"I love to see the progress that clients make and how empowered they become as the proceedings progress because of the guidance VLJ’s Divorce Clinic has provided."
-Alyssa Bartholomew
This month, Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) celebrates Alyssa Bartholomew, an associate in the Family Law Group at Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC, as our August 2025 Volunteer of the Month. Alyssa first became involved with VLJ last year through her firm and thanks to VLJ Board Trustee Maritza Rodríguez. She now volunteers with VLJ's monthly Divorce Program legal clinic, helping to provide access to justice for people experiencing poverty (to the tune of $11,828 in free civil legal services thus far).
Practicing all aspects of divorce and post-divorce proceedings, domestic violence, custody and premarital agreements, among other areas of family law, Alyssa is a certified Matrimonial Attorney by the New Jersey Supreme Court and holds many leadership positions within the legal community. She currently serves as a Trustee for the Middlesex County Bar Association and the Middlesex County Bar Foundation and is a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association's Family Law Executive Committee. She is also an associate editor for New Jersey Family Lawyer and a graduate of the NJSBA Leadership Academy. Alyssa graduated from Saint Joseph’s University and Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law.
Alyssa's passion for volunteering comes from her belief that attorneys have an obligation to give back to their communities. She knows that family law matters can be emotionally taxing, and she loves that she is able to use her unique insights to provide reassurance and guidance to those navigating the divorce process. As she puts it, "I love to see the progress that clients make and how empowered they become as the proceedings progress because of the guidance VLJ’s Divorce Clinic has provided."
Alyssa encourages other attorneys to volunteer, especially those who may be hesitant due to limited availability. She points out that VLJ has many opportunities with short-term time commitments that provide huge benefits to the community. Alyssa’s service to VLJ clients reminds her of the impact the legal profession can provide to people going through some of the most difficult moments of their lives:
“Courts often hold self-represented litigants to the same standard as attorneys, meaning courts expect individuals without legal representation to follow all court rules and procedures with the same deference as seasoned attorneys. Despite this expectation, self-represented litigants often do not have the tools, knowledge, or confidence to properly navigate their divorce matter, which causes many litigants to delay or completely postpone pursuing a divorce altogether. I love that, with VLJ, I am able to use my experience in family law to give back to my community and provide reassurance and guidance to those navigating the divorce process. One small act, like a simple consultation, can immeasurably impact a person’s life in a positive way, such as providing that person with the confidence to make huge changes in their life (which a divorce often involves). I am honored to be able to provide my skills to the VLJ community.”
Thank you for generously donating your time and talent, Alyssa!
Ready to join Alyssa in harnessing the power of pro bono? Then reach out to Emerald Sheay at esheay@vljnj.org or visit vljnj.org/why-probono to get started.