Uniting for Justice A Benefit Celebrating Collaboration and Change in New Jersey
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 The Park Savoy Estate 236 Ridgedale Ave. Florham Park, NJ 07932
Uniting for Justice
Evening Program Evening Program 5:30 PM
Cocktail Reception & Heavy Hors d'oeuvres There will be no separate dinner service
7:00 PM
Awards Presentation and Program Welcome Paul J. Fishman, Emcee Community Vision Award McGuireWoods LLP Partner in Justice Award Adeel Mangi Linklaters
Champion of Justice Award Michael Gertzman In memoriam
VLJ Pro Bono Awards
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Dear Friends, Welcome to Volunteer Lawyers for Justice’s Uniting for Justice Gala, a benefit celebrating collaboration and change in New Jersey! Tonight, we celebrate the incredible community that makes our work possible. This past year, the need for legal services has been more necessary than ever. The families we serve face mounting challenges, and the ripple effects of poverty and economic insecurity are visible across New Jersey—from housing instability and spiraling debt to the reality of having to navigate a complex legal system without support. Yet, in a world where it's easy to feel powerless, our clients, volunteers, donors, board, and staff are a constant source of inspiration. This evening, we honor those whose stories shape our work and applaud the champions who stand with them. For their unwavering commitment to justice and a stronger community, we honor Adeel Mangi, McGuireWoods LLP, and Michael Gertzman (in memoriam). These honorees demonstrate that collaboration and change go hand in hand, bringing access to justice from a hopeful ideal to a transformative reality. VLJ’s efforts over the past year has been a powerful reminder that legal help can be the turning point for anyone’s future. In 2024, our work impacted nearly 4,500 people, including 1,661 children, and 665 volunteer attorneys (a historic milestone!) donated $2.2 million in free civil legal services. These figures only scratch the surface of what we do; the truest reflection is in the quiet victory of a veteran establishing a much-needed estate plan, the relief of a family avoiding eviction, and the fresh start a survivor of human trafficking finds through vacatur. This is the heart of VLJ's mission and it's all made possible by you. As you enjoy tonight’s celebration, I encourage you to see your place in making access to justice happen. Your support, as a volunteer, a donor, and/or an advocate, is the engine that drives our mission forward. Together, we are building a more just New Jersey, one case, one client, and one life at a time. Thank you for being a part of the collaborative change needed in New Jersey. With gratitude,
Cathy Keenan, Executive Director P.S., Celebrate collaboration and change by supporting VLJ right now: To donate: vljnj.org/donate To volunteer: vljnj.org/why-probono
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board OF trustees Sneha Desai, Esq., Chair Stryker
Kelly Lloyd Lankford, Esq. AbbVie
Judith McCarthy, Esq., Vice Chair Cheshire Law Group
Howard Menaker, Esq. Tricia O’Reilly, Esq., Walsh Pizzi O’Reilly Falanga LLP
Matthew Clements, Treasurer Columbia Bank
Jennifer Prioleau, Esq. Kaitlyn E. Stone, Esq., Secretary Barnes & Thornburg LLP Daniel D’Alessandro, Esq. McCarter & English, LLP
Maritza Rodríguez, Esq. Rodríguez Law Firm, LLC
Wendy Feldman, Esq.
Tracey Salmon-Smith, Esq. Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
Catherine Fitch, Esq. Merck & Co., Inc.
Jeffrey M. Shapiro, Esq. Lowenstein Sandler LLP
Michael Golden, Esq. AT&T
Stacey Slater, Esq. Pro Bono Strategies
Mala Ahuja Harker, Esq. Friedman Kaplan Seiler & Adelman LLP
Catherine Trinkle, Esq. BASF Corporation Kevin Weber, Esq. Gibbons P.C.
Jessica Hodkinson, Esq. Panasonic Corporation of North America
Melissa Wernick, Esq. Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi
Michael Hyun, Esq. PSEG
Amy Woltman, Esq. Prudential Financial
Nicholas Insua, Esq. Reed Smith LLP
Emeritus Trustees David Bershad Michael R. Griffinger, Esq.
Cathy Keenan (Ex-Officio) Volunteer Lawyers For Justice
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Generation now committee Generation Now Committee members are early-career professionals passionate about VLJ’s mission and giving back in a meaningful way. Abigail Luhn, Esq. Co-Chair Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP Brandon Lee Wolff, Esq. Co-Chair Brandon DeJesus, Esq. Dasti & Staiger, P.C. Yvette Donaldson, Esq. Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC Robert Holup, Esq. Riker Danzig LLP Jordynn Jackson, Esq. Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC Lauren B. Jones, Esq. Javerbaum Wurgaft Hicks Kahn Wikstrom & Sinins Leonard V. Jones, Esq. Jackson Lewis P.C. Taylor Tufano 9Sail Thomas Zelante, Esq. Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Interested in joining VLJ’s Board of Trustees or Generation Now Committee? Please contact Saranya Thana at sthana@vljnj.org.
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VLJ Staff Please join me in thanking the extremely talented, passionate, and dedicated advocates who make VLJ so effective. Without each staff member below, VLJ would not be able to fulfill its mission of ensuring justice for people experiencing poverty.
Yasmine Boto Alexandra Bravo Victoria Carvajal Nina DePalma Daniela Geraldo Katiana Guerrier Jill Heredia Lopera Nicole Herrera Eric W. Hughes Jessica Kitson Tracy Nelson Allison Nolan Carmen Obando Diana Onuschak Karen Robinson Margo Rosenberg Emerald Sheay Dave Singer Jeff Stephens Saranya Thana Kayla Toomer Adaneka Witter Judge Thank you for being the greatest team ever! It is an honor and a privilege to work alongside you.
