"I volunteer with VLJ because it provides me with a sense of giving back in a profession that is take, take, take." Mo added, "I am providing assistance to those who cannot afford it. The haves can afford to fight, this is not always the case for the have nots."
-Mo Bauer
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) is delighted to shine its June 2025 Volunteer of the Month spotlight on Morris “Mo” Bauer, a partner in the Business Reorganization & Financial Restructuring Practice Group at Duane Morris LLP, a firm that strongly advocates for pro bono (which Mo has embraced wholeheartedly). At Duane Morris, Mo specializes in representing financially distressed businesses, lenders, and creditors in various proceedings, including out-of-court workouts, bankruptcy litigation, Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 representations, and also serves as a bankruptcy mediator. Admitted to practice in New Jersey, New York (Southern and Eastern Districts), and Pennsylvania, Mo is a graduate of Dickinson College and Hofstra School of Law.
Mo’s journey with VLJ began in 2021 when he sought a pro bono opportunity that aligned with his expertise in bankruptcy, having previously felt "out of place" with assignments outside his specialization. He found his perfect fit with VLJ and quickly became deeply involved— generously donating more than $40,575 in free legal services to date—starting with twice-monthly bankruptcy interviews, progressing to handling individual Chapter 7 representations, and later assisting Rutgers Newark law students through the Stern program. Mo consistently expresses admiration for VLJ's exceptional organization, adeptness, and responsiveness in addressing individuals' financial distress, from initial intake to conclusion. He noted how VLJ's comprehensive services, including referrals to outside resources for food, utility, and rent assistance, and its direct legal representation for debt collection, evictions, and bankruptcies, truly serve those in need.
For Mo, volunteering is a "mitzvah"—a way of giving back and honing legal skills that prove valuable across his practice. This dedication stems from an eye-opening realization of the sheer number of individuals struggling with finances due to health issues, insufficient insurance, high-interest credit card debt, student loan liabilities, and inadequate income. A memorable moment for Mo reinforced the impact of his service when an elderly prospective client, already familiar with his nickname "Mo" through a former colleague's praise, expressed immediate trust and eagerness to work with him. This personal connection underscores the incredible appreciation Mo’s pro bono clients have for his help and compassion.
Fortunately for the Garden State, Mo’s generosity extends beyond VLJ: he is a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association and Morris County Bar Association and a member of the Corporate Advisory Board for Homeless Solutions, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to assisting at-risk communities in Morris County. Additionally, Mo serves on the board of Team 4 Kids Foundation, which provides funding to enable children from families experiencing homelessness and poverty to participate in recreational sports programs. If that weren’t enough, Mo serves on the Washington Township Land Use Board. These roles reflect Mo’s commitment to improving life in the legal profession and communities across New Jersey.
"I volunteer with VLJ because it provides me with a sense of giving back in a profession that is take, take, take." Mo added, "I am providing assistance to those who cannot afford it. The haves can afford to fight, this is not always the case for the have nots."
Serving VLJ clients offers Mo a continuing learning experience and opens his eyes to the remarkable resilience of individuals striving to make ends meet. He finds VLJ’s true mission is best measured not by words, but by its "day-to-day efforts," and we are incredibly grateful to have Mo as part of our efforts to ensure access to justice for people experiencing poverty.
Thank you, Mo!
Motivated by Mo to harness the power of pro bono? Then contact Emerald Sheay at esheay@vljnj.org or visit www.vljnj.org/why-probono.