25 Years of Access to Justice:
In Case You Missed It

With 2026 in full swing, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the incredible momentum that carried us out of 2025 and into our 25th Anniversary. If you missed our announcement, here is how Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) is looking forward to the next quarter-century of service:

A Milestone Anniversary


2001 marked our start, but 2026 marks our movement. What began as a modest effort in Essex County has grown into a statewide force for access to justice. This year isn't just a look back at 25 years of impact, it’s a reminder and resolution of what civil legal services can accomplish.

A Bold New Look for a Bold Mission


You may have noticed something different about us. We’ve officially refreshed the VLJ brand. Our new logo and vibrant palette reflect the modern, energetic, and unwavering boldness of our advocacy.

Three Ways to Join the 25th Anniversary Celebration:


• Visit Our Website: See us in action and learn about our history.
• Volunteer: Help make our 25th year the most impactful one yet.
• Events: Buy your tickets and mark your calendar for VLJ events throughout 2026:

The Next 25 Years Start with You

As VLJ celebrates a quarter-century of ensuring access to justice, we are looking toward the next 25 years. So VLJ remains a permanent fixture in the fight for a more just New Jersey, you are invited to participate in our $25 for 25 Campaign.

Our goal is simple but ambitious: we are looking for supporters to commit to a monthly gift of $25 ($300 a year).

While a one-time donation meets a moment, a recurring gift creates lasting momentum for our work. It allows us to plan, grow, and say "yes" to more families facing eviction, veterans seeking stability, and neighbors clearing barriers to gainful employment. Not only that, your cash gift may qualify for a new tax benefit beginning in 2026 even if you don’t itemize.

Whether you have been with us since 2001 or are just joining our story today, your $25 monthly commitment ensures the next chapter of justice in the Garden State is written by all of us.

Celebrating Steadfast Commitment to Veterans

We are incredibly proud to share that Alexandra Bravo, Senior Staff Attorney and Program Lead for our Veterans Legal Program, was recently honored with the 2026 Distinguished Service to Veterans and Reentry Award.

Alexandra Bravo and Sharon McGreevey (NJRC)

Presented by the New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC), this award recognizes Alexandra’s "steadfast commitment to justice and to supporting the legal needs of our nation's veterans."

Please join us in congratulating Alexandra on this well-deserved honor and thanking her for compassionately serving those who served.

A Note From A Neighbor

At VLJ, we don’t measure success by accolades, we measure it by the stability and peace of mind our clients regain. While the work itself is our reward, hearing from clients reminds us exactly why our staff and volunteers have spent the last 25 years fighting for access to justice across New Jersey. 

"Dear Ms. Nolan,

I am writing to recognize the outstanding work of your team at Volunteer Lawyers for Justice during a very stressful and difficult time for me. From the outset, my interactions gave me confidence that I was in exactly the right place.

From my initial conversation with Nina DePalma, Staff Attorney, I was met with calm, patience, and reassurance. That first interaction helped steady me and made it possible for me to clearly explain my situation and move forward.

I then worked with David Hernandez, Pro Bono Law Clerk at Lowenstein Sandler, and Joshua Kass, Vice President at Prudential Financial. They were knowledgeable, thoughtful, and genuinely supportive. They listened carefully, validated my concerns, made important corrections where needed, and guided me with clarity and care. The final letter they prepared was something I felt confident and proud to send to my landlord regarding a challenging lease issue.

Throughout the process, I felt respected and supported. I am very grateful for the professionalism and compassion shown by this team.

Thank you for leading such a strong and effective group of professionals.

With appreciation"

Because how we do justice matters.

VLJ Welcomes New Trustees

Earlier this year, VLJ welcomed four new members to our Board of Trustees:


• Craig Dashiell - Partner at Lowenstein Sandler LLP
• Jennifer Eppensteiner - Counsel at Reed Smith LLP
• Naju R. Lathia - Partner at Day Pitney LLP
• Jodi Moskowitz - Vice President Regulatory - Law, Deputy General Counsel & RTO Strategy Officer at PSEG

Craig Dashiell

Jennifer Eppensteiner 

Naju R. Lathia

Jodi Moskowitz

With the addition of Craig, Jennifer, Naju, and Jodi to the board, VLJ extends its deepest gratitude to outgoing members Michael Hyun (PSEG), Jessica Hodkinson (Panasonic Corporation of North America), Nicholas Insua (Reed Smith LLP), Maritza Rodríguez (Rodríguez Law LLC), and Jeffrey Shapiro (Lowenstein Sandler LLP) for their many years of invaluable stewardship and service. 

New Faces, Rising Stars:
VLJ Staff Updates

Welcoming New Staff

In December 2025, Josh Savitz joined VLJ as our Development Coordinator. In his role, Josh assists with fundraising strategy and event planning, as well as communications campaigns, with the goal of expanding VLJ’s operating capacity and improving digital reach.

In February 2026, Min Jee Christina Kim joined VLJ as an Intake Assistant. In her part-time role, Christina supports client and volunteer intake. 


Welcome Josh and Christina!

VLJ's Jessica Kitson Interviewed on State of Affairs with Steve Adubato

In a recorded interview, VLJ’s Director of Legal Advocacy, Jessica Kitson, spoke with Steve Adubato on State of Affairs. During her interview, Jessica spoke about how VLJ fights for access to justice by providing free civil legal services across New Jersey.

VLJ Secures Landmark Appellate Victory Protecting Tenants from Eviction

In December, VLJ secured a published opinion from the New Jersey Appellate Division, affirming the rights of tenants facing eviction for non-payment of rent. In the case of Fairkings Partners, LLC v. Essence L. Daniels, the Appellate Division upheld the trial court’s ruling, confirming a key interpretation of the Fair Eviction Notice Act’s “Stack Amendment” (N.J.S.A. 2A:42-10.16a).

The core legal dispute centered on the interpretation of the Stack Amendment that allows a tenant facing eviction for non-payment of rent a three-business-day period after a warrant of removal is posted to submit a rent payment to prevent a lockout.

VLJ Managing Attorney Allison Nolan, co-counseling with CJ Griffin of Pashman Stein Walder Hayden P.C., successfully argued that under the Stack Amendment, tenants can avoid eviction and remain in their housing by paying the amount of rent due at the time the Judgment for Possession was entered.

Parth M. Parikh of Lowenstein Sandler LLP argued the case for amicus curiae Seton Hall Law's Center for Social Justice Housing Justice Project (Natalie J. Kraner, also with Lowenstein Sandler, joined Parth on the amicus brief). 

Sponsor and Supporter Recognition

Thank you to our recent grantors, first-time corporate supporters, and major individual donors!

Recent Grantors & First-Time Corporate Supporters

Major Individual Donors

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