In the heart of the legal world, where compassion and expertise meet, there's a bright star named Nina DePalma, Esq., who is a guiding light at Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ). In recognition of her achievements and commitment, Nina is VLJ’s August 2023 Defender of Justice.

Nina, a staff attorney in VLJ’s Tenancy Program, also serves as a fellow with the New Jersey Housing Justice Corps. Nina earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology of Law and Society from Moravian University and a Juris Doctor from Rutgers Law School-Newark (class of 2020). During law school Nina was an editor for the Rutgers Journal for Law and Public Policy, and had the privilege of addressing her class as their chosen commencement speaker. Nina also won the Sera Ramcharitar Memorial award at Rutgers Law, which is awarded to the student who excelled in work on behalf of the underprivileged, particularly women, children and families.