Volunteer Lawyers for Justice's "Arts & Eats for Justice Gala" Draws Record Number of Notables from Area's Legal, Business and Non-Profit Communities

Annual Event Raised Funds for VLJ's Pro Bono Legal Services to Low-Income Individuals

On December 6, Volunteer Lawyers for Justice's (VLJ) 7th Annual "Arts & Eats for Justice Gala" drew a record number of notables from the area's legal, business and non-profit communities and beyond. All came to support and celebrate the critical work of Newark, N.J.-based VLJ in aiding thousands of low-income individuals in New Jersey each year. Event proceeds are earmarked for VLJ's programs, which include free legal counsel and advice, educational seminars, and direct representation for at-risk individuals.

Held at the Montclair Art Museum in Montclair, attendees had the chance to view the museum's extensive American and Native American art collections and enjoy live music performed by Ursa Major, a jazz quartet from STARS@Merck. The event also boasted an array of gourmet cuisine from more than 16 of the region's finest restaurants. Michael Griffinger, Esq., immediate past chair of VLJ's board of trustees and a director of Gibbons P.C., served as the event's master of ceremonies.

"It's a true joy to look around the room tonight and see so many of our selfless volunteer attorneys and supporters that make all of our programs possible," said Karen Sacks, Esq., founding executive director of VLJ.

On behalf of VLJ, Griffinger presented the Hon. Julien X. Neals, current board chair and the City of Newark's Business Administrator, with the non-profit's "2011 Pro Bono Leader Award." In addition, Griffinger presented AT&T with the "2011 Pro Bono Award." Susan McGahan, Esq., a general attorney in AT&T's intellectual property law group, accepted the award for the company. Griffinger also took a moment to recognize Sacks noting, "Karen is the lifeblood of this organization. We wouldn't have VLJ without her."

The ceremony included inspiring presentations from clients of VLJ, speaking about how the efforts of the organization and its volunteer attorneys have changed their lives. One client of VLJ's Newark Reentry Legal Services (ReLeSe) program remarked, "VLJ opened a door when no one else was there...and placed me back on the right path."

Legal Services Foundation of Essex County, VLJ's former parent organization, also presented the annual Dickinson R. Debevoise and Douglas S. Eakeley Awards that evening, which went to Merck & Co., Inc. and Kenneth Kunzman, Esq., a partner with Connell Foley LLP in Roseland, N.J., respectively. This year's Honorary Gala Chairs were Senators Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez.

VLJ Thanks Its Sponsors

Sponsors included Merck at the director's circle level; McCarter & English, Gibbons P.C., and Lowenstein Sandler at the benefactor level; Pfizer at the gala level; AT&T, White & Case, Patton Boggs LLP, and PSE&G at the award level; and DLA Piper as a VIP sponsor. In addition, The Star-Ledger served as the general media sponsor and the New Jersey Law Journal was the legal media sponsor.

"We truly appreciate the generosity of our event sponsors and also want to thank the many restaurants who helped us in making this a night to remember," added Sacks.

Restaurants included Bistro 18, Lalezar, Mesob, Southern Belle, Terra at the Isabel Rose Café, Tapastry and Church Street Catering, A Gardener's Kitchen, and Trattoria Rustica of Montclair; Hobby's Delicatessen and Restaurant, Martini 494, Casa Vasca, and 27 Mix of Newark; F&B Caterers and Senorita's Mexican Grill of Bloomfield; Cricket Hill Brewery of Fairfield, and Shopper's Vineyard of Clifton.

PHOTO CAPTION 1: At its 7th Annual "Arts & Eats for Justice Gala" Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) presented its "2011 Pro Bono Leader Award" to the Hon. Julien X. Neals, the City of Newark's Business Administrator and chair of the non-profit's board of directors. Neals (center) is pictured with Karen Sacks, Esq., founding executive director of VLJ and Michael Griffinger, Esq., a director of Gibbons P.C. and immediate past chair of VLJ's board of trustees.

PHOTO CAPTION 2: Volunteer Lawyers for Justice honored AT&T with their "2011 Pro Bono Award" at the non-profit organization's 7th Annual "Arts & Eats for Justice Gala." Michael Griffinger, Esq., a director of Gibbons P.C. and immediate past chair of VLJ's board of trustees (center) and Karen Sacks, Esq., founding executive director of VLJ (left) presented the award to Susan McGahan, Esq., a general attorney in AT&T's intellectual property law group, (right) who accepted the award for the company.