Ellen Schwartz, Esq.
“Ensuring access to justice for people experiencing poverty begins with treating clients with respect and dignity and honoring their experience, while doing one’s best to level the playing field to help them attain a just result. Sometimes it is as simple as validating a client’s perspective in the face of an adversary with greater resources and more technical jargon. Explaining the process in layman’s terms helps to make the process more fair. Other times, ensuring justice means stepping in to negotiate with an opponent who is more willing to act justly once a client has legal help as opposed to just acting on their own. I take great satisfaction in donating my time to an organization like VLJ to help them help people without the financial flexibility to hire an attorney.”
With an unwavering commitment to ensuring access to justice, Volunteer Lawyers for Justice’s May 2024 Volunteer of the Month exemplifies the transformative impact of compassionate pro bono. This month, VLJ honors and celebrates Ellen Schwartz for her years of taking cases and changing lives.
Ellen's journey into the world of pro bono is both inspiring and purpose-driven: holding a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from SUNY-Binghamton (Binghamton University) and a Juris Doctor from NYU Law, Ellen embarked on a path defined by empathy and giving back. Although not employed for monetary gain, Ellen's payment and reward are using her time and talent for her neighbors and community members. Ellen was first connected with VLJ in 2019, seeing her support VLJ’s Children’s Representation Program, Divorce Program, South Ward Promise Neighborhood Program, and Tenancy Program. Since she began her pro bono story with VLJ, Ellen has generously volunteered 70 hours of her time, valued at nearly $14,000.
When asked about her pro bono efforts, Ellen underscored the profound impact of giving back: "It's the most rewarding work I do. The clients are typically so appreciative. It's work that changes lives." Ellen noted her favorite moments volunteering with VLJ involve the human connection she forges with clients, particularly with fellow mothers navigating challenges within the school district.
For Ellen, pro bono work transcends mere legal service—it's a moral imperative. "As members of society, we have an obligation to take care of each other," she emphasized, which explains her approach to VLJ’s mission:
“Ensuring access to justice for people experiencing poverty begins with treating clients with respect and dignity and honoring their experience, while doing one’s best to level the playing field to help them attain a just result. Sometimes it is as simple as validating a client’s perspective in the face of an adversary with greater resources and more technical jargon. Explaining the process in layman’s terms helps to make the process more fair. Other times, ensuring justice means stepping in to negotiate with an opponent who is more willing to act justly once a client has legal help as opposed to just acting on their own. I take great satisfaction in donating my time to an organization like VLJ to help them help people without the financial flexibility to hire an attorney.”
Fortunately, Ellen is not only generous with her time and talent at VLJ, she also volunteers as a mediator with the New York Peace Institute and maintains a dedicated presence at Toni's Kitchen in Montclair, experiences that reflect her strongly-held belief in “sharing is caring.”
Ellen’s dedication is the essence of volunteerism—selfless, impactful, and filled to the brim with empathy. Through her pro bono efforts with VLJ and beyond, she embodies the belief that by sharing our skills and compassion, we can collectively move toward a fairer, more just world.
To Ellen, our May 2024 Volunteer of the Month, thank you for turning your time and talent into hope and justice!