BASF & bressler honored for Commitment to new Jersey Veterans‘ Legal Access
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) celebrates the New Jersey State bar Association’s (NJSBA) recognition of both BASF and Bressler, Amery & Ross, P.C. with the Pillar of Justice pro Bono Award. The award acknowledges meaningful and innovative pro bono contributions towards expanding access to justice within the state, and both organizations have demonstrated an exceptional dedication to this cause, especially through their support of VLJ’s Veterans Legal Program (VLP).
The partnership began in 2017 with the creation of the Veterans Legal Wellness Clinic at the East Orange Veterans Affairs Medical Center, a project spearheaded by the department’s senior leadership at BASF in collaboration with VLJ and other corporate partners. Since then, both BASF and Bressler have been instrumental in providing crucial legal assistance to New Jersey veterans.
BASF has actively fostered a culture of volunteerism, with over 45 employees – including both attorneys and non-attorney staff - contributing their time to VLJ. The company further demonstrates its leadership by dedicating the time of its Pro Bono Executive Sponsor, Catherine Trinkle, to VLJ’s Board of Trustees.Their collective efforts have directly benefited over 500 VLJ clients, primarily veterans, since 2016.
Bressler, Amery & Ross, P.C. has similarly committed ample resources to the VLP. Since 2016, Bressler attorneys and paralegals have volunteered over 400 hours, representing over $120,000 in donated legal services, and assisting with more than 300 cases. Bressler was an early adopter of the Veterans Legal Wellness Clinic,joining in its inaugural year and continuing to serve as mentors to new volunteers. their work extends beyond the clinic, with attorneys tackling complex legal issues for veterans, including assistance with bankruptcy document collection, record requests for expungements, and negotiating payment plans.
“BASF and Bressler have been dedicated supporters of VLJ’s Veterans Legal program since the creation of the legal wellness program at the VA Hospital in 2017,” stated Alexandra Bravo, senior staff attorney at VLJ and program lead for the VLP. “BASF volunteers bring their professionalism and expertise as well as compassion and empathy for our veterans.”
Frederick K. Schoenbrodt, II, Managing Principal of Bressler’s new Jersey office and a U.S. Army Veteran, emphasized the firm’s commitment: “Supporting our veterans and giving back to the communities we serve are fundamental to who we are as a firm. We are proud to partner with VLJ and BASF to help ensure New Jersey’s veterans receive the legal support and respect they deserve.”
VLJ highlighted the profound impact of both organizations, noting that their dedication extends beyond legal expertise to providing veterans with a sense of being heard and understood. In 2024 alone, VLJ’s work impacted nearly 4,500 individuals, including 1,661 children, with volunteer attorneys donating $2.2 million in free legal services.
VLJ expressed its pride in the longstanding partnerships with BASF and Bressler, recognizing their commitment as a benchmark for corporate legal departments and law firms throughout New Jersey.
