October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month. During this time, as we collectively raise awareness of domestic violence issues, we are especially proud to recognize Debra Levin as our October 2021 Volunteer of the Month! Debra, a corporate associate at McCarter & English, is a dedicated volunteer with several VLJ programs, including the Human Trafficking Victims Legal Assistance program. In her work with survivors of human trafficking, Debra helps survivors clear criminal records that stem from victimization.
While attending Rutgers Law School, Debra worked full-time as a paralegal and then as a law clerk. After joining McCarter & English, one of the things that excited her most was that she was strongly encouraged to pursue pro bono work. Debra wasted little time and eventually became involved with VLJ’s divorce, consumer debt relief, PSEG veterans clinic, and ReLeSe expungement programs. When asked why she chose to do her pro bono work with VLJ, Debra said,
“I aligned with VLJ because I find the organization to be a positive action-oriented group of like-minded individuals using legal skills to help the community.”
When there are aspects of the legal system that do not run as they should, advocates help resolve the issues that laypeople may not be able to handle themselves. This is why Debra so strongly believes in giving back and contributing positively to the community.
VLJ is especially grateful for Debra and the second chance she provides record-clearing clients like “Lisa,” a reentry client, and “Claire,” a trafficking survivor. Lisa overcame addiction and is now becoming a drug counselor. Claire works with incarcerated women, sharing her trafficking survival story to motivate and inspire them to avoid the same path. Debra is honored to assist clients like these –who turn their lives around and then devote themselves to helping others facing a similar situation.
Managing attorney, Karen Robinson, calls Debra a dream volunteer --- always willing to dive into any practice area, go the extra distance to put a client over the finish line, and is never without a pro bono case on her plate. For being a fearless advocate, a pro bono leader, and a force for good in our state, VLJ is proud to recognize Debra Levin as our October 2021 Volunteer of the Month!