FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2025
CONTACT
Eric W. Hughes
Director of Communications
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice
(973) 233-5724
ehughes@vljnj.org
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.
The evening was a vibrant celebration of the collaborative spirit driving VLJ’s mission of ensuring access to justice for people experiencing poverty. The funds raised from the gala are critical to supporting VLJ’s work in providing free civil legal services to thousands of people each year. VLJ’s services keep families stably housed by avoiding unlawful evictions, help community members facing insurmountable consumer and medical debt, support survivors of human trafficking, serve those who served in the United States Military (among many others).
"This year's gala was more than a fundraiser; it was a powerful demonstration of our community's shared commitment to justice," said Cathy Keenan, VLJ’s Executive Director. "The record-breaking success helps to ensure that even in uncertain economic times, our services remain accessible and available to our neighbors across the Garden State. We are profoundly grateful to all of our sponsors, attendees, and honorees whose dedication and support make this work possible."
Honoring Leaders in Justice
The gala also served as an opportunity to formally recognize the individuals and firms whose exceptional contributions are advancing access to justice in the state and beyond. VLJ presented the following awards:
Partner in Justice Award: Adeel Mangi of Linklaters LLP, for being a formidable champion of civil rights and defending the Constitution.
Community Vision Award: McGuireWoods LLP, recognizing their visionary pro bono efforts and enthusiastic support of VLJ’s Veterans Legal Program.
Champion of Justice Award (in memoriam): Michael Gertzman of Paul, Weiss, honored posthumously for his extraordinary passion for justice, pro bono work, and community service.
Michael R. Griffinger Volunteer of the Year Award: Natalie Dallavalle of PSEG, for her work with VLJ’s Veterans Legal Program, setting a high bar serving those who served with their unmet civil legal needs.
Outstanding Advocate for Justice Award: Denise Panzer of Lowenstein Sandler LLP, for her fierce advocacy and transformative compassion on behalf of VLJ’s clients.
VLJ also celebrated an exceptional group of volunteers as Defenders of Justice:
Melisa Desperak (Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati)
Sonya Dombrowski
Steven Kim (Prudential Financial)
Timothy Law (Reed Smith LLP)
Mary Frances Palisano (Gibbons P.C.)
Gary Sapir (K&L Gates)
Matthew Windman (McCarter & English, LLP)
The generosity and commitment celebrated at the gala will directly translate into life-changing legal services for veterans, survivors, children, and families facing homelessness, debt, and other civil legal challenges. VLJ extends its deepest gratitude to all who supported this historic and moving event.
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About Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ)
VLJ is an award-winning, comprehensive nonprofit legal services program based in Newark, NJ, with a statewide reach. VLJ's mission is to ensure access to justice for people experiencing poverty. The Newark-based organization ensures fair access to the legal system through partnerships with corporations and hundreds of volunteer attorneys. In 2024, VLJ’s work impacted nearly 4,500 people—including 1,661 children—and its volunteer attorneys donated $2.2 million in free legal services. Connect with VLJ on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.