๐๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ ๐ก๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐น ๐ฉ๐ผ๐น๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ ๐ผ๐ป๐๐ต!
At Volunteer Lawyers for Justice, volunteers are at the core of our mission to ensure access to justice for people experiencing poverty. They consistently and powerfully show up for our clients and communities, generously donating their time and talent to ensure justice is not limited to those who can afford it. While there are not enough days in National Volunteer Month to personally celebrate all our volunteers, VLJ is spotlighting a few who represent the incredible humans partnering with us to change lives.
Nicholas D. Velez
Associate - Lowenstein Sandler LLP
โEnsuring access to justice for people experiencing poverty means working to ensure that those without means can participate in the legal system on a level playing field as those with means. This is particularly important when something as fundamental as housing is at stake.
I volunteer with VLJ because it provides a unique opportunity to meaningfully impact peopleโs lives. Successfully representing a tenant in a trial after her landlord filed a wrongful eviction complaint against her was one of the most rewarding experiences of my legal career.โ
Griselda Hodaj
Associate - Gibbons P.C.
โEnsuring access to justice for people experiencing poverty means creating a legal system that is inclusive, fair, and available to everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances. It means removing the barriers that prevent individuals living in poverty from obtaining the legal support they need to protect their rights and navigate the complexities of the legal system.
I volunteer with VLJ because I strongly believe in the principle of equal justice for all. As an attorney, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by individuals who cannot afford legal representation. Many people find themselves in vulnerable situations, dealing with issues such as housing insecurity, domestic violence, immigration concerns, and more. Without access to legal support, these individuals often struggle to navigate the complexities of the legal system and protect their rights. And it's not just about providing legal assistance; it's about making a difference in the lives of individuals and families who are struggling.โ
Daniel Salerno
Litigation Paralegal - Tanenbaum Keale LLP
โEnsuring access to justice for people experiencing poverty means that we must all work together to create a system to ensure that all have the same access to legal representation, regardless of finances. The legal system is complex and can be intimidating to those who are unfamiliar with its process. When individuals are facing challenging legal issues, it is vital to have someone by their side at each step who is knowledgeable, and can provide the necessary support and guidance to protect their rights.
I volunteer with VLJ because it is a great way to give back to the community. Many who seek out VLJ's help are struggling or are facing incredibly stressful situations. I am proud to volunteer with other individuals who share common goals of ensuring access to justice and who work hard to have a positive impact on people's lives.โ
Robert A. Ayes
Associate - Gibbons P.C.
โEnsuring access to justice for people experiencing poverty is more than just a saying. It is an imperative that a society based on laws applies evenly and justly amongst its population. We cannot have one system for individuals who can afford attorneys and another for those who cannot. Every person must be able to have equal access to quality legal services so a case outcome is decided by what is right, not by who paid for an attorney.
I volunteer with VLJ because it allows me to directly contribute in providing equal access to justice. Many individuals simply cannot afford legal representation, and VLJ ensures they have a voice. Volunteering with VLJ allows me to โdo well by doing good.โ Whether assisting a person in vacating their criminal record or a veteran in estate planning, you definitely make an impact when you volunteer with VLJ. Also, the chance to learn from and collaborate with such a dedicated group of attorneys makes the experience even more rewarding.โ
Melisa Desperak
Paralegal - Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
โEnsuring access to justice for people experiencing poverty means working with not only impoverished clients but clients who donโt feel safe or heard. By being responsive to them at all times, they feel less vulnerable. By helping them find an avenue to obtain immigration status, we give them hope.
I volunteer with VLJ because itโs incredibly rewarding to help people overcome insurmountable adversities in their lives and give them a second chance at a fulfilling life.โ
Taylor Tobey
Digital Strategist - 9Sail
โEnsuring access to justice for people experiencing poverty means removing barriers to accessing necessary legal services and increasing awareness regarding the availability of pro bono programs tailored to address their needs.
I volunteer with VLJ because while I may not be an attorney I have the incredible opportunity to help expand the organization's reach to those who may not know about the astounding work VLJ does in providing access to justice for people experiencing poverty.โ
Karen M. Francis
Commercial Counsel - Verizon
โEnsuring access to justice for people experiencing poverty means giving people a second chance; giving people the ability to be on an even level with others who have means; and it means giving people hope. The type of circumstances that bring people to VLJ are not easy to maneuver and are often full of bureaucratic chaos. VLJ allows volunteers to provide support, guidance, and a feeling of hope and empowerment to its clients.
I volunteer with VLJ because I get to help people regain control of their lives and remove some of the obstacles in their career paths. Being able to give someone hope for a better future is reason enough to volunteer.โ