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with gratitude TRICIA O'REILLY
Walsh Pizzi O’Reilly Falanga LLP IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR, VLJ BOARD OF TRUSTEES As we gather tonight to celebrate collaboration and change in New Jersey, Volunteer Lawyers for Justice expresses our profound thanks, gratitude, and appreciation to Tricia O'Reilly, immediate past Chair of VLJ’s Board of Trustees, for her remarkable and visionary leadership. Fortunately, Tricia remains on VLJ’s board. Tricia, a partner at Walsh Pizzi O’Reilly Falanga LLP, took the helm as Chair in May 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading VLJ through an extraordinary five years. With her guidance, VLJ successfully transitioned to fully remote operations during the pandemic, led the implementation of VLJ’s current strategic plan, and spearheaded the creation of VLJ’s mission, “Ensure access to justice for people experiencing poverty.” Under Tricia’s leadership, VLJ experienced unprecedented growth. Our budget has nearly doubled, from $1.4 million in 2020 to $2.7 million today, thanks in large part to her focus on financial stability and the creation of VLJ’s Legacy of Justice endowment. This growth has allowed VLJ to significantly expand the services we provide to neighbors and community members across New Jersey. Tricia's impact extends to the heart of the organization—VLJ’s staff. As a true champion for both staff and clients, Tricia made staff a priority, leading the Board’s Personnel Committee to assess VLJ’s salaries and benefits. She also boldly advocated for the organization to implement a four-day work week, a powerful example of her commitment to making VLJ a great place to work. We are incredibly grateful for Tricia's unassuming and astute stewardship, leading with understated strength and determined resolve. Her visionary voice has been a guiding force, and her incalculably generous investment of time, talent, and passion has left a lasting mark on every aspect of Volunteer Lawyers for Justice. Thank you, Tricia!
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in remembrance MAUREEN “MO” MCCULLY WINOGRAD A FOUNDING DIRECTOR OF VLJ Volunteer Lawyers for Justice is deeply saddened by the passing of Maureen McCully Winograd, affectionately known as "Mo," a visionary and beloved founding director of VLJ. Mo passed away at the age of 79 on Friday, September 5. Mo's dedication to the legal community in Essex County and beyond was lifelong. She spent over 25 years serving as the Executive Director of the Essex County Bar Association (1978-2003), tirelessly advocating for access to justice and a fierce champion of pro bono. This same passion was foundational to Mo's work with VLJ. In 2000, Mo along with partners at McCarter & English, LLP and Gibbons P.C., saw that the legal services offices in Essex County were overwhelmed with requests for help from community members. Recognizing the untapped potential of the private bar, VLJ’s history began as a subcommittee of the Legal Services Foundation of Essex County thanks to Mo’s leadership with the Foundation. Mo went on to serve on VLJ’s Board of Trustees from 2001-2016. Cathy Keenan, VLJ’s Executive Director, offered, “Mo was one of the visionaries who built Volunteer Lawyers for Justice from the ground up. Her commitment to justice and to Essex County were a powerful force for good, and the spirit of service she championed lives on in every staff member, volunteer, and client. We are all standing on the strong foundation Mo so carefully laid, and we will honor her legacy by continuing to build on it." Mo and her memory are etched into the very fabric of our mission. We are profoundly grateful for her foresight, care, and compassion, and will continue doing what she set out to do decades ago: ensure access to justice. Thank you, Mo, and rest peacefully in justice! Mo pictured with Karen Sacks (L), VLJ’s founding Executive Director, and Cathy Keenan (R).
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pillar of justice sponsor THANK YOU
TO OUR 2025 GALA SPONSORS
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DUAL GOLF & GALA SPONSOR THANK YOU
TO OUR 2025 GALA SPONSORS
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BUILDER OF JUSTICE sponsors
David Bershad & Mindy Cohen
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defender OF JUSTICE sponsors
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champion OF JUSTICE sponsors
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promoter OF JUSTICE sponsors
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Gala Planning Committee Uniting for Justice A Benefit Celebrating Collaboration and Change in New Jersey
The Uniting for Justice Gala would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of our incredible gala planning committee that played a vital role in bringing this event to life. We are immensely grateful for the committee's tireless efforts in planning, organizing, and executing VLJ’s annual gala.
Wendy Feldman (co-chair)
Kelly Lloyd Lankford (co-chair) AbbVie
Jessica Hodkinson Panasonic North America Suzanne Klar Urenco Maritza Rodríguez Rodríguez Law Firm Tracey Salmon-Smith Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP Catherine Trinkle BASF Brandon Lee Wolf
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EMCEE
PAUL J. FISHMAN Arnold & Porter
Paul Fishman heads Arnold & Porter's Crisis Management and Strategic Response team and is the managing partner of the firm's Newark office. He focuses on counseling executives and boards of directors on complex and sensitive issues, and handles internal and government investigations, white collar criminal defense, commercial litigation, and corporate compliance and governance. Paul is an accomplished trial and appellate lawyer with extensive experience in federal and state courts. Prior to joining Arnold & Porter, Paul served as the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey from 2009 through 2017. In 2023, VLJ honored Paul with our Champion of Justice Award for his unwavering support of justice throughout his remarkable career.
