Rose Mary joined the North West Jersey Legal Department in March 2019, where she is part of the Independence and Housing teams. Previously, she worked in private practice. Rose Mary is happy to help those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to represent themselves legally. She is fluent in Italian, Spanish and English. Dawn began her career as an elementary school teacher and found the transition to the legal field at LSNWJ very natural. “To help people, you have to communicate with them first. This is the key to teaching and serving the community. Dawn loves all kinds of music, especially classic rock, blues and jazz. When she`s not on her bike or yoga mat, you can find her at a blues club, music festival, or big stadium cheering on the band. 2021 William Thompson LSNJ Paralegal Award. Since joining LSNWJ in 2013, Melissa has practiced many areas of law, including family law, domestic violence, restraining orders, sexual assault protection orders, SSI/SSD, social assistance, food stamps, Medicaid, and rent assistance cases. She has lectured for many organizations, including local domestic violence providers and Zufall Health employees, as well as legal training for the community. Melissa is currently a member of the Morris/Sussex County Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement Committee.
LSNJ Ronald Atlas Staff Attorney Award 2021. Jennifer is a legal services executive who started in the Hunterdon County office as a support representative. She now serves the organization as a member of the finance team, handling human resources, payroll, accounts payable, and remains a friendly face and help to all employees. LSNJ Mary J. Dryer Award for Career Services for People in Poverty 2021; LSNJ Professional Social Services Award 2006, LSNJ William Thompson Award 1995 Sulma Marino joined LSNWJ in 2007. In addition to reception and technical and administrative support, Sulma assists clients in insolvency matters in the execution of their credit advice. She was actively involved in awareness-raising activities; She helped with the rental program and managed Safe + Sound Somerset`s domestic violence referrals. She is currently attending RVCC to complete her Associate Diploma in Paralegal Studies. Sulma speaks Spanish and English. LSNJ Ada Rodriguez Intake Professional Award 2012. Teri is responsible for the effective and efficient operation of the office, the supervision of support staff, and the implementation of protocols and procedures. Teri started here as a paralegal.
She says she “grew up” working in Legal Services: having been here for over 40 years, she finds she learns something every year. “Over these many years, I have worked with many managers, lawyers and employees and have always been amazed at their commitment and compassion when supporting our clients. I`m lucky to have learned from the best. In her limited spare time, Teri enjoys spending it with her large extended family, making quilts for family and friends, cooking and getting lost in a good book. LSNWJ`s Outstanding Achievement in Advancing the Cause of Justice 2018; LSNJ J. Harris David Career Service to People in Poverty 2006, LSNJ Edith Edelson Paralegal Award 1992. Yalitza received her B.A. in Business Administration from Saint-Pierre University as a first-generation college graduate and a few years of experience as a legal assistant when she joined our team. Yalitza reports: “I am a reliable, adaptable and detail-oriented person. LSNWJ corresponded to my interest in advocating for community interests. Yalitza is a member of Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Inc., an organization focused on community education and empowering women to change history. She is fluent in Spanish and English.
Shelley joined North West Jersey Legal Services in 2020 to assist with housing and family law. Prior to joining LSNWJ, Shelley practiced family law in Essex and Union County, and most recently in Providence, RI. Shelley had been planning to join LSNWJ for some time. She remembers the moment when a managing partner of a Montclair company told her, “Stop helping customers for free. It is not a legal services organization! Shelley knew at the time that she would find a way to work in the field of legal advice. “I think I`ve found my people. Very happy to be here. Shelley loves to swim, explore with her dogs, sing and listen to chamber music (are there strings?) Gary works in the areas of consumer, insolvency, landlord and tenancy law. He began his legal career in 1987 as a staff attorney at Ocean-Monmouth Legal Services and became supervising attorney for the Ocean County office from 1989 to late 2014. Gary was excited to return to public service when he joined LSNWJ in March 2019 after practicing in his own private law firm for a time. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Gary was an educator and used these skills as a lecturer in LSNJ training for many years in consumer and bankruptcy law, and as an adjunct professor at Ocean County College where he taught business law, legal writing and research, and introduction to paralegal studies.
Gary loves the outdoors and enjoys hiking, kayaking and jogging. He also enjoys cooking, woodworking and traveling. Hurricane Sandy Response Team (2013); J. Harris David Career Service to People in Poverty (2013); Richard J. Bennett Supervising Lawyer Award (2000); Sue Perger Special Award for her contributions and impact at the national level; Donna Hildreth Award for contributions to training (2004). Sharon has been committed to helping individuals and families with disabilities and in crisis for over 10 years. Sharon grew up with immigrants in New York`s Chinatown and understands the challenges facing people affected by poverty, who have access to language and racial barriers. She is a strong advocate for community justice and is particularly concerned about the needs of people who settle in their communities after interacting with the criminal justice system. Sharon began as a lawyer with New York Children`s Services, representing children who have been victims of neglect and abuse. Sharon revived the Urban Justice Center`s legal advocacy program for parents with psychiatric disabilities and represented parents with disabilities in family court. After joining LSNWJ as a staff attorney, Sharon founded HEAL, LSNWJ`s first forensic partnership.
As Morris` former Director of Social Services, she was able to improve access to services for people experiencing poverty and crisis. Sharon is currently the Director of Operations and leads the organization`s volunteer work. She graduated from Brooklyn Law School, speaks Cantonese, and enjoys hiking with her kids and dogs. Luisa provides legal advice and/or representation in family law matters (e.g., domestic violence injunctions, custody, divorce) to victims of intimate partner violence referred by the Morris County Family Justice Center (MCFJC). She began her legal career at Essex-Newark Legal Services, where she spent seven years in the Seniors, Consumer and Housing Law units under Executive Director Felipe Chavana. Luisa then worked as an assistant prosecutor in New York, prosecuting domestic violence and sexual assault. She then spent a year in private practice as a general practitioner, but mainly worked with adult victims of violence and as a lawyer in the Office of the Legal Guardian on behalf of children involved in court proceedings of the Child Protection and Permanency Division (DCP&P). “While each experience has given me invaluable knowledge and experience, my return to Legal Services has been a homecoming.” Luisa is also a classically trained singer who has performed with the Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts program.
She makes costumes and props as hobbies. LSNJ Gale E. Chester Attorney Award 2011. Martha retired from the practice of law after serving the community as a leader in legal services throughout her life. She came back to some extent to help the admission access team. LSNJ Timothy K. Madden Lifetime Achievement Award, 2016. Scott serves LSNWJ on the Autonomy team, where he has experience as a team leader and housing team. The work of its autonomy team includes the preparation and realization of life planning documents, the representation of clients in involuntary civil internment proceedings, the representation of clients` interests in legal guardianship and the assistance of clients in the suppression of criminal records. Scott is often seen as spearheading our community development with presentations on legal issues. Scott entered the legal profession with a keen interest in public service. During law school, Scott helped veterans apply for disability benefits.
Scott completed a legal internship after graduation and then worked at LSNWJ. Scott was deeply impressed by the advice of a law professor who regularly told students that “law is a helping profession. If you don`t help, get out. Scott appreciates the opportunity his role at LSNWJ presents to help clients with their critical legal needs. Scott is a longtime Philadelphia Eagles fan and has seen them play in stadiums across the country (including MetLife, of course). So go ahead and bring Scott your toughest challenges – he`s used to disappointments! Shefali has been working for the North West Jersey Legal Department since graduating from law school.