For the final installment of our Summer 2023 Intern Spotlight series, we are delighted to introduce Jonathan Acampora. Jonathan is spending his summer internship supporting VLJ’s Debt Relief Legal Program and Tenancy Program.
With an impressive academic journey, Jonathan holds a bachelor’s degree of Music in Oboe Performance and English from the University of Hartford, a master's degree in Teaching of English from Teachers College, Columbia University, and he is currently pursuing his Juris Doctor at Seton Hall Law.
Despite his rigorous legal studies, Jonathan remains actively involved in extracurriculars and volunteering efforts at Seton Hall. He serves as an Associate Editor for the Seton Hall Law Review, Vol. 54, and is a dedicated member of the moot court team. Even more impressive, Jonathan teaches English/Language Arts to middle school students in Brooklyn.
Jonathan first learned about VLJ from a professor who praised our impactful work in Newark. Inspired by the recommendation, Jonathan applied to be a summer intern and the rest is history (and we are sure glad he did!). Jonathan notes that VLJ staff and volunteers are really passionate about their work and incredibly kind. Indeed, Jonathan remarked that it’s been great to work with volunteers from various firms and companies who take time out of their schedules to help clients.
When it comes to the power of pro bono, Jonathan is keenly aware of just how transformative it can be, “Pro bono work is important because receiving high quality legal help can change the outcome of a particular legal problem, and legal problems can have a tangible impact on someone’s everyday life.” During his time at VLJ, Jonathan has had an opportunity to reflect on VLJ’s mission of “Ensuring access to justice for people experiencing poverty.” In fact, Jonathan offered his thoughts on VLJ’s mission: “I think about ensuring access to justice as making sure that anyone, regardless of their income or assets, has access to the knowledge and preparation necessary to have a fair shot at a good outcome. The legal system can only really be fair if everyone is on an equal footing, and I think about VLJ’s mission as leveling the playing field a little by making sure that clients have access to services and high-quality legal help, regardless of their ability to pay.”
While summer is quickly approaching an exit stage left, we would be remiss not to thank and acknowledge Jonathan for the incredible work he has undertaken during his internship coupled with his compassionate and dedicated approach to ensuring access to justice for neighbors and community members with unmet civil legal needs. To Jonathan, thank you for a summer of service, and cheers to a bright future ahead!
Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn
““Ensuring access to justice means making sure that anyone, regardless of how their income or assets, has access to the knowledge and preparation necessary to have a fair shot at a good outcome. The legal system can only really be fair if everyone is on an equal footing, and I think about VLJ’s mission as leveling the playing field a little by making sure that clients have access to services and high-quality legal help, regardless of their ability to pay.”
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