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partner in justice award ADEEL MANGI Linklaters LLP
Adeel Mangi is the Chair of the Trial Practice at Linklaters. Chambers USA quotes clients as saying Adeel is “one of the best litigators in the country right now”, “a first-class trial lawyer with excellent instincts”, and “one of the best upand-coming trial attorneys in the country.” Clients quoted by Chambers also noted that “few, if any, attorneys can match his oral advocacy” and highlighted his “unflinching advocacy”, “masterful grasp of the facts of a case” and ability “to think many steps ahead and devise winning strategies”. For three consecutive years (2023-2025), Benchmark Litigation has named Adeel to its lists of the “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” in the U.S., which consists of “partners who have been venerated by peers and clients as being the best in breed at the nuanced practice of trial law ... based on an intensive peer-andclient review". Benchmark Litigation also named Adeel as a "Litigation Star" for each of the last three years (2023-2025) and has noted that peers describe Adeel as “meticulous and relentless”, and “an unflappable whiz at everything he does”. Adeel’s work has been recognized through numerous professional awards. He has also litigated a variety of high-profile civil rights cases through his pro bono work. These included closely watched religious freedom cases that involved two different Muslim communities denied permission to build mosques in Bernards Township and Bayonne. These lawsuits were the subject of seven editorials in New Jersey’s largest newspaper and were covered extensively in the national press. Both cases eventually resulted in settlements under which the mosques were approved and the municipalities involved paid significant compensation to the affected Islamic groups. Adeel also tried a lawsuit involving the death of a mentally ill Black inmate who was alleged to have been killed by white prison guards in a retaliatory beating. The resulting landmark settlement included an unprecedented provision requiring New York to install a comprehensive network of video recording cameras and microphones throughout the Sullivan Correctional Facility. Adeel has also filed a series of amicus briefs on behalf of a coalition of crossfaith religious groups on issues including LGBTQ+ civil rights.
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Community vision award
McGuireWoods LLP is a full-service law firm providing legal solutions to corporate, individual and nonprofit clients worldwide for more than 190 years. McGuireWoods’ commitment to excellence in everything they do gives their clients a competitive edge in everything they do. Working from 21 offices in the United States, Europe and Asia, McGuireWoods has earned the loyalty of many longstanding clients with deep understanding of their businesses, and broad skills in corporate transactions, highstakes disputes, and complex regulatory and compliance matters. The firm’s wholly owned affiliate, McGuireWoods Consulting—now in its 27th year—provides a unique combination of state and federal government relations prowess, buttressed by world-class infrastructure, economic development, public affairs, and advocacy expertise. McGuireWoods is dedicated to diverse perspectives, impeccable client service, and innovative delivery of practical, business-minded solutions. McGuireWoods is a visionary pro bono leader and a driving force behind the success of VLJ's Veterans Legal Program. Since 2017, the firm has been founding partner in our legal wellness approach to veterans, providing critical support to those who have served our nation. Their steadfast commitment to advancing justice for veterans reflects an extraordinary dedication to service and community impact.
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Champion of justice award MICHAEL GERTZMAN In Memoriam
A former partner at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, Michael E. Gertzman previously served as co-chair of the firm’s Litigation Department and as a member of the firm’s Management Committee. He focused on complex criminal, regulatory and civil matters, with a particular emphasis in the white collar, economic sanctions, anti-money laundering, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), cryptocurrency and securities areas. Prior to joining the firm, Mike served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York. Mike tried more than a dozen civil and criminal cases to verdict in federal and state courts around the country, but his primary focus was on keeping clients out of court. He regularly represented financial institutions, public companies and private equity firms in their most sensitive matters before the SEC, the Department of Justice, federal and state bank regulators, and other federal and state regulatory bodies. He also had extensive experience representing companies, boards of directors and special board committees in internal investigations of highly sensitive matters. Global companies and financial institutions headquartered in the U.S. and Asia looked to Mike for investigations and litigation involving alleged securities fraud, accounting fraud, price-fixing, insider trading, FCPA violations, anti-money laundering and economic sanctions matters. Mike also frequently represented companies, partnerships and their executives and principals in civil litigation and arbitrations involving breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud and other commercial claims. Since 2014, Benchmark Litigation named Mike a New York and National Litigation Star in numerous practice areas, including white collar crime, securities, FCPA, general commercial litigation and antitrust. Mike was also recognized by The Legal 500 for white collar criminal defense matters and general commercial disputes, and by Chambers Global for disputes, and he was noted by Global Investigations Review in the GIR 30. Between 1992 and 1996, Mike served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York. There, he prosecuted a broad array of criminal matters, including securities fraud, mail and wire fraud, insider trading, public corruption and others. He also taught trial litigation skills at a Department of Justice seminar and received the Attorney General’s Award for Superior Performance.
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Congratulations to tonight’s remarkable gala honorees! It is an honor to recognize the outstanding achievements of Adeel Mangi and McGuireWoods LLP. We also pay tribute to the incredible legacy of the late Michael Gertzman, celebrating his profound impact on our community with this special posthumous award.
