“We possess way too much legal knowledge and expertise to not share that with our communities. I volunteer with VLJ because I believe as attorneys we have a responsibility to give back. We have been blessed with a unique skillset that should be utilized to assist and serve as many people as humanly possible, not just our paying clients.”
-Kerdesha Desir
Kerdesha Desir has built her legal career on the principle that knowledge is meant to be shared—and for her, that means showing up for clients who might otherwise face the court system alone.
A family law associate at Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman PC, Kerdesha focuses her practice on matrimonial and non-dissolution matters, domestic violence cases, and adoption and guardianship issues. She brings that same wealth of experience to Volunteer Lawyers for Justice’s Divorce Program, where she’s been a regular volunteer for nearly three years. In addition to counseling VLJ Divorce Clinic clients, she has taken on two full-scope divorce matters, providing support from initial complaint through final disposition.
“My favorite part about volunteering with VLJ is working with clients throughout their entire divorce case,” Kerdesha shared. “Building those relationships, especially when a client is navigating a complex situation and their ex-spouse has an attorney, is incredibly rewarding.”
Kerdesha’s path to family law was shaped by her early interest in representing parents involved with DCP&P (Division of Child Protection and Permanency) cases. But as she met more parents and learned the intersectional challenges they face—including domestic violence—her focus shifted to the broader field of matrimonial and non-dissolution law. She credits her time volunteering with VLJ as an opportunity not only to sharpen her legal skills, but to connect with clients from a wide range of cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds as well as new colleagues who share the same passion for pro bono service she does.
“To me, ensuring access to justice means providing compassionate, competent, and zealous advocacy—especially for clients who are also dealing with challenges such as eviction, DCP&P involvement, or employment/income assistance issues that directly affect their case,” she said.
A proud alum of the University of South Florida and Seton Hall Law School, Kerdesha is a member of the Garden State Bar Association and the New Jersey State Bar Association. Passionate about the legal profession making a difference, she encourages fellow attorneys to overcome any hesitation about pro bono by remembering the profound impact they can have—even when it comes to explaining something as seemingly simple as service by publication:
“We possess way too much legal knowledge and expertise to not share that with our communities. I volunteer with VLJ because I believe as attorneys we have a responsibility to give back. We have been blessed with a unique skillset that should be utilized to assist and serve as many people as humanly possible, not just our paying clients.”
VLJ is thrilled to recognize Kerdesha Desir as our May 2025 Volunteer of the Month for her unwavering dedication, compassion, and belief that every person deserves access to justice.
Inspired by Kerdesha to volunteer? Then contact Emerald Sheay at esheay@vljnj.org or visit www.vljnj.org/why-probono.