“Ensuring access to justice looks like VLJ reaching out to those in need and linking them with legal professionals throughout the area to provide services to them, continuing to educate, train, and facilitate the clinics and services provided. Continuing to keep the pulse on what is happening in the law and in our area to ensure that new challenges can be met with adequate support.”
-Stephen Kunen
In this season of gratitude and serving those who served, Stephen Kunen, Senior Corporate Counsel at Palo Alto Networks, is proudly recognized as Volunteer Lawyers for Justice’s November 2024 Volunteer of the Month. Stephen earned a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience and behavior from Columbia University and a Juris Doctor from Emory Law School, and at Palo Alto Networks, Stephen is a corporate transactions attorney specializing in cybersecurity.
Crediting a bit of pro bono inspiration, Stephen began volunteering with VLJ in 2021 after hearing positive feedback from former colleagues at AT&T. During his nearly three-year volunteer journey, Stephen has primarily supported VLJ’s Veterans Legal Program while also giving his time and talent to VLJ’s Divorce Program, South Ward Promise Neighborhood Program, and Tenancy Program. Remarking on his experience with VLJ thus far:
“VLJ makes it so easy and rewarding to volunteer. They provide you with the training and resources to immediately get to the work of helping the clients in need. Volunteering provides a sobering reminder of the challenges that others are facing whom we can help with our legal skills right over our computer. The clinic format is easy to incorporate into your schedule and the thanks that we receive from those who served us is fulfilling. Not having served in the Armed Forces myself, I am glad that I can serve those who have served us.”
To date, Stephen’s enthusiastic volunteerism includes more than 100 hours on 47 legal matters, service valued at over $55,200. Talk about a powerful boost for access to justice!
Taking a Case. Changing a Life.
One of Stephen's most memorable cases involved helping a family resolve a dispute with their landlord. After delays and having to balance a difficult situation of the client not being able to find any other housing while the landlord was neglecting their responsibility (and threatening the client), Stephen negotiated a resolution giving his client enough time to find a new apartment and avoid an eviction. Even more, Stephen secured funds from the landlord to help them move out. Going the extra mile, Stephen picked up the funds from opposing counsel who personally thanked Stephen for resolving the case after several months and then he hand-delivered the funds to the client and their realtor (the deposit they needed to move into their new home).
To those considering volunteering, Stephen offered, “The clients need you. And you have a greater ability to assist them than you might think. It’s in the lawyer’s nature to be skeptical about new things so this is understandable, but we are duty-bound to serve others in our profession and it makes a huge difference in the lives of those whom you help. Pro bono is important because there is a huge need for legal services in the community. Many don’t have the means to access the resources they need to navigate the legal system or their legal problems, so anything we can do to help close that gap makes a real difference in people’s lives.”
Fortunately, Stephen’s energetic, compassionate approach to giving back is not limited to VLJ: he is involved with the Emory University New Jersey Alumni Network, Association of Corporate Counsel New Jersey, and St. James Men of Charity.
Through dedication to Volunteer Lawyers for Justice and his community, Stephen Kunen embodies the transformative power of pro bono and the impact one volunteer can have. Thank you, Stephen!
Connect with Stephen on LinkedIn