Eric W. Hughes
“VLJ’s mission means acknowledging the woefully short lives we have and refusing to let fellow humans suffer, especially because most of the ills of today are manufactured. What can be created can be uncreated, so if we have a system that continues to keep people sick, in poverty, and in pain, we must quickly realize we love ourselves and each other far too much to let that remain the reality in which we live.”
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.
Coming aboard VLJ in April 2022 as the Bershad Communications Manager, Eric eventually joined VLJ’s leadership team in the fall of 2023 as Bershad Director of Communications. Eric's role at VLJ is multifaceted, going beyond the typical scope of communications. He is a driving force behind VLJ's outward-facing communications and engagement with diverse audiences. Whether it’s informing potential clients about VLJ’s services, recognizing the efforts of a volunteer, or sharing important information on access to justice issues, Eric’s work is centered around the power storytelling holds. He sees himself as a cheerleader for VLJ, shouting from the rooftop the organization’s successes through spotlights, pro bono award nominations, annual reports, various digital and print materials, and more.
If you’ve ever spoken with Eric, you might quickly realize he doesn’t have a traditional North Jersey accent. Hailing from Kentucky, Eric spent his formative years in the Bluegrass State, attending undergrad at the University of Kentucky with a few study-abroad experiences under his belt. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in German in 2008, Eric attended Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, Florida, graduating with a Juris Doctor in 2012. He is admitted to practice law in Florida, and prior to moving to New Jersey, he was a legal services attorney focused on serving those who served, handling VA benefits, military discharge upgrades, and other public benefits matters. Eric also helped with name and gender marker change issues for the transgender community in Central Florida.
One of Eric’s favorite aspects of working at VLJ is the organization's approach to the “humanness” element of ensuring access to justice. VLJ fosters an environment that encourages, indeed requires, staff to take care of themselves, pursue their interests, and live balanced lives outside of work. This cultural shift means staff members return to their roles refreshed and ready to advocate more effectively for clients and collaborate with volunteers and stakeholders. (Ensuring access to justice is a marathon after all!)
Eric’s biggest accomplishment at VLJ has been increasing the organization's visibility. While he could cite impressive metrics, Eric takes pride in the tangible impacts of his efforts. He has seen a rise in new volunteers, an increase in client applications, and more people reaching out to learn about VLJ’s programs, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support. In a world where it is easy to get lost in the constant noise of 24/7/365 media and the Internet, Eric—embracing the power of “teamwork makes the dream work” with his colleagues—amplifies VLJ’s voice to reach those who most need to hear it.
Reflecting on his career, Eric describes himself as a “recovering attorney” who remained in the justice-space, remarking, “It is interesting to get a glimpse into just how disconnected the legal system can be from real life. How hard some community members have to work just to scrape by, having to pick and choose which basic necessities they will afford this month. The current state of what we call ‘justice’ is disheartening because how can people begin to imagine what their best life might look like when they can’t even imagine how they will afford their housing, food, or medicine? I might call this the commodification of dignity and decency. Yet, I have hope because of the tireless efforts of my coworkers, VLJ volunteers, and others like them across the country and beyond who recognize this isn’t OK, and they will devote their careers to doing something about it.”
VLJ’s mission of ensuring access to justice for people experiencing poverty resonates deeply with Eric. In simple terms, “VLJ’s mission means acknowledging the woefully short lives we have and refusing to let fellow humans suffer, especially because most of the ills of today are manufactured. What can be created can be uncreated, so if we have a system that continues to keep people sick, in poverty, and in pain, we must quickly realize we love ourselves and each other far too much to let that remain the reality in which we live.”
Outside of VLJ, Eric enjoys the spice of variety, be that sleeping in, slow and quiet mornings with freshly-brewed coffee, working on his fitness, spending time with his husband, book clubbing, laughing (quite a lot!), attempting to write a book, walking everywhere fast, and training for a half-marathon. With a keen eye for storytelling and a heart for celebrating and cheerleading all those who make access to justice a reality, Eric W. Hughes is a most welcomed Defender of Justice at Volunteer Lawyers for Justice.
Connect with Eric on LinkedIn