“Volunteering is a fantastic way of giving back to the local community, learning new skills, and making a difference in people’s lives who find themselves lost in our complicated legal system.”
-Maria Linzmayer
At Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ), our mission is driven by dedicated professionals who generously give their time and talent to ensure access to justice for people experiencing poverty. This month, we are honored to recognize one such professional as our March 2025 Volunteer of the Month: Maria Linzmayer (she/her).
Maria, Director, Quality Assurance at Merck & Co., brings a unique perspective to her volunteerism. With a bachelor’s degree in Material Science and a master’s in Pharmaceutical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology, she is committed to driving productivity through standardization, simplification, and automation of quality processes in her professional role. But beyond her career, Maria has a deep passion for community service.
Through the Merck Gives Back program, Maria discovered VLJ and along with the organization, a meaningful way to give back—supporting Spanish-speaking clients of VLJ’s Divorce Program by providing translation support. Though not a legal professional, her dedication to helping others extends far beyond VLJ. She actively volunteers with The Lions Club’s Allentown, NJ chapter, which addresses critical local needs, and Riding High Farm, a therapeutic horseback riding program for individuals with varying physical and cognitive abilities.
Making an Impact
For Maria, volunteering is “a fantastic way of giving back to the local community, learning new skills, and making a difference in people’s lives who find themselves lost in our complicated legal system.” She also emphasizes the flexibility of volunteering with VLJ, noting that little background knowledge is required, and volunteers can determine their level of involvement based on their availability.
Maria recalls one particularly moving experience with VLJ: assisting a client who found the courage to leave a difficult marriage. “She had gathered all her strength to leave a very comfortable life for mental safety,” Maria recounted. Witnessing the role she played in someone else’s story, Maria discovered firsthand the difference legal help can make.
The Importance of Pro Bono Work
“Volunteering is always a great way to connect with people from very different backgrounds,” Maria stated. She understands the daunting nature of the legal system and sees VLJ as a vital force in helping community members navigate complex legal challenges. “By providing legal aid and guidance to people experiencing poverty, VLJ helps them get to a more stable, safe situation.”
Maria’s commitment to doing her part to realize a better, kinder New Jersey embodies VLJ’s mission. Indeed, Maria’s generous volunteerism—whether through translation assistance or in her community—is a testament to the power of pro bono in creating lasting change.
Thank you, Maria, for compassionately ensuring access to justice!
Motivated by Maria to harness the power of pro bono? Start your volunteer journey with Volunteer Lawyers for Justice by emailing Emerald Sheay at esheay@vljnj.org or visiting www.vljnj.org/why-probono.