Volunteer Lawyers for Justice to Honor Genova Burns Giantomasi & Webster, Miles Berger, and Daniel Frischberg, Esq. at Its 8th Annual Gala

Event Raises Critical Funds for VLJ's Free Legal Services to Low-Income Individuals in N.J. End Quote

Newark, NJ (1888PressRelease) October 24, 2012 - At its 8th Annual "Arts & Eats for Justice Gala," Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) will honor Genova Burns Giantomasi & Webster with its "2012 Pro Bono Award" and Daniel Frischberg, Esq. with its "2012 Pro Bono Attorney Award" as well as Miles Berger as the "Community Builder of the Year." The Gala is set for Tuesday, December 4, at the Montclair Art Museum in Montclair, N.J. Event proceeds are earmarked for the Newark, N.J.-based VLJ's comprehensive pro bono legal services to low-income individuals across the state.

"Our volunteers and supporters like Dan, Miles and the attorneys of Genova Burns Giantomasi & Webster have truly brought us where we are today, aiding thousands of clients in desperate need of legal services each year," said Karen Sacks, Esq., founding executive director of VLJ. "Through their commitment and generosity, VLJ is that much closer to ensuring all those in New Jersey have fair and equal access to the law."

Established in 2001, VLJ has grown from a grass roots effort of 30 volunteer attorneys in Essex County to a state-wide 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with hundreds of attorneys. Its much-anticipated Gala features live jazz and a showcase of innovative cuisine from the area's top restaurants.

Law Firm Focuses Philanthropic Work on Newark

Genova Burns Giantomasi & Webster is well-known for its extensive philanthropic efforts within the region, assisting a wide range of non-profit organizations. Attorneys of the law firm frequently provide pro bono legal assistance to VLJ clients and support the non-profit's fundraising programs throughout the year by participating in events such as "Hobby's for Justice."

In addition, Gemma Giantomasi, an associate with the law firm, serves on VLJ's board of trustees. She is also a member of the steering committee for VLJ's Newark Reentry Legal Services (ReLeSe), which assists Essex County residents with criminal records with civil legal issues serving as barriers to successful community reintegration.

"It is a main ingredient to the culture of Genova Burns Giantomasi & Webster that our attorneys not only provide superior legal services to our clients, but that we all become active members of the business and civic worlds," said Brian W. Kronick, Managing Partner at Genova Burns Giantomasi & Webster. "Our commitment to pro bono work for organizations like Volunteer Lawyers for Justice helps our lawyers play an integral role in ensuring that everyone has access to fair representation and equitable treatment in the justice system."

Frischberg Quickly Becomes Invaluable Resource to VLJ

A solo practitioner based in Mount Laurel, N.J., Frischberg has been one of VLJ's most consistent and dedicated volunteers since opening his practice in 2011. He regularly assists VLJ's clients through several programs including the Newark Legal Advice and Resource Clinic for Consumers (NLARCC). At the clinic, Frischberg provides clients with legal advice, drafting pleadings and educating debtors regarding legal debt collection practices. He has already assisted more than 40 clients of NLARCC this year, and also takes on direct referral bankruptcy cases from VLJ.

"Dan's compassion and recognition of unmet legal needs have caused him to focus his pro bono commitment on two of our state's most economically-challenged areas, Camden and Essex Counties," said Catherine Keenan, Esq., director of pro bono services at VLJ. "In addition to working with VLJ clients, Dan also mentors other volunteer attorneys in bankruptcy and consumer law. He is an invaluable resource to us in these areas."

Berger Widely Credited for Role as Catalyst in Revitalizing Newark

During the last three decades, Berger, who is the Chairman and COO of the Berger Organization, has been instrumental in Newark's renaissance. Berger was among the first to anticipate and work toward Newark's revitalization as a destination of choice for business, shopping, dining, entertainment, sports and culture. Headquartered in Newark, the Berger Organization is a privately-owned, diversified real estate company that owns and manages more than 1 million square feet of commercial space and 12 hospitality properties in Northern New Jersey, particularly Newark, and New York City.

"Our unwavering commitment to restoring Newark to its past brilliance continues to serve as the foundation for our company's concentrated real estate acquisitions throughout the city and the employment of more than 300 local residents," said Berger. "We are proud to partner with VLJ in its work to aid those in need in our City and beyond."

Berger has received numerous awards for his extensive professional and personal efforts in revitalizing Newark. Those include the "Newark Businessperson of the Year Award" as well as community service honors from the Newark Police Department, Coalition of 100 Black Women, Hispanic Law Enforcement of Essex County and Newark Emergency Services for Families. He has served on the boards of the Newark Public Library, Newark Symphony Hall, Newark Boys' Choir School and the Newark Holocaust Memorial Remembrance.

For more information on VLJ, please visit VLJ's website at http://www.vljnj.org/. For more information on tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Dannielle Leigh at dleigh ( @ ) vljnj dot org or 973-645-1951, ext. 116.

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