When Jessica Kitson joined Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) in 2014 as a Managing Attorney, her early work focused on launching the New Jersey Trafficking Victims Legal Assistance Program (now New Jersey Survivors Justice Project). Fast forward to today, and Jessica has become a national expert on legal services for survivors of human trafficking and now serves as VLJ’s Director of Legal Advocacy—overseeing all of the organization’s legal and policy work with the same passion, energy, and heart that’s made her a cornerstone of the VLJ team for over a decade.
Jessica’s work doesn’t stop at making sure VLJ’s legal programs are well-functioning vehicles of justice. She is a powerhouse advocate who collaborates with community partners and legislators to fight for systemic change (with optimism that current legislative advocacy comes to fruition in the next year or two.). One of her proudest achievements is helping to pass an improved vacatur law to better protect survivors of human trafficking. She’s also led VLJ’s advocacy efforts to increase tenant protections across New Jersey.
It’s no surprise that Jessica thrives in a role where no two days are ever the same. Whether speaking at conferences, mentoring staff, or strategizing with coalition partners, she’s the definition of enthusiastic, engaged leadership. And while she might joke that being “scrappy” is VLJ’s superpower, her work proves it: “VLJ does not shy away from challenges and is always willing to jump in and try new things to address unmet legal needs.”
Her favorite thing about working at VLJ? “The people! My colleagues are the most amazing champions for social justice, and the best part of my job is getting to work with colleagues every day who are as deeply passionate about our work as they are kind, supportive, and funny; that makes the good days better and the hard days more bearable. I love knowing that everyone on the team is doing their part to make things better in our little corner of the world.”
A proud double Rutgers alum (BA, Women’s Studies & History ’97; law degree ’02), Jessica’s commitment to justice runs deep. Outside the office, she volunteers with the Election Protection program through the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and cherishes quality time with her family.
As VLJ embarks on a new strategic plan to guide the organization over the next few years, Jessica is excited for what lies ahead.
““I can’t imagine loving a job more than I love my work at VLJ. Our mission says it all – we are aiming to ensure access to justice for people experiencing poverty. At our core, everyone involved with VLJ – the staff, the board, the volunteers, and especially our incredible clients, are working toward a more just world. Because as Bryan Stevenson has noted, the opposite of poverty is not wealth. It’s justice.””
With leaders like Jessica at the helm, it’s clear VLJ’s future—and the fight for access to justice—is in powerfully compassionate, dedicated hands.