love how much VLJ cares for its employees. Our well-being really feels like a priority to the organization. That means so much, especially working in the legal field.”
When not advocating for tenants, Daniela enjoys cooking, baking, and indulging in the delicious results of her culinary adventures.
Thank you, Daniela, for your unwavering dedication to VLJ’s mission and your tireless efforts to keep families safely and stably housed at home. You truly embody what it means to be a Defender of Justice!