“It is important to give back to the community and to use our legal skills to help those in need.”
-Christine Gaddis
Christine Gaddis, an associate in the Intellectual Property Group at Gibbons P.C., is Volunteer Lawyers for Justice’s (VLJ) December 2024 Volunteer of the Month. Christine’s enthusiastic embrace of pro bono has made a significant impact on VLJ’s clients, especially those navigating New Jersey’s complicated expungement process.
Christine is a graduate of Villanova University and Seton Hall Law, and she is a member of the John C. Lifland Inn of Court and the Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey. Christine first connected with VLJ through legal clinics hosted at Gibbons, where her passion for helping others flourished. Today, she is a seasoned volunteer at VLJ’s expungement clinics and has taken on numerous individual expungement cases for representation, helping clients clear their criminal records while unlocking the second chances they deserve.
Her first successful expungement remains a cherished memory. “The client’s petition required additional briefing, and we worked hard to gather all the necessary information. When we finally obtained the expungement order, she was overjoyed because it would open up more employment opportunities for her,” Christine recalled.
Since beginning her volunteer journey with VLJ in 2016, Christine has contributed nearly 323 hours of pro bono service across VLJ, including VLJ’s ReLeSe (Reentry Legal Services) Program, South Ward Promise Neighborhood Program, and Veterans Legal Program. Christine’s donation of time and talent, valued at an impressive $104,958.75, exemplifies her determination to make justice accessible to everyone.
Christine credits VLJ’s robust volunteer support for her continued involvement: “It can be challenging to step outside your comfort zone, but VLJ provides all the tools you need to succeed. Whenever I’ve encountered a challenge, I’ve been able to reach out to VLJ or other volunteers for assistance.”
For new lawyers, Christine emphasizes the benefits of pro bono work: “It’s a great way to gain experience as a ‘lead attorney’ and manage your own cases while making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.”
Thank you, Christine, for taking cases and changing lives!
Join Christine in finding your why at VLJ: visit www.vljnj.org/why-probono to learn more.
Connect with Christine on LinkedIn