Volunteer Lawyers for Justice's Gala Raises Record-Breaking Amount | | |
Thanks to enthusiastic generosity, Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ)'s October 7 annual gala, Uniting for Justice – A Benefit Celebrating Collaboration and Change in New Jersey, raised over $783,000, the largest amount ever raised for a VLJ gala.
The evening was a vibrant celebration of the collaborative spirit driving VLJ’s mission of ensuring access to justice for people experiencing poverty. The funds raised from the gala are critical to supporting VLJ’s work providing free civil legal services to thousands of people every year. VLJ’s services keep families stably housed by avoiding unlawful evictions, help community members facing insurmountable consumer and medical debt, support survivors of human trafficking, and serve those who served in the United States Military.
| | "This year's gala was more than a fundraiser; it was a powerful demonstration of our community's shared commitment to justice," said Cathy Keenan, VLJ’s Executive Director. "The record-breaking success helps to ensure that even in uncertain economic times, our services remain accessible and available to our neighbors across the Garden State. We are profoundly grateful to all of our sponsors, attendees, and honorees whose dedication and support make this work possible." | | See How Your Support Changes Lives | | Click or tap above to watch the video from this year's annual gala. | | |
VLJ's GivingTuesday was a success, but the need doesn't stop. We are now focused on reaching our $85,000 year-end giving goal to continue providing civil legal services to tenants facing eviction, seniors overwhelmed with medical debt, survivors of human trafficking, and veterans.
If you gave, thank you. If you missed GivingTuesday, now is the perfect time to join us and help us finish the year strong.
| | VLJ Partners & Volunteers Win Pro Bono Awards | | While October is generally regarded as Pro Bono Month, it certainly was a time of celebration as several VLJ partners and volunteers were honored for their pro bono service across New Jersey. | | BASF Corporation's Legal Department and Bressler, Amery & Ross, P.C. Win Major NJSBA Pro Bono Awards | | VLJ is grateful that two of its dedicated pro bono partners, BASF Corporation’s Legal Department and Bressler, Amery & Ross, P.C., were recognized by the New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA) with prestigious awards for their outstanding commitment to access to justice in New Jersey. | | |
BASF Corporation’s Legal Department was awarded the Mark Daniel Excellence in Pro Bono Award, and Bressler, Amery & Ross, P.C. received the Pillar of Justice Award. VLJ nominated them in recognition of their deep and sustained partnership, particularly their powerful work supporting New Jersey veterans through VLJ’s Veterans Legal Program.
The NJSBA presented the awards at its 2025 Pro Bono Awards Reception on Wednesday, October 22 at the New Jersey Law Center.
| | VLJ is incredibly proud to have a powerful, longstanding partnership with BASF and Bressler. We celebrate their well-deserved recognition by the NJSBA. Indeed, their enthusiastic embrace of pro bono sets a high standard for corporate legal departments and law firms across the state. | | VLJ Volunteer Attorney, Kevin Gilmore of Gibbons P.C., Named New Jersey Legal Awards’ 2025 Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year | | |
VLJ celebrates Kevin Gilmore, winner of the New Jersey Legal Awards’ 2025 Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year!
Kevin, an associate at Gibbons P.C., is a true champion for access to justice, generously donating over $62,000 worth of free civil legal services to VLJ clients since 2018. His dedication to criminal record expungement and eviction defense provides second chances and stable housing for neighbors across New Jersey.
Thank you, Kevin and Gibbons, for your amazing pro bono partnership!
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A name is one of the most powerful connections to our authentic selves.
“The group of attorneys (there were volunteer lawyers being trained) helped me prepare my name change paperwork and the fee waiver paperwork. Diana Onuschak from VLJ was my point of contact before and was amazing. She ensured I knew what I needed at every step.
VLJ helped make a process that I had found daunting very simple! I was treated with respect and kindness. As of August 22nd, my name change is official!!!”
For many in our community—especially our trans, nonbinary, and non-cisgender neighbors—a legal name change isn't just paperwork; it's a profound step toward justice and dignity.
VLJ's PRIDE Name Change Program helps New Jerseyans experiencing poverty navigate the process of legally changing their name. Our staff and volunteers work with clients on the pleadings, documents, and online filing to make this life-changing process streamlined and accessible.
| | Because how we do justice matters. | | In Remembrance - Maureen “Mo” McCully Winograd
A Founding Director of VLJ | | |
VLJ is deeply saddened by the passing of Maureen McCully Winograd, affectionately known as "Mo," a visionary and beloved founding director of VLJ. Mo passed away at the age of 79 on Friday, September 5.
Mo's dedication to the legal community in Essex County and beyond was lifelong. She spent over 25 years serving as the Executive Director of the Essex County Bar Association (1978-2003), tirelessly advocating for access to justice and a fierce champion of pro bono.
This same passion was foundational to Mo's work with VLJ. In 2000, Mo along with partners at McCarter & English, LLP and Gibbons P.C., saw that the legal services offices in Essex County were overwhelmed with requests for help from community members. Recognizing the untapped potential of the private bar, VLJ’s history began as a subcommittee of the Legal Services Foundation of Essex County thanks to Mo’s leadership with the Foundation. Mo went on to serve on VLJ’s Board of Trustees from 2001-2016.
Mo and her memory are etched into the very fabric of our mission. We are profoundly grateful for her foresight, care, and compassion, and will continue doing what she set out to do decades ago: ensure access to justice.
| | Thank you, Mo, and rest peacefully in justice! | | New Faces, Rising Stars: VLJ Staff Updates | | | | Nicole Herrera - Legal Assistant | |
Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Nicole Herrera, VLJ's newest Legal Assistant supporting our South Ward Promise Neighborhood and Tenancy Programs.
Nicole is a passionate community advocate bringing a strong background in criminal justice and direct community service to VLJ.
| | Starting September 1, New Jersey will have new Summons and Complaint Forms for Landlord-Tenant cases | | |
Sponsor and Supporter Recognition
Thank you to our recent grantors, first-time corporate supporters, and major individual donors!
| | Ensuring Access to Justice for People Experiencing Poverty | | Connect with Volunteer Lawyers for Justice | | | | |
