TRENTON, NJ – Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ), the New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence, and Centurion proudly stand together in celebrating the Survivors Justice Act (SJA), which was signed into law by Governor Murphy earlier this week. Together, S4870/A5968 and S4871/A5969 mark a pivotal step toward a more equitable and trauma-informed justice system for survivors of domestic violence and other forms of abuse in New Jersey.
Celebrating 25 Years of Access to Justice
Happy New Year! As we step into 2026, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and pride. This year marks a monumental milestone for Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ): our 25th anniversary. What began in 2001 as a modest effort to address the growing number of unrepresented people in Essex County has transformed into a powerful movement for access to justice across New Jersey. For a quarter of a century, your hands, your hearts, and your advocacy have ensured that poverty is not a barrier to justice.
A Call to Action From VLJ — Survivors Justice Act
The NJ Legislature has officially passed the Survivors Justice Act (SJA), a landmark two-bill package (S4870 and S4871). This legislation is a game-changer: it provides fair sentencing and an expungement process for survivors of abuse whose legal cases are directly linked to their abuse.
Now, we need Governor Murphy to sign it into law and ensure survivors finally receive the trauma-informed justice they deserve.
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice Secures Landmark Appellate Victory Protecting Tenants from Eviction
Newark, NJ – Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) is pleased to announce a significant win in the New Jersey Appellate Division, which issued a published opinion affirming the rights of tenants facing eviction for non-payment of rent. In the case of Fairkings Partners, LLC v. Essence L. Daniels, the Appellate Division upheld the trial court’s ruling, confirming a key interpretation of the Fair Eviction Notice Act’s “Stack Amendment” (N.J.S.A. 2A:42-10.16a).
American College of Bankruptcy Foundation Continues Commitment to Volunteer Lawyers for Justice and Access to Justice with New Grant
Newark, NJ – Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free civil legal services in New Jersey, is pleased to announce it will be receiving a $10,700 grant from the American College of Bankruptcy and the American College of Bankruptcy Foundation (ACBF). This latest grant marks another year of support from the ACBF for VLJ's Debt Relief Legal Program (DRLP), allowing the organization to continue addressing the complex financial challenges facing communities across the state.
The Community Foundation of New Jersey (CFNJ) Grants $75,000 to Volunteer Lawyers for Justice
Newark, NJ – Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) is proud to announce it has been awarded a generous $75,000 Empower New Jersey grant from the Community Foundation of New Jersey (CFNJ) as part of its 2025 grantmaking program. This funding will significantly support VLJ’s mission to ensure access to justice for people experiencing poverty across New Jersey by investing directly in comprehensive, outcomes-focused civil legal services.
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice Celebrates BASF Corporation's Legal Department and Bressler, Amery & Ross, P.C. for Major NJSBA Pro Bono Award Wins
NEWARK, NJ – Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) is grateful that two of its dedicated pro bono partners, BASF Corporation’s Legal Department and Bressler, Amery & Ross, P.C., have been recognized by the New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA) with prestigious awards for their outstanding commitment to access to justice in New Jersey.
VLJ Volunteer Attorney, Kevin Gilmore of Gibbons P.C., Named New Jersey Legal Awards’ 2025 Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice is incredibly proud to celebrate Kevin Gilmore, winner of the New Jersey Legal Awards’ 2025 "Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year"!
ACLU-NJ and 29 Partner Organizations File Amicus Brief in Support of Community Trust Policies
The ACLU of New Jersey, representing themselves and 29 partner organizations, today filed a friend-of-the-court brief in support of community trust policies enacted by Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Hoboken that limit voluntary collaboration between municipal agencies and federal immigration enforcement. The brief argues that community trust policies promote the safety, health, and welfare of all residents, regardless of immigration status.
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice Gala Raises Record-Breaking Amount, Honors Champions of Justice in New Jersey
NEWARK, NJ – Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) announces a monumental success for its annual gala, Uniting for Justice – A Benefit Celebrating Collaboration and Change in New Jersey, held this past Tuesday, October 7 at The Park Savoy Estate. The event shattered previous fundraising records, bringing in an unprecedented $783,000—the largest amount ever raised for a VLJ gala.
Rooted in Service - Fostering a Pro Bono Culture in New Jersey
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice Staff Attorney, Emerald Sheay, recently wrote an article that was published in the New Jersey State Bar Association’s October 2025 issue of New Jersey Lawyer.
VLJ Statement on Maureen “Mo” McCully Winograd’s Passing
VLJ Volunteer Attorney, Kevin Gilmore of Gibbons P.C., Named a Finalist for the 2025 New Jersey Legal Awards’ Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year
Congratulations to Kevin Gilmore on being named a finalist for the 2025 New Jersey Legal Awards’ Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year!
VICTORY: Passaic Tenants Pass Landmark Rent Control Ordinance Impacting Nearly Half of the City’s Renter Population
From Make the Road New Jersey - Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Yesterday, in a packed City Council meeting, Passaic tenant leaders, housing advocates, community members, and allies, pass one of the strongest rent control ordinances in New Jersey. This new ordinance stabilizes annual rent increases at 3% and eliminates vacancy decontrol, a loophole that allowed unlimited rent hikes when a unit became vacant. With this historic win, Passaic becomes just the fifth city in the state to eliminate vacancy decontrol, protecting more than 4,000 families from displacement.
Jessica Kitson Interviewed on Issues And Ideas With Chris DeBello
On Friday, August 8, Jessica Kitson, Volunteer Lawyers for Justice’s Director of Legal Advocacy and a member of Freedom Network USA, was interviewed on Issues And Ideas With Chris DeBello.
Jessica Kitson Appointed to New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking Board
NEWARK, NJ – Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) is proud to announce that Jessica Kitson, VLJ's Director of Legal Advocacy, has been appointed to the Board of Trustees of the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking (NJCAHT). This appointment underscores Jessica’s commitment to justice and her compassionate expertise in advocating for survivors.
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice Publishes its 2024 Annual Report
New Summer 2025 Intern Spotlight: Colleen Wanner
Rounding out Volunteer Lawyers for Justice’s Summer 2025 interns, VLJ welcomes Colleen Wanner to the team. This summer, Colleen will support VLJ’s PRIDE Name Change Program, ReLeSe (Reentry Legal Services) Program, and Veterans Legal Program.
New Summer 2025 Intern Spotlight: Sarah Afromsky
New Summer 2025 Intern Spotlight: Marthalyn Johnson
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice welcomes Marthalyn Johnson to our team as a Summer 2025 intern. Marthalyn is a rising 3L at Rutgers Law School–Newark and will be working with VLJ’s Divorce Program, South Ward Promise Neighborhood Program, and Tenancy Program.