Many thanks to Cathy Keenan and Volunteer Lawyers for Justice’s staff for your commitment to ensuring access to justice. David Bershad & Mindy Cohen
WEIL IS HONORED TO SUPPORT
VOLUNTEER LAWYERS FOR JUSTICE CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR’S HONOREES
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
weil.com
VLJ pro bono awards NATALIE DALLAVALLE PSEG
MICHAEL R. GRIFFINGER VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Following in the tradition set by founding VLJ Trustee, Michael R. Griffinger, this award recognizes the exemplary pro bono efforts of an individual lawyer. The demands of a corporate legal career might leave little room for pro bono work, but for Natalie Dallavalle, Associate Counsel—Commercial with PSEG, pro bono is a guiding principle. As a volunteer with Volunteer Lawyers for Justice, she has demonstrated a powerful commitment to serving those who served our country. Through VLJ’s Veterans Legal Program, Natalie has helped 42 clients and donated nearly $32,000 worth of free civil legal services, tackling legal matters including bankruptcy, child support, criminal record expungement, driver's license restoration, and more. In November 2023, VLJ recognized Natalie as our Volunteer of the Month. Natalie’s passion for helping veterans is deeply personal, inspired by her father, an U.S. Army veteran, who served in the Vietnam War, and her brother-in-law, a Major in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve (retired), who served in the Iraq War. She sees pro bono as a tangible way to express gratitude for their sacrifices. Indeed, as a “professional problem solver,” Natalie understands the unique challenges veterans face, recognizing how a seemingly minor issue like a suspended driver’s license can be a significant barrier to getting to a medical appointment or securing stable employment. She finds immense fulfillment in helping clients overcome these obstacles, providing a sense of hope and security. We honor Natalie not only for her exceptional dedication but also for embodying the spirit of pro bono. Her efforts remind us that every act of service can make a meaningful difference in building a more just New Jersey. Congratulations, Natalie, and thank you for ensuring access to justice with Volunteer Lawyers for Justice!
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VLJ pro bono awards DENISE PANZER Lowenstein Sandler LLP
OUTSTANDING ADVOCATE FOR JUSTICE This award recognizes the exemplary efforts of a non-attorney volunteer in assisting clients, improving VLJ systems and processes, and supporting access to justice. A dedicated volunteer and pro bono partner with Volunteer Lawyers for Justice for over a decade, Denise Panzer has been instrumental in connecting communities with civil legal services. As the Pro Bono Administrative Specialist for the Lowenstein Center for the Public Interest, Denise is a driving force behind several of Lowenstein Sandler LLP’s most impactful pro bono initiatives. She recruits volunteers for the Tenancy Clinic, a partnership with Lowenstein Sandler, Prudential Financial, and VLJ. Since VLJ’s Tenancy Program launched in 2017, Denise has been on the front lines, providing hands-on support to tenants facing eviction. Denise’s enthusiastic embrace of pro bono extends far beyond one program. She secures pro bono placement for clients seeking genderaffirming name changes through VLJ's PRIDE Name Change Program, personally assisting dozens of transgender community members. Her efforts also aid VLJ's Chapter 7 bankruptcy programming and Lowenstein Sandler's criminal justice efforts. If that weren’t enough, Denise supports a local domestic violence nonprofit’s intake process, ensuring survivors efficiently receive the help they need and deserve. Denise doesn’t just facilitate pro bono work, she provides high-level assistance to VLJ clients, going the extra mile to help them navigate their legal cases. In short, she is a testament to the compassionate, transformative power pro bono can have. Congratulations, Denise, and thank you for ensuring access to justice with Volunteer Lawyers for Justice!
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VLJ pro bono awards DEFENDERS OF JUSTICE
Recognizing the outstanding contributions of pro bono volunteers who have championed justice this year.
MELISA DESPERAK
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati Melisa volunteers with our New Jersey Survivors Justice Project.
SONYA DOMBROWSKI
Currently working toward her law degree Sonya volunteers with our Divorce Program and Veterans Legal Program.
STEVEN KIM
Prudential Financial Steven volunteers with our Divorce Program, Debt Relief Legal Program, ReLeSe Program, and Tenancy Program.
TIMOTHY LAW
Reed Smith LLP Tim volunteers with our New Jersey Survivors Justice Project.
MARY FRANCES PALISANO
Gibbons P.C. Mary Frances volunteers with our ReLeSe Program and Veterans Legal Program.
GARY SAPIR
K&L Gates LLP Gary volunteers with our ReLeSe Program.
MATTHEW WINDMAN
McCarter & English, LLP Matthew volunteers with our Divorce Program, Debt Relief Legal Program, ReLeSe Program, South Ward Promise Neighborhood Program, Tenancy Program, and Veterans Legal Program.
