Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) is excited to take you behind the curtain to give you a closer look at the incredible staff members who make VLJ such an impactful force for justice in New Jersey. We are kicking off this new column with one of our most talented advocates, Allison Nolan.
Allison’s trajectory at VLJ has been remarkable and in four years she has grown into a leading expert in the state on tenancy issues.
Allison joined VLJ in 2018 as the program lead of the Consumer Law Program (now Debt Relief Legal Program) and as the only attorney on VLJ’s then-new Tenancy Program. Allison represented clients in court, trained pro bono volunteers, and coordinated legal clinics and seminars for the public.
Everything changed after COVID-19 struck and eviction defense became the most pressing legal issue in the nation. Not only did the Tenancy Program grow to a team with six staff attorneys and a legal assistant, but reforming the landlord-tenant legal system became more crucial than ever. Allison has been a vital leader in a statewide coalition of housing attorneys that has worked tirelessly for the past two years to fix the broken landlord-tenant system. At the outset of the pandemic, Allison helped to create an FAQ sheet for tenants, so that renters would know their rights. She has worked on advocacy efforts benefiting tenants with the New Jersey Courts, Legislature, Governor’s Office, and Attorney General’s Office. Allison has been interviewed as an expert on tenants’ rights by NorthJersey.com, Law360, and NJ.com. She is a gifted attorney with a keen understanding of the law and has been a force for good for tenants in New Jersey.
According to Allison, her biggest accomplishment at VLJ is her representation of families facing homelessness. She says, “It’s an amazing feeling keeping someone from being evicted and homeless.” Jessica Kitson, Director of Legal Advocacy and Allison’s supervisor, says, “Allison is a force when it comes to advocating for her clients, with a quiet fortitude that allows her to have a real impact. Whether it’s training pro bono attorneys, mentoring new VLJ staff, or analyzing complex laws, Allison is a consummate champion for justice.”
With all of those accomplishments, it is telling that Allison’s favorite part of working at VLJ is that she gets to work with great people, both her colleagues and the pro bono volunteers, whom she calls “the best attorneys you’ll find in New Jersey.” Allison likes that VLJ’s model relies on collaboration. “I learn from volunteers and I teach volunteers,” she says.
To unwind from a face-paced, stressful legal practice, Allison spends her time outside of work as an avid crafter. She knits, crochets, creates clay sculptures and even found time during the pandemic to learn to sew. She has also volunteered for political campaigns. She is a fervent follower of the Olympics and was surprised to learn that she loved watching snowboard cross during the recent games.
Thousands of families across the state have benefited from Allison’s advocacy, most without ever knowing her name. We are thrilled to have Allison as a member of the VLJ team and to name her the first VLJ Defender of Justice!