VLJ's Newark Reentry Legal Services Names Daniel P. D'Alessandro, Esq. As Its "November 2010 ReLeSe Pro Bono Attorney Of The Month"

McCarter & English Attorney Provides Critical Legal Counsel to Clients of Non-Profit. End Quote

Newark, NJ (1888PressRelease) December 14, 2010 - Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ)'s Newark Reentry Legal Services (ReLeSe) has named Daniel P. D'Alessandro, Esq. as its "November 2010 ReLeSe Pro Bono Attorney of the Month." As a ReLeSe volunteer, D'Alessandro has provided critical legal support to clients on a number of expungement cases. The Hoboken, N.J., resident is an associate with McCarter & English, where he concentrates his practice on business and financial services litigation.

Established in 2001, VLJ has grown from a grass roots effort of 30 volunteer attorneys in Essex County to a state-wide not-for-profit with five staff attorneys and more than 1,500 volunteer attorneys aiding thousands of clients each year. VLJ's ReLeSe assists ex-offenders with civil legal issues serving as barriers to successful community reintegration. Through direct in-house representation and referrals to volunteer attorneys, ReLeSe assists its clients with driver's license restoration, resolution of long out-standing municipal matters, modification of child support orders, and the expungement of criminal records.

"Daniel has taken on a number of expungement cases for ReLeSe, two of which presented unique challenges, requiring additional work and the re-filing of the petitions," said Gina DeVito, Esq., managing attorney of ReLeSe. "He quickly responded to all of the clients' questions - even after the files had been closed - and also took the initiative to re-open the cases when new information and opportunities came to light. This award is well-deserved recognition for his efforts. We thank Daniel and McCarter & English for their unwavering commitment to VLJ and its programs like ReLeSe."

"It's an honor to be recognized by VLJ's ReLeSe for my pro bono work," noted D'Alessandro. "Being able to contribute to such a worthwhile effort that gives individuals a second chance to regain their lives back and seek employment has been a rewarding experience. VLJ's programs, and the generous support of McCarter, provide many of us an opportunity to help improve our communities."

In addition to ReLeSe, VLJ's wide range of programs include free legal counsel and advice; educational seminars on various legal matters such as consumer law, bankruptcy, family law and special education; and direct representation for at-risk individuals facing critical civil legal issues.

Frequently recognized for its contributions to the community, VLJ received the "Community Builder Award" from the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice in 2008 and was the 2007 recipient of the New Jersey State Bar Association's "Annual Pro Bono Award." VLJ is an approved legal services provider of the New Jersey Supreme Court. This designation allows certain court costs and filing fees to be waived for VLJ's clients, enables VLJ volunteer attorneys to claim an exemption from mandatory pro bono assignments after 25 hours of voluntary service, and provides the opportunity for out-of-state attorneys to volunteer with the program.

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