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our volunteers Please join us in recognizing those who volunteered with VLJ from September 2024 to September 2025. This list includes attorneys and non-attorneys—talented and dedicated professionals who serve as an inspiration to New Jersey’s legal community. Laura Abner Carmen Abrazado Jennifer Adams Jula Alarcon Joshua Allen Natasha Alvarado Yvette Alvarez-Perez Oluwaseyi Amorin Kegan Andeskie Dmitry Andreev Hannah Argul Antonio Arthurs Stephanie Ashley Fatin Assaf James Assmann Tara Auciello Robert Ayes Sylvia Ayler Samantha Baccaro Kaitlyn Baietto Kelsey Ball Peter Balsamo Brandon Bannock Cristina Baragona Lisa Rosemarie Barata Bianka Barraza Jennifer Barros Maza Alyssa Bartholomew Jacqueline Bauer Morris Bauer Jonathan Beck Rachel Beeman Ruchi Behera Andrew Behlmann Mariel Belanger Georgia Bender Jennifer Bender Nydia Benders Michele Benton Sheila Beras
Steve Berlin Zachary Berliner Sol Bernstein Veronica Berruz Mary Bessemer Cynthia Betz Brian Biglin Sydney Binkley Dylan Blanchard George Blazeski Sean Blixseth Jordyn Blythe Zachary Bocian Sundi Bonfiglio Dan Bonilla Lisa Bonsall Theresa Borghi Jonathan Born Yan Borodanski Soundous Bouchouar Jim Boyan Samuel Brickfield Dasha Brockmeyer Jeremy Brooks Donnette Brown Emerson Brown Kirsten Brown Julia Browning Sarah Bryant Kate Buck Margaret "Peg" Buck Gerhard Buehning Paul Buonaguro Deirdre Burke Sarah Burt Alyssa Burts Tina Bynes Julia Caccavo John Cafiero Daniela Calabro Gallagher
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our volunteers Sheila Calello Victoria Calhoon Christian Callegari Sofia Camara Jason Camilo Matthew Caminiti Jamie Campisi Michael Campolongo David Camuzo Megan Cannella Ana Caquias Benedict Carmicino Suzanne Carter Becky Caruso Caitlin Cascino Reid Caster Bryan Castro Mustafa Cetin Eric Chafetz Ajay Chandru Jennifer Chapman Maxine Checchi Stephanie Cheng Ross Childs Alvin Chin Deangeor Chin Christine Ciano Laura Cicirelli Robert Cini Carley Clark Christine Clark Debra Clark Kristine Clark Diane Claussen Erica Clifford Ann Clogan Jeffrey Clott Gregory Coates Anna Cocuzzo Sarah Cole Crystal Colindres Naomi Collier Taylor Collins Terrene Collins Michael Conforti Amara Conteh Genna Conti Patrick Conti
Nomi Conway Deirdre Cooney Rafael Corbalan James Corcoran Corey Roe Wilfred Coronato Caitlyn Coyle Danielle Craft David Cramer James Crowder Jason Dailey Daniel D'Alessandro Natalie Dallavalle Brian Daly Rachel Dansky Alyssa D'Antonio Deana Davis Lucia DeCaito Lauren DeCamp Thomas DeCataldo Jr. Kathleen DeCelie Laura DeCotiis Erica Rae Del Valle Sam Della Fera Jr. Lisa Dellamura Linda Dennis Anna D'Eramo Sneha Desai Michael DeSimone Kerdesha Desir Bailey Desmond Melisa Desperak Leonardo Di Stasio Ryan Dieter Alexandra DiFusco Benjamin DiLorenzo Joseph DiPasquale Karyllan Dodson Mack Thomas Doherty Sonya Dombrowski Stephen Donat Tina Donohoe Gigi Dotel Alyssa Drazin Paul Dritsas Malene Duncan Allison Dunn Melek Dunn
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our volunteers Nick Ebel Karen Edler Meagan Ekimoff Alexis Elder Ladeen Ellis Natalie Erickson Sabrina Espinal Jackie Esposito Jack Ewing Jr. Cheryl Faber Robbie Fair Rachel Farnsworth Michael Fasciale Danielle Federico Stephanie Feingold Jack Feinstein Brad Feldman Brett Feldman Travis Ferguson Camila Fernandez Llorente Steven Fernandez Frank Ferruggia Anna Finger Alysia Finnegan Caroline Fish Catherine Fitch Jonathan Fitzgerald Robert Flanagan Suzanne Flaton-Origenes Madeline Flores Jessica Formichella Karen Francis Chelsea Frankel Brian Frankoski Terri Freeman Michael Friscia Christine Gaddis Lori Gaines Daniela Gallagher Christine Gannon Katie Gannon Daniel Garcia Manuel Garcia Jennifer Garster Gianni Garyfallos Michelle Gasparian Michela Gatto Melissa Geist
Anthony Geritano Francis Giantomasi Juliana Gietz David Giles Brooke Gillar Kevin Gilmore Johanna Ginsberg Elizabeth Gioia Thomas Gironda Brigitte Gladis Alma Godinez Michael Golden Clarissa Gomez Kristy Gonowon Laura Gonzalez Jake Goodman Ryan Goodwin Devan Goolsby Nickeysha Gordon Isaac Gorenstein Christine Gottesman Giselle Grant Susanna Gray Curtis Green James Greenstone Eric Greenwald Staci Greenwald Gabrielle Grillo Cindy Guaman Paige Guarino Jessica Guarracino Joan Guelho Yolanda Gutierrez-Almazan Lisette Guzman Julianne Hackett Robert Hagans Bryan Hahm Simeng Han Brian Hannon Edward Hanratty Heidi Hansen Steven Harkins Ryosuke Hata Jaymark Hawlader Carrie Hayter Searra Hazel Sheldon O. Heber Heather Heft
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our volunteers Meghan Heimbouch Jahnae Henry Adam Herbst David Herman Kayla Herpers Ruth Hiatt Kaitlin Hickey Laura Hidalgo Matthew Hintz Benjamin Hoch Griselda Hodaj Kelly Hogan Lauren Hogan Christina Holder Volha "Olga" Holik George Holland Hope Holman Jason Holt Robert Holup Heather Horowitz Myrisha Howard Nathan Howe Erin Howell Jamie Huffman Adam Husik Sam Hussey Stacey Hyman Danielle Imbemba Elena Inclán-Velazquez Donald Irons Rochelle Isaacs Ali Ismail Lisa Jakob Mark Jensen Alisa Johnson Natalya Johnson Abby Johnston Matthew Jokajtys Elizabeth Jonas Chace Jones Chase Jones Afiya Jordan Robin Josey-Gaskin Brett Kahn Dimitrios Kandylas David Kane Filippa Guerra Karcewski Ingrid Karg-Ross
