“VLJ’s mission acknowledges that class and money are barriers to justice. We can only change the things we acknowledge and I am committed to being deliberate in breaking barriers to justice.”
-Ashleigh White
Ashleigh White (she/her) is a dedicated Senior Compliance Paralegal at BASF Corporation, where she provides legal support to the Compliance, Employment, and Privacy Group. With an ABA Paralegal Certification from Fairleigh Dickinson University, a BS in Business Administration from Centenary University, and as a candidate for a Master of Legal Studies from Fordham Law School, Ashleigh is a legal powerhouse. If that weren’t enough, Ashleigh is a member of the National Association of Legal Assistance, Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics, and the National Association of Black Compliance & Risk Management Professionals.
Through her work at BASF, Ashleigh first became involved with VLJ, assisting BASF Assistant General Counsel Cristina Baragona with Veterans Affairs benefits appeals. This sparked a meaningful relationship with VLJ, and as the saying goes, “the rest is history.”
For Ashleigh, the most rewarding aspect of volunteering is the relationships she builds:
“I love connecting with our clients at VLJ. Walking into a room full of lawyers and discussing sensitive topics can be intimidating. I always try and find a way to connect with our clients and help them know they are heard and seen and that we will do our best to provide them with guidance and advice. Many of the clients we served at the VA hospital in South Orange were from Essex County; I am also an Essex County native and always talked with clients during intake to share favorite locations, neighborhoods, restaurants, etc. I always want clients to feel they can trust VLJ volunteers.”
Not surprising, among her many experiences volunteering with VLJ, Ashleigh fondly recalls working on a case alongside BASF attorney, Terri Freeman, as part of the VLJ Veterans Legal Program buddy system. “The most memorable client is Mr. S. We continued to support him after the clinics, and he visited our offices in Florham Park. Mr. S. is in his 90s and had such a sunny disposition. He is the epitome of a gentleman and charmed everyone in our offices from the security desk to the lawyers that he encountered.”
Ashleigh is passionate about pro bono because it strengthens communities and supports those most in need. "There is no better way to pay it forward than using your competencies and capabilities to help your neighbors and especially the individuals that have served our country. Legal work and the system that we operate in are complicated and inaccessible to most people. Making sure everyone has access to representation and guidance is essential to justice and equity. Pro bono work will always be necessary to help those without access.”
Outside of her legal endeavors, Ashleigh is an enthusiastic home cook and food blogger, channeling her creativity into delicious meals that make eyes hungry and mouths water.
Please join us in celebrating Ashleigh White as our February 2025 Volunteer of the Month. Thank you for joyfully and passionately serving those who served, Ashleigh!
Inspired by Ashleigh? Discover how you can make a difference through pro bono with VLJ. Email probono@vljnj.org or visit vljnj.org/why-probono to learn more.
Connect with Ashleigh on LinkedIn