Volunteer Lawyers for Justice welcomes Marthalyn Johnson to our team as a Summer 2025 intern. Marthalyn is a rising 3L at Rutgers Law School–Newark and will be working with VLJ’s Divorce Program, South Ward Promise Neighborhood Program, and Tenancy Program.
Marthalyn earned her B.A. in Political Science and Legal Studies from Rutgers University–Newark, followed by an M.A. in Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education. Her passion for advocacy and equity has shaped both her legal education and her commitment to public interest work.
Marthalyn first learned about VLJ through Rutgers Law’s public interest programming and student organization announcements, which sparked her interest in our mission. During her internship with VLJ, she is especially eager to gain hands-on experience with client advocacy and to deepen her understanding of how compassionate, accessible legal services can transform lives. Marthalyn shared, “I’m looking forward to learning from the team and growing as an advocate.”
For Marthalyn, VLJ’s mission of ensuring access to justice for people experiencing poverty means breaking down systemic barriers that prevent people experiencing poverty from receiving the legal support they need. Ensuring access to justice is “about making the legal system more accessible and fairer for everyone, especially those who are often left out or overlooked.” When asked about her advice for others considering pro bono work, Marthalyn offered, “Go for it. It’s a powerful way to use your skills to make a real impact, even in small ways. Plus, you learn so much just by showing up and listening to people’s stories.”
We’re honored to have Marthalyn onboard this summer and joyfully welcome the heart for service she brings to VLJ. Welcome, Marthalyn!
Connect with Marthalyn on LinkedIn