Robert Kasody Joshua Kass Iryna Kastsiuk Tova Katims Eliyahu Kaweblum Brendan Kelly John Kenney Steven Kim Yongmoon (Elijah) Kim Richard Kirk Stephen Klimis Emily Kline Michael Kondrla Kelly Kortes James Kosch Natalie Kraner Susan Kritzmacher Michelle Krone Monica Krup Debra Kudriavetz Lori Kuhn Heather Kumor Stephen Kunen Paula Ladd Victoria Langton Joshua Lattimore Timothy Law Elizabeth Lawler Dong Lee Hyun Lee Matthew Leff Marisa Lenok Julie Leone Karen Lerner Naomi Lerner Laurie Levin Goodstein Debra Levin Danielle Levine Bruce Levitt Christine LiCalzi Ana Liggio Maria Linzmayer Alex Lipton Alexandra Litvin Kelly Lloyd Lankford James Lloyd James "Jim" Loewen Holly Lowery
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our volunteers Joseph Lubertazzi Karina Lucid Scott Luftig Abigail Luhn Ilana Lutman Erin Lynch Michael Lynch Geoffrey Lynott Megan Lyons Jessica Macarone Cameron MacLeod Mark Makhail Lauren Malakoff Daniel Manley Brittany Manna Natalie Marfo Stephen Marietta Suzanne Marineau Greggory Marootian Caryn Marshall Brayan Martinez Meghan Mastracchio Marie Mathews Kristine Maurer Lauren Mauro Joann Mazur Kielblock Christopher McAuliffe Cecelia McCloud Jacqueline McDonald Sumy McEleney Kyle McEvilly Susan McGahan Ryan McGrantham Maryann McGrath Patrick McGuinness Lamar Mckenzie Maurice McLaughlin Keith McManus Kenneth McPherson George Meggali Alayna Mejias Andrew Meltzer Christian Mendoza Eric Merenstein Yvonne Metz Christopher Michel Justin Mignogna Zachary Miller
Kira Mineroff Alan Modlinger Todd Moffett Veronica Montagna Vincent Montalto Khari Moore Alexander Morgenstern Seamus Morley Danielle Morrison Alison Morrissey Ratasha Morse Joseph Mourad Karen Murphy Richard Myslinski Maithreyi Nandagopalan Michael Naughton Jordan Nelson Anna Nikolayeva Leigh Anne Noone Cassandra Norgaard Mark Norgaard Asia Norton Benjamin Novak Jeanelly Nuñez Timothy Nurse Keith Odoherty Brittani Ojogho-Fields Susan Okin Goldsmith Thomas O'Leary Stephanie Olivio Rebecca Oommen Ade Oremosu Sealtiel Ortega-Rodriguez Jessica Osterlof Olawale Otegbade Kevin O'Toole Tonia Ouellette Klausner Eric Padilla Maggie Palen Mary Frances Palisano Michelle Pallak Kelly Ann Panno Denise Panzer Michael Papandrea Mahsa Parangi Nigeria Parrott Shirley Parrott Malory Pascarella
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our volunteers Joseph Pasquale Anish Patel Mili Patel Peena Patel Sylvia Pearl Gabrielle Pelura Cesarina Pena Trabous Erica Peralta Gavin Pereira Eric Perkins Claudia Perla Nathan Perle Nicola Perzichilli Adriana Peters Laura Pinzon Gonzlez Theresa Pisciotti Stephanie Pisko Michael Plumb Melissa Polito Kyle Porro Cassandra Porter Michelle Postelle Nechama Potasnick Renita Powell Daniella Prebor Stacy Puleo Leila Purqurian Michael Puzyk Shahzad Qadri Carol Quagliato Marwan Rashed Cindy Redling Patrick Rehfuss Jacqueline Reich Jarred Reiling Denise Rekem Colleen Restel Taylor Reynolds Brenda Ribadeneyra Stephanie Ricardo-Leff David Ricci Patrick Riley Asad Rizvi Laurie Robinson Cliff Roca Carissa Rodrigue Elizabeth Rodriguez Jocelyn Rodriguez
Maritza Rodríguez Liam Rogan Jackie Rojas Joseph Romano Han Lin Rong Geoffrey Rosamond Sandra Rosenband Zachary Rosenberg Thomas Rowland Barry Roy Mario Russo K. Oliver Rust Hatim Sabir Antonious Sadek Arona Samb Amelia Samuel Jennifer Sanapareddy Gary Sapir Caroline Savage Priscilla Savage Vincent Scala Meredith Schalick Justin Schettino Noemi Schor Andrea Schreiber Brian Schwartz Ellen Schwartz Daniel Seaman Richard Seltzer Jerome "Jerry" Shaen Ryan Shaffer Renee Shafran Jacqueline Shanes Scott Sherman Nicole Shim Jacob Shulman Justin Silverberg Marc Silverman Cory Simmons Matthew Sklar Fran Skoller Shelley Slafkes Stacey Slater Kate Slavin Susan Smalley Bernard Smalls Michelle Smith Larissa Sneathern
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our volunteers Catherine Soliman Michael Spinello Michelle Stegmann Alexander Steinberg Jordanne Steiner Philip Stern Cristina Stewart John Stoelker Dan Stone Kaitlyn Stone Alex Storzillo William Strauss Rebecca Striplet Yarissa Subervi Nicole Sullivan Brian Sunberg Jennifer Swearingen Shannon Sydlowski Amani Taha Penelope Taylor Dianne Telesford-Gibbs Elizabeth Thomas Joan Thomas Nanette Thomas Valeria Thomas Andrew Thompson Cristina Thrasher Ana Tirado Javier Tirado Paola Toro Stacey Torres Olivia Tourgee Matthew Trevisani Louise Trezza Catherine Trinkle Taylor Tufano Kevin Turner Sabina Valle Elizabeth Van Etten Aaron Van Nostrand Christopher Vanderwolk Zulma Velazquez Edward Velky Elizabeth Vengen Denise Verzella Justine Vincent Daniel Vira Nicole Virella
Michael Vito Nicco Vocaturo Meredith Walsh Julie Warshaw Kevin Weber Jessica Weinberg Eric Weinstock Steven Weisman Catherine Weiss Iman Wells Marc Wenner Danielle Weslock Jacky Weyand Ethan Whitaker Ashleigh White Angela Whitesell Brenda Widman Myrna Wigod Jeffrey Wild Keien Williams Matthew Windman Jen Winter Lori Wolfe Mauro Wolfe Elyse Wolff Amy Woltman Paul Wrede William Wright Richard Yaskin Annie Zagha Maya Zamor Monica Zarate
In 2024, VLJ’s work impacted nearly 4,500 people—including 1,661 children—and 665 volunteer attorneys donated
$2.2. million in free legal services.
