We know how to make change...and we're changing the face of VLJ. 

 www.vlinj.org 
 Winter 2016 
 
Dear Friend:
 
As we celebrate 15 years of service, volunteerism continues to grow at VLJ and we're spreading the word! Our newly-designed quarterly newsletter - And Justice For All  - will feature VLJ contributions that come in all shapes and sizes. Each issue will be packed with stories of inspiration and triumph, passion and dedication, and the sense of family that unites us towards a common goal: fair and equal justice for all. Read on and stay connected to VLJ. 

Karen B. Sacks, Esq.
Founding Executive Director

Winning a Clean Slate in NJ for a Human Trafficking Victim
 
VLJ and McCarter & English teamed up to successfully file the first petition under a New Jersey law that gives judges the power to vacate arrests and convictions for offenses committed by victims of human trafficking.

Survey to Find Military Females Eligible for Free Legal Services

Thousands of New Jersey female veterans and servicewomen may qualify for free legal help - if only they can be found. So VLJ is conducting a survey to track down the women, many of whom have moved or are reticent to seek help from veterans' and social services organizations.
 
The survey and related legal programs are funded by a $25,000 grant from the Jewish Women's Foundation of New Jersey.  It is intended to provide legal assistance to military women who face different challenges than their male counterparts: fewer support networks, higher post-service unemployment and sexual trauma during their service.
Helping Storm Victims Re -Open Flood Insurance Claims

Advocates from Volunteer Lawyers for Justice, Legal Services of New Jersey, and the Ocean County Long-Term Recovery Group speak in Toms River, NJ.

In March 2015, almost two and a half years after Superstorm Sandy, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that anyone who filed a flood insurance claim after the storm and who was not satisfied with the proceeds they received could ask for that claim to be re-opened and reviewed.  FEMA, which manages the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), made the announcement shortly following the discovery of widespread fraud in engineering reports upon which insurance companies relied.  In addition, the NFIP claims process was structured in a way that incentivized underpayments.

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Click here to view more Gala photos
Click here to view Gala event sponsors.
Fundraising Gala '15
A Wonderful Night! 

Many thanks to those who put together our incredible Gala event on October 20, 2015 at the NJ Performing Arts Center. With your generosity and involvement, we raised a record-setting $322,000. 
 
The event was  Chaired by Susan McGahan of AT&T with Francis Giantomasi of Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi as our master of ceremonies. 
 
We honored several worthy individuals, corporations and law firms. This year's Pro Bono Service Award was presented to Prudential. David Bershad was honored with the VLJ Champion of Justice Award and Dennis Drasco earned the esteemed Douglas S. Eakeley Award.  The law firm of Lum, Drasco & Positan received the VLJ Dickinson R. Debevoise Award.  
 
Thank you to all of our sponsors, donors, attendees, and honorary dinner committee who worked hard to put together this memorable event. 
Pro Bono Attorney Spotlight:
Larry Lesnik

Larry Lesnik has a distinguished record as a partner in the debtor-creditor department of one of New Jersey's largest firms, Norris, McLaughlin & Marcus. He also has career-long commitments to public interest law and pro bono service.  All this history is working in sync for Larry these days, and VLJ is the grateful beneficiary.
Honor Someone Special 

By making a tribute in honor or in memory of someone, you're recognizing the impact that person has had on your life and creating a lasting contribution to VLJ in their name.    
 
When you make an in- tribute donation, we will mail a card on your behalf to the person you are honoring. If you are making a contribution in memory of someone, we will mail the card to a family member or a friend of the honoree.  

So, if there is someone on our staff who has made a positive difference in your life, please take this opportunity to acknowledge that special person through the VLJ Tribute Program.
Spotlight on Service:
Pam Brownstein

When Pamela Brownstein  was executive editor of the New Jersey Law Journal, she gave prominent placement to news about attorneys' pro bono activities, not just their victories and profits. A nd she was well aware of VLJ.

As a journalist, it was her job to know which organizations were doing newsworthy things. VLJ was one of them. As a citizen, she was glad to tell her audience about lawyers who volunteered their time and expertise to help needy people.

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We Want to Hear From You!

Your experience with the Volunteer Lawyers for Justice matters to us, and your passion for our organization helps keep this cause alive. 

Please write a review about your experience with VLJ.  It's an easy way to support our work without even leaving home! Your honest feedback is critical to our continuing good work, and it will appear in our profile on GuideStar and GreatNonprofits.   
 
To write a review, please click  here
STAY CONNECTED:

Volunteer Lawyers for Justice | (973) 645-1955 | Email Us | www.vljnj.org