Meet Our 2024 Gala Pro Bono Honorees | In addition to celebrating Preet Bharara, Catherine Weiss, and RBC Wealth Management at our October 8 Arts & Eats for Justice Gala, Volunteer Lawyers for Justice is thrilled to announce we will celebrate several volunteers who have gone above and beyond this year harnessing the power of pro bono. |
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2024 Michael R. Griffinger Volunteer of the Year | |
Following in the tradition set by founding VLJ Trustee, Michael R. Griffinger, this award recognizes the exemplary pro bono efforts of an individual lawyer. | |
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Jason Holt, a seasoned attorney with more than two decades of experience, has made significant contributions to both the legal field and public service. Jason's extensive background includes pivotal roles in Atlantic City and East Orange, where he managed complex legal affairs, redevelopment projects, and fiscal challenges, notably guiding Atlantic City through a period of economic instability and revitalization. He also served as a Municipal Court Judge.
Currently, Jason is a member of Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi (CSG Law), playing a crucial role in the Real Estate Group, the Redevelopment, Land Use & Zoning Group, the Environmental Group, as well as the Cannabis Law team. He also co-chairs CSG Law's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, reflecting his commitment to fostering inclusive environments both within and outside the firm. Notably, Jason was recently featured in Law360 and the CBS Sunday Morning Show, and he has appeared in several military documentaries, for his efforts to overturn the convictions of more than one hundred Buffalo Soldiers who were court-martialed, executed or imprisoned more than a century ago following a deeply flawed trial marred by racism. In recognition of his influence and leadership, Jason was named to ROI-NJ’s Influencer: People of Color List for 2024.
Jason's dedication to public service extends to his efforts with VLJ, particularly with the ReLeSe (Reentry Legal Services) Program, Tenancy Program, and Veterans Legal Program. His deep understanding of government and the judicial system equips him with the skills to provide invaluable assistance to VLJ clients seeking expungements. Jason finds fulfillment in helping individuals overcome past mistakes and grow, recognizing the importance of not just legal guidance, but compassionate support. He believes in leveling the playing field, so everyone has access to justice and the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their past.
Jason's approach to volunteering is marked by patience, thoroughness, and a genuine desire to help. His appreciation for VLJ's supportive staff and the collaborative environment of the clinics underscores his belief in the importance of community and teamwork in providing effective legal assistance: “We’re all just human beings trying to live the best life we can with the tools we have. Our job as volunteers is to help them get to that plateau where they feel they’re living their highest and best life.”
Jason Holt exemplifies the spirit of pro bono and public service, be it as VLJ’s August 2022 Volunteer of the Month, or as a deserving recipient of VLJ’s inaugural Michael R. Griffinger Volunteer of the Year Award.
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2024 Outstanding Advocate
for Justice
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This award recognizes the exemplary efforts of a non-attorney volunteer in assisting clients, improving VLJ systems and processes, and supporting access to justice. | |
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Nydia Benders has been a steadfast volunteer with VLJ's ReLeSe (Reentry Legal Services) Program, providing expungement clients the second chances they need and deserve.
Nydia’s commitment to volunteerism spans over 25 years, beginning with her work alongside legal staff from Prodigal Sons and Daughters at Essex County College. There, she taught individuals who were formerly incarcerated crucial life skills, including financial literacy and character building. Reflecting on her journey, Nydia recalls, “Some people have been away from their families for 20 years, and they come home to nothing. They need housing, jobs, and driver’s licenses.”
Her passion for service deepened when she joined Prudential Financial, a company she describes as always giving back. After learning about VLJ through a colleague, Nydia was eager to get involved, asking, “Can only lawyers volunteer?” The answer, of course, was no, and since then, she has become an integral part of VLJ’s expungement clinics.
Nydia’s favorite aspect of volunteering is connecting with like-minded individuals who are committed to making a difference. She recalls a poignant moment with a well-dressed gentleman in his 50s whose criminal record from decades ago disqualified him from expungement. “It felt like the system is not meant to enhance, but designed for failure,” Nydia reflects. Despite the disappointment, she remains hopeful, especially with expansion of expungement laws like Clean Slate, which she believes will help clients like the gentleman become assets to society rather than liabilities.
Beyond her hands-on work at the clinics, Nydia is also a passionate advocate for expanding volunteerism. During her time at Prudential, Nydia enthusiastically recruited and inspired fellow executive assistants to volunteer with VLJ. Ever the pro bono cheerleader, Nydia was recognized as a VLJ Volunteer of the Month in April 2021. In her new chapter at St. Joseph’s Health, Nydia’s volunteerism is as strong as ever.
“I really appreciate and honor VLJ for stepping up and helping people of all nationalities, but especially minority communities, because we are so overlooked,” Nydia shared. “That makes me want to work harder in any capacity to help people get their life back.” VLJ extends its heartfelt thanks to Nydia Benders for her tireless efforts and honors her commitment and compassion with this well-deserved and well-earned 2024 Outstanding Advocate for Justice Award.
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2024 Defenders of Justice | |
This award recognizes significant contributions to VLJ’s programs and mission over the past year. | | |
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Nathan (Nate) is a partner at K&L Gates. At VLJ, Nate volunteers with our ReLeSe (Reentry Legal Services) Program and South Ward Promise Neighborhood Program. In recognition of his dedication to pro bono, Nate was named VLJ’s Volunteer of the Month in January 2020. | | |
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Matthew (Matt) is Managing Counsel – Environmental at PSEG. At VLJ, Matt volunteers with our Veterans Legal Program. In recognition of his dedication to pro bono, Matt was named VLJ’s Volunteer of the Month in December 2018 and July 2024. | | |
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Alexandra is a solo practitioner at the Law Office of Alexandra Wolfe Litvin, PC. At VLJ, Alexandra volunteers with our Divorce Program and Veterans Legal Program. In recognition of her dedication to pro bono, Alexandra was named VLJ’s Volunteer of the Month in April 2019. | | |
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Although not employed for monetary gain, Ellen's payment and reward are using her time and talent for neighbors and community members. At VLJ, Ellen volunteers with our Children’s Representation Program, Divorce Program, South Ward Promise Neighborhood Program, and Tenancy Program. In recognition of her dedication to pro bono, Ellen was named VLJ’s Volunteer of the Month in May 2024. | | |
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Taylor is a Digital Strategist at 9Sail. In the age of all things digital, Taylor has been volunteering with VLJ’s communications team, optimizing VLJ’s presence online and efforts to ensure access to justice, meaning those who are in search of VLJ’s services and opportunities can find us. | | |
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Amy is Vice President & Chief Legal Officer, Retirement Strategies, at Prudential Financial. At VLJ, Amy volunteers with our Debt Relief Legal Program, Divorce Program, ReLeSe (Reentry Legal Services) Program, South Ward Promise Neighborhood Program, Tenancy Program, and Veterans Legal Program. In recognition of her dedication to pro bono, Amy was named VLJ’s Volunteer of the Month in August 2019. In September 2024, Amy joined VLJ’s Board of Trustees. | |
Join Us in Celebrating All Our Honorees! | |
Join VLJ in honoring these remarkable leaders and champions of pro bono at our Arts & Eats for Justice Gala.
October 8, 2024
5:30-8:30 PM
The Park Savoy Estate
236 Ridgedale Avenue
Florham Park, NJ 07932
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