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your gala paddle HOW THE PADDLE RAISE WORKS: All paddles will be placed in envelopes at each person's designated table (they will be labeled with your name). When the time comes to donate, please raise your paddle high so our auctioneer, Harry Santa-Olalla, can see your number clearly. At the end of the night, VLJ will send out a text message with a link to pay. For those who put a credit card on file, your card will be charged. For those who would like to make other payment arrangements, please visit the checkout table.
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scan to donate On your smartphone or tablet, open the built-in camera app. Point the camera at the QR code below. Tap the banner that appears on your smartphone or tablet. Follow the on-screen instructions to donate.
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connect with vlj Follow us on social media to stay in the know with all things VLJ.
@VLJNJ @VLJ_NJ @Volunteer Lawyers for Justice @VolunteerLawyersForJustice
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CREATING HOPE THROUGH INNOVATION At Eisai, everything we do is guided by a simple principle: patients and their families come first. We spend time with them. We listen and we learn about their lives, their desires and their greatest needs. We call this human health care or hhc, giving first thoughts to patients and their families and helping increase the benefits health care provides. Our hhc mission is what drives us to discover innovative solutions and therapies that help address unmet needs within the communities that we seek to serve.
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September 2020
Congratulations To Tonight’s Honorees Adeel Mangi
Partner in Justice Award
McGuireWoods
Community Vision Award
Michael Gertzman
Champion of Justice Award: In Memoriam
Gibbons is proud to support Volunteer Lawyers for Justice
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Gibbons P.C. is headquartered at One Gateway Center, Newark, New Jersey 07102.
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Lowenstein Sandler is proud to support the
UNITING FOR JUSTICE GALA Special congratulations to this year’s honorees: Adeel Mangi, recipient of the Partner in Justice Award; McGuireWoods, recipient of the Community Vision Award; and the late Michael Gertzman, posthumous recipient of the Champion of Justice Award.
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We are proud to partner with Volunteer Lawyers for Justice Throughout Panasonic’s 100-year history, one of our guiding principles has always been to contribute to society by improving people’s lives and making the world a better place. That’s why we’re proud to unite with the Volunteer Lawyers for Justice as a Builder of Justice. Thank you for partnering with us to provide the Veterans Legal Wellness Clinic, and for the multitude of support you provide for men, women, children, and families in need. Your tireless work and commitment inspires us to empower people to live better lives and create a brighter, more equitable future for everyone. Learn more at na.panasonic.com
WILLKIE PROUDLY SALUTES
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice for its unwavering commitment to ensuring equal access to justice for New Jersey’s underserved residents 2025 Annual Gala October 7, 2025
1,300 LAWYERS | 16 OFFICES | 6 COUNTRIES
Debevoise is proud to support Volunteer Lawyers for Justice. New York Washington, D.C. San Francisco
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Partners in justice. At DLA Piper,we are proud to bea partner for justice in our communities. In collaboration with Volunteer Lawyers for Justice, we are helping to expand access to justice in New Jersey.
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Gibson Dunn is proud to support the
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice Annual Gala and their commitment to ensuring access to justice for people experiencing poverty in New Jersey.
Congratulations to the 2025 honorees!
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CONGRATULATIONS! What a night to celebrate Volunteer Lawyers for Justice's honorees! Congratulations to Adeel Mangi and McGuireWoods LLP, and a special recognition of the late Michael Gertzman, whose legacy of service remains a guiding light for us all.
Michael Griffinger
is honored to support
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice’s 2025 Annual Gala We are proud to champion your mission to ensure access to justice for individuals experiencing poverty.
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Pfizer is a proud supporter of Volunteer Lawyers for Justice
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Uniting for Justice. Verizon applauds Volunteer Lawyers for Justice and its work to ensure access to justice.
With focus on our company's core values of trust, care, and excellence, Verizon is proud to support Volunteer Lawyers for Justice.
Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
We salute VLJ’s mission to ensure access to justice for all, and congratulate tonight’s honorees.
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VOLUNTEER LAWYERS FOR JUSTICE
CSG Law is proud to support the Volunteer Lawyers for Justice 2025 Annual Gala.
We congratulate this year's honorees, Adeel Mangi, Michael Gertzman and McGuireWoods.
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We forge a culture where everyone has equal access to opportunities to thrive.
