VLJ recently invited three new staff attorneys to join our Tenancy Team, thanks to the generosity of the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund. These new staff attorneys will be on the front lines combating the impending eviction crisis in New Jersey.
We also welcome Sabrina Ambrose, our new Administrative Assistant, who will be vital to VLJ's ability to provide legal support to low-income New Jerseyans. Welcome to the team, Zainab Awelenje, Nina DePalma, Jeff Stephens, and Sabrina Ambrose!
Zainab Awelenje is from Baltimore, Maryland and graduated from Quinnipiac University School of Law in 2018. She says, “I decided to join VLJ because I want to help amplify the voices of tenants in Essex County by representing tenants, and ensuring tenants are aware of their rights and the legal resources available to them. After working in Housing mediation and with community roundtables, I often found that tenants are successful when they’re empowered, made aware of the opportunities available to them, and provided with representation. VLJ provides exceptional resources to ensure people’s legal needs are being met by not only providing representation but also clear information so people understand the legal process. This fits perfectly with my values.” Fun fact: Zainab speaks five languages!
Nina DePalma is from Oak Ridge and graduated from Rutgers Law School (Newark) in 2020. Nina has volunteered with VLJ for years, and was previously highlighted during Volunteer Week earlier this year. Nina wrote, “I connected with VLJ while I was founding the Newark Housing Rights Coalition. The passion that VLJ has for the public good and the innovative nature of their pro bono work made me even more excited to begin my career in public interest law. VLJ is an incredible group of people who care deeply about each other and about the communities they serve.” Fun fact: Nina love to travel! She has been to Mexico, Jamaica, Greece, Spain, England, Scotland, Italy, Germany, Austria, and France.
Jeff Stephens was born and raised in San Diego, CA and is now living in Hopewell, NJ. He graduated from Rutgers Law School (Newark) in 2009. Jeff told us, “My original motivation in becoming an attorney was to work for the interests of disadvantaged and at-risk individuals and for the public good. I've dedicated the past few years to redirecting my career path toward these original goals, and I am thrilled to be at VLJ working with this amazing staff and the teams of pro bono attorneys and community partners motivated to serve the needs of our New Jersey communities.” Fun fact: in a previous career, Jeff was a professional musical theater performer! He recently returned to the stage, tap dancing and singing at a local community theater.
Sabrina Ambrose is from Newark, NJ and graduated from Kaplan University, now known as Purdue University Global. Sabrina says, "I love the law and the many components it covers. Joining VLJ is a fantastic opportunity for me to learn more about the ins and out of volunteer legal representation to helping individuals who otherwise cannot afford it otherwise, it's a dream come true!" Fun fact: Sabrina enjoys singing and fitness!