"I volunteer with VLJ because I believe in paying it forward and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need help. You are providing more help than you realize to your pro bono clients. You’re truly making a difference in the lives of others who otherwise would not be able to afford legal counsel.”
-Jahnae Henry
‘Tis the Season to Celebrate VLJ’s December 2025 Volunteer of the Month: Jahnae Henry
Recognizing the season of gratitude and giving back, Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) celebrates Jahnae Henry, Director, Corporate Counsel at Prudential Financial, as our December 2025 Volunteer of the Month. A dedicated volunteer, Jahnae’s efforts include criminal record expungement, debt relief and bankruptcy, and eviction defense. On top of that, Jahnae plays a key role as interim Prudential liaison, collaborating with Pro Bono Partnership to connect Prudential attorneys with meaningful pro bono opportunities.
Jahnae first learned about VLJ after joining Prudential in 2024. She quickly became an invaluable part of our volunteer network, drawing on her academic foundation—a B.A. in Political Science from SUNY Albany and a Juris Doctor from Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University—to help provide access to justice for people experiencing poverty. Since last year, Jahnae has worked on 18 pro bono matters and donated nearly $6,000 in free legal services.
Making Pro Bono Easy & Impactful
When asked what she likes about volunteering with VLJ, Jahnae highlighted the structure and support provided: "Whether it’s the experienced VLJ attorneys who are available to answer any questions, or the templates available to volunteers, VLJ makes volunteering easy."
Jahnae recalls a particularly memorable moment when she volunteered solo on a case for the first time: "It felt great to take the lead and advise the clients as to their options and next steps. It warmed my heart to hear the relief in their voices because they had someone who would listen to their story and help them in their time of need."
Jahnae’s commitment to VLJ's mission is intentional; it means "helping people who find themselves in difficult situations—those who need support to overcome their past and move forward. I volunteer with VLJ because I believe in paying it forward and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need help."
Advice for Those On the Fence
Jahnae encourages anyone considering pro bono to "go for it." She stresses volunteers receive adequate training and experienced mentors are at the ready, adding, "You are providing more help than you realize to your pro bono clients. You’re truly making a difference in the lives of others who otherwise would not be able to afford legal counsel.”
Outside of her legal and volunteer endeavors, Jahnae is a proud dog mom and Zumba enthusiast.
Thank you, Jahnae, for your time, talent, and helping VLJ provide the civil legal services our neighbors and community members need and deserve!
Motivated by Jahnae’s passionate pro bono service? Contact Emerald Sheay at esheay@vljnj.org or visit vljnj.org/why-probono.