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Columbia Bank is proud to serve the community for nearly 100 years Service and stability you can count on. •Full suite of commercial and consumer products •Relationship banking, with an accessible management team •Local decision making •A community impact you can see Designations
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d’Arcambal Quesada Malyk Peters & Creed LLP www.dQMlaw.com
d’QM Law is proud to support
VLJ’s Uniting for Justice Annual Gala and its goal to ensure access to justice for people experiencing poverty in New Jersey. PROUD MEMBERS OF:
NEW YORK | FLORIDA | NEW JERSEY | GEORGIA | PENNSYLVANIA | TEXAS
Dentons Proudly Supports VLJ’s Uniting for Justice 2025 Gala and Congratulates this Year’s Honorees. Dentons, the law firm of the future is here. dentons.com © 2025 Dentons. Dentons is a global legal practice providing client services worldwide through its member firms and affiliates. Please see dentons.com for Legal Notices.
Duane Morris is proud to support
VOLUNTEER LAWYERS FOR JUSTICE and its Annual Gala We join in congratulating Adeel Mangi, McGuireWoods and Michael Gertzman Duane Morris LLP, a law firm with more than 900 attorneys in offices across the United States and internationally, is asked by a broad array of clients to provide innovative solutions to today’s legal and business challenges. Katharyn I. Christian Voit Valentine A. Brown Pro Bono Counsel Pro Bono Partner 215.979.1879 215.979.1840 kvoit@duanemorris.com vbrown@duanemorris.com
www.duanemorris.com Duane Morris LLP – A Delaware limited liability partnership
Drive Decisions. Accelerate Outcomes. Epiq congratulates Adeel Mangi, the late Michael Gertzman, and McGuireWoods for their dedication and commitment to Volunteer Lawyers for Justice’s mission.
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Celebrating Volunteer Lawyers for Justice We are proud to support Volunteer Lawyers for Justice and their mission to ensure equal access to legal support for people experiencing poverty. Our work together helps create a fairer and more inclusive community.
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Fisher Phillips is proud to support the "Uniting for Justice" annual gala, and congratulates those who work to ensure access to justice for individuals experiencing poverty. With 700 attorneys in 45 offices across the United States, Mexico and Japan, Fisher Phillips is an international labor and employment firm providing practical business solutions for employers’ workplace fisherphillips.com
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Friedman Kaplan is proud to support Volunteer Lawyers for Justice and we congratulate
Adeel Mangi Partner in Justice Award
McGuireWoods Community Vision Award
Michael Gertzman Champion of Justice Award (in memoriam)
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PROUD SPONSORS
Uniting for Justice A Benefit Celebrating Collaboration and Change in New Jersey
Irwin Fritchie expresses heartfelt gratitude to all those dedicated to uplifting communities in their pursuit of justice!
www.irwinllc.com
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PROUD SPONSOR We applaud the work of Volunteer Lawyers for Justice and are honored to support its mission of advancing equal access to justice for all. K&L Gates LLP. Global counsel across five continents. Learn more at klgates.com.
Latham & Watkins is proud to support
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice And its work to transform the lives of people experiencing poverty across New Jersey.
We join in celebrating tonight’s honorees at the 2025 Uniting for Justice Gala.
LW.com
We congratulate Sneha Desai, Cathy Trinkle, and the rest of the VLJ for their ongoing efforts improving the lives of people across New Jersey.
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NJM Insurance Group is proud to support
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice’s 2025 Annual Gala and congratulates this year’s honorees
Visit njm.com or call 1-800-232-6600 for a quote today
Service Oriented. Client Focused. Ogletree Deakins is one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management in all types of employment-related legal matters.
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PRUDENTIAL IS A PROUD SUPPORTER OF
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice
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Proud to support
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice and its
Uniting for Justice Gala
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Thank you to our sponsors!
Barnes/Richardson proudly supports the Volunteer Lawyers for Justice and its continuing goal of providing access to the legal system for all.
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Making the extraordinary expected. MultiState is a full-service state and local government relations company. We exist to make the extraordinary expected so our clients can act with confidence to achieve their goals. We’ll tailor a solution that’s right for you. Our team is here every step of the way to provide the tools and expertise you need. Do you need to track missioncritical issues? Launch an issue or advocacy campaign? Find the right lobbyist? Streamline your compliance process? We’ve got you covered. Explore our service lines at multistate.us/solutions.
Making a
difference We proudly sponsor the Volunteer Lawyers for Justice Annual Gala and support their
mission to expand access to legal services for those in need.
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Archer Proudly Supports Volunteer Lawyers for Justice VLJ transforms lives across New Jersey, making a lasting impact every day. We are honored to join in celebrating VLJ’s vital mission and this year’s honorees.
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Voorhees, NJ | Hackensack, NJ | Princeton, NJ | Red Bank, NJ Philadelphia, PA | Harrisburg, PA | New York, NY | Wilmington, DE | Houston, TX
this calls for a standing ovation Bravo to Volunteer Lawyers for Justice for ensuring access to justice for those experiencing poverty in New Jersey. Congratulations to: Adeel Mangi Partner in Justice Award McGuireWoods Community Vision Award Michael Gertzman Champion of Justice Award
One Center Street • Newark, NJ
Thank you to our sponsors!
ENSURING ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOR PEOPLE EXPERIENCING POVERTY
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice PO Box 32040 Newark, NJ 07102 (973) 645-1955 vlj@vljnj.org www.vljnj.org
We are proud to support
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice and warmly congratulate tonight’s honorees.
Four Gateway Center, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, NJ 07102 McCarter & English, LLP | www.mccarter.com