The Long Drive For Justice

VLJ's Second Annual Golf Outing

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

VLJ invites you back to the green for our second annual golf outing, The Long Drive for Justice.

Join us on Tuesday, June 20 at Mountain Ridge Country Club for a day of golf and good times. Registration and the driving range open at 10:30 AM with activities throughout the day, including a post-tournament cocktail reception open to all (not just golfers). This event is guaranteed to make any golfer, spectator, or supporter of justice feel like they hit a hole in one.

The golf outing is less than two weeks away, so grab your tickets today!

Golfing Not Your Thing?

Then Join Us for Our Summer Soirée

On Tuesday, June 20 at 5:00 PM, immediately following VLJ's golf outing, please join us for our Summer Soirée. Tasty drinks, heavy hors d'oeuvres, and the company of new and familiar faces await.

VLJ Welcomes Two New Board Trustees

Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) is pleased to announce that Joe Giovannoli and Tracey Salmon-Smith joined its Board of Trustees at the beginning of the year.

Joe is the founder and CEO of 9Sail, a lead generation and search engine optimization firm with a focus on the legal industry based in Fairfield, NJ. Joe received a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Joe describes himself as a wine and bourbon aficionado, an avid golfer, and a lover of the outdoors.

Tracey, a partner at international law firm Faegre Drinker in the business litigation practice group, brings a wealth of experience to VLJ. Tracey received a Bachelor of Arts in English from Dartmouth College and a Juris Doctor from Villanova University School of Law. In her free time, Tracey enjoys traveling, reading, cooking, and mentoring young people.

Cathy Keenan, VLJ’s executive director, reflected on Joe and Tracey’s appointments to the board of trustees, “VLJ prides itself on having a diverse and committed board of trustees dedicated to advancing VLJ’s mission. Joe and Tracey continue that tradition by bringing incredible personal and professional experience that will ensure our resources are well-managed and VLJ remains at the forefront of legal, social, and technological advances. When it comes to ensuing access to justice for people experiencing poverty, Joe and Tracey exemplify what it means to be compassionate professionals who pay justice forward.”

A Client Story - What Ensuring Access to Justice for People Experiencing Poverty Looks Like

"Linda"* was working at a COVID-19 tent-based testing site, and because COVID-19 testing in tents was reduced significantly in early 2022, Linda's hours were cut, decreasing her income and causing her to fall behind on rent. Linda eventually obtained a new job in the healthcare field with an income that provides enough to pay the rent going forward. While Linda was able to make payments on her back-owed rent, she was not able to pay the full amount.

Unfortunately, her landlord soon filed an eviction complaint against her for non-payment of rent. Linda came to VLJ for help, and working with community partners, VLJ was able to get her rental assistance through the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund to fully pay the back-owed rent as well as some future rent. Working with the landlord, the eviction case against Linda was dismissed and she remains stably and securely housed at home.



Linda had a few parting words on her experience with VLJ: “The dedication from the VLJ attorney, Margo Katz Rosenberg, was outstanding. I called with no hope, and an hour later someone called me back and after that I have to say, it was extraordinary the assistance I received. Abigail Oliver and Margo are professional and I am forever grateful."

*The name and photo of the client have been changed to protect their privacy and confidentiality.

Cristina Baragona is VLJ's June 2023 Volunteer of the Month

The New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking Awards Volunteer Lawyers For Justice With NJ Freedom Award

On Wednesday, May 17, Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) was presented with a NJ Freedom Award for its work ensuring access to justice for survivors of human trafficking in New Jersey. The award was presented by the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking (NJCAHT) at its annual New Jersey Freedom Gala. At the Gala, held at the Bridgewater Manor, NJCAHT awarded several recipients with its NJ Freedom Award, an award that recognizes the compassion, courage, impact and reach of individuals and organizations to prevent human trafficking in New Jersey and help those affected by it.



Kate Lee, executive director of NJCAHT, spoke on why an organization like VLJ received the NJ Freedom Award, “For many survivors, unaddressed legal needs can become barriers to healing and hope. This sad and unfortunate reality is compounded by the cost of legal assistance and the limited pool of attorneys with experience to help. The award is a recognition of VLJ’s partnership and compassion, working to ensure survivors have competent, professional legal help regardless of their ability to pay. Indeed, VLJ has been a stalwart ally in our fight for justice on behalf of human trafficking survivors in New Jersey.”

There is No VLJ Without Volunteers!

According to a study from the Cleveland Clinic, volunteering is a great way to improve your mental health while doing good. At VLJ, we think that is the perfect combination to go along with ensuring access to justice for people experiencing poverty.

Every volunteer opportunity at VLJ provides a chance to help bridge the access to justice gap and move New Jersey closer to being a more just place to live and work. With diverse and virtual opportunities available, YOU decide when, where, and how you want to volunteer.

Connect with Volunteer Lawyers for Justice