Volunteer Lawyers for Justice Launches PRIDE Name Change Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2025
CONTACT
Eric W. Hughes
Director of Communications
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice
(973) 233-5724
ehughes@vljnj.org
Newark, NJ — Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) is proud to announce the launch of its new PRIDE Name Change Program, a collaborative effort with Merck, Rutgers Law School, and Emanuel Lutheran Church. This initiative aims to provide free legal assistance to New Jersey residents seeking to legally change their names, with a focus on serving transgender, nonbinary, and non-cisgender community members with no- and low-incomes.
The PRIDE (Promoting Rights, Identity, Dignity, and Equality) Name Change Program will offer help for those who qualify with New Jersey’s legal name change process, including:
Free legal consultations
Assistance with applications for legal name change and e-filing with court
Guidance on updating legal documents post-name change
"At Volunteer Lawyers for Justice, we believe everyone deserves access to justice, especially when it comes to affirming one's identity," said Cathy Keenan, VLJ’s Executive Director. "The PRIDE Name Change Program recognizes there is not only justice in one’s name and identity, but power as well, and the program will help remove barriers and streamline support for New Jersey residents seeking to change their name, opening up opportunities that otherwise would be closed due to confusing paperwork or complicated systems."
The program will be staffed by volunteer attorneys from VLJ's pro bono partner, Merck & Co. with support from Rutgers Law School students and faculty.
Patrick Rehfuss, Director, Legal at Merck offered, “Navigating the legal system alone can be daunting, and the PRIDE Name Change Program is a great resource for those seeking support in changing their legal name to align with their identity.”
New Jersey residents interested in VLJ’s PRIDE Name Change Program can apply online at www.vljnj.org/get-help or call (973) 645-1955.
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About Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ)
VLJ is an award-winning, comprehensive nonprofit legal services program based in Newark, NJ, with a statewide reach. VLJ's mission is to ensure access to justice for people experiencing poverty. The Newark-based organization ensures fair access to the legal system through partnerships with corporations and hundreds of volunteer attorneys. In 2023, VLJ’s work impacted over 4,200 people—including 1,644 children—and its volunteer attorneys donated nearly $2 million in free legal services. To learn more, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.