“I also firmly believe that lawyers, by virtue of our unique skills and positions within our communities, have a responsibility to dedicate time and expertise—whether through legal or non-legal avenues—to make a difference, no matter how small.”
-Robert Holup
Kicking off the new year in style, Volunteer Lawyers for Justice recognizes Robert Holup as our January 2025 Volunteer of the Month.
An associate at Berkowitz, Lichtstein, Kuritsky, Giasullo & Gross, LLC, Robert practices in the firm’s Litigation and Trusts & Estates groups. His primary focus includes handling contested estate matters and representing fiduciaries. Robert earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Finance from Florida State University before obtaining his Juris Doctor from The George Washington University Law School. Beyond his professional practice, Robert is deeply involved with the New Jersey State Bar Association, serving as an Executive Committee Member and Philanthropy Committee Chair for the Young Lawyers Division while also sitting on the Pro Bono and Diversity Committees. Hitting home how dedicated Robert is to the legal profession in New Jersey, he was a 2023-2024 NJSBA Leadership Academy Fellow.
Robert’s Journey with VLJ
Robert’s connection with VLJ began in 2022 when a former colleague recognized his passion for community service and forwarded a list of pro bono opportunities. Robert didn’t hesitate to take on his first case, and he hasn’t looked back since.
Reflecting on his pro bono journey, Robert emphasized the importance of stepping outside one’s comfort zone: “Do not be afraid to take on a case just because you think you are not an expert in a particular area of law. If you have the desire to help, go for it! Your skills and presence alone can make a profound difference in someone's life.” He also credited VLJ’s staff for their invaluable support in addressing subject-matter questions, ensuring volunteers are equipped to ensure access to justice.
Currently working on his second VLJ case, Robert shared how significant volunteering has been: “The clients have been incredibly grateful and refreshing to work with. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to explore a new area of law and refine your skills in a different way.”
Since starting his journey with VLJ, Robert has donated time and talent valued at $13,578, helping survivors of human trafficking and veterans with their civil legal needs. If that weren’t enough, Robert also serves on VLJ’s Generation Now Committee, a group of early-career professionals passionate about VLJ’s mission and giving back in a meaningful way.
A Pro Bono Moment to Last a Lifetime
One of Robert’s proudest moments as a volunteer was securing a settlement for his first VLJ client against an insurance company represented by an Am Law 200 firm: “The client and I worked as a team and fought tirelessly to achieve a favorable outcome. The settlement not only resolved the case but also provided the client with a renewed sense of hope and a fresh start in life. The client’s heartfelt gratitude was the best feeling.”
Why Pro Bono Matters
For Robert, pro bono is deeply personal, offering “Volunteering inspires hope in these challenging times, as it allows me to connect with both other volunteers and clients who demonstrate remarkable positivity and resilience despite their own struggles. I also firmly believe that lawyers, by virtue of our unique skills and positions within our communities, have a responsibility to dedicate time and expertise—whether through legal or non-legal avenues—to make a difference, no matter how small.”
Robert’s vision for the legal profession is inspiring and achievable: “If every attorney took on one pro bono case per year, I believe we would change the world.”
Join Robert in Making a Difference
VLJ is proud to celebrate Robert Holup for his enthusiastic embrace of pro bono. He embodies the transformative power of using servant leadership to change lives.
Does Robert inspire you to add pro bono to your 2025 resolutions? If yes, you can do so with ease by visiting www.vljnj.org/why-probono or emailing probono@vljnj.org.
Connect with Robert on LinkedIn