VLJ is proud to recognize Abigail Oliver as our next Defender of Justice! Abigail joined VLJ as a legal assistant in the thick of the pandemic in 2020, and despite the challenges of learning a new job remotely, she has become an integral member of VLJ’s team. Abigail works on VLJ’s Tenancy, Children’s Representation, and South Ward Promise Neighborhood Programs and previously worked on Estate Planning.
As a legal assistant, she is often the first person that new clients speak with at VLJ, particularly in the Tenancy Program, where she answers VLJ’s hotline calls for new clients. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic’s eviction crisis, the Tenancy Program has expanded during Abigail’s time at VLJ, adding more staff attorneys and relying on Abigail to provide critical support to coordinate many moving parts. Whether she’s serving as the point-person for appointments, creating marketing materials for the team, managing the logistics of virtual meetings and trainings, or liaising on the front line with community partners, the team can always count on Abigail to help us achieve our goals.
“Abigail is an integral part of the VLJ team who is always willing to assist her colleagues in any way she can,” says Managing Attorney Eilleen Ingram-Willis. “As the first point of contact for many of our clients, she serves an important role of introducing clients to VLJ’s services, identifying their legal issues, and ensuring that they get connected to the right team quickly. Abigail has demonstrated that she will go above and beyond to help our clients. She is also a pleasure to work with and is truly appreciated by her peers.”
Part of what drew Abigail to VLJ was her a passion for disability rights, which she sees as being closely tied to VLJ’s work to help all people access the legal system regardless of their identity, income, or ability. Abigail is always thinking of ways VLJ can make our services and marketing materials more accessible to a wider audience, including adding image descriptions on our online posts and including closed captioning to virtual meetings and webinars. Inclusivity is a central issue for Abigail; she studied American Sign Language and interned for the American Bar Association’s Commission on Disability Rights.
Outside of work, Abigail likes to read with her book club, go to Broadway shows, and knit matching sweaters for herself and her dog, Jessie, who makes occasional appearances on Zoom meetings.