Emerald Sheay (she/her)
Staff Attorney

Emerald is a staff attorney who focuses on pro bono recruitment, training, and case placement. Emerald additionally supports VLJ’s Divorce Program and PRIDE Name Change Program. Prior to joining VLJ, Emerald practiced family law, and clerked for the Honorable Lisa F. Chrystal, P.J.F.P. at the Superior Court of New Jersey – Family Division in Union County. Emerald also volunteered with VLJ’s Divorce Program while in private practice.

Emerald is especially passionate about advocating for those without access to the judicial process, including children and animals. She shares the sentiment of former Attorney General Janet Reno that lawyers who engage in “pro bono service to protect those who cannot help themselves are truly the heroes and the heroines of the legal profession.” Emerald currently sits as the Co-Chair of the New Jersey State Bar Association’s Animal Welfare Committee and as a member of the Pro Bono Committee. She has published articles on family law, animal law, and empathetic lawyering in the Animal Law Review, New Jersey Lawyer Magazine, and New Jersey Family Lawyer.

Outside of VLJ, Emerald performs with professional chamber choir Vocala Ensemble, and is an active member of the Union County Bar Association.

LinkedIn Logo

Connect with Emerald