Brooklyn Bar Association VLP announces retirement of Jeannie Costello, names New Exec. Director

October 30, 2014 Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Photo courtesy of VLP
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The Brooklyn Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) has announced that its longtime executive director, Jeannie Costello, is set to retire at the end of the month and a new attorney is preparing to take the reigns.

“We want to take this opportunity to salute Jeannie and express our deep gratitude for her inspiring leadership and tireless commitment to VLP,” said James Slattery, president of VLP Board of Directors.  “Jeannie has truly made a tangible and lasting difference in the lives of so many individuals and families in Brooklyn.”

During her 10-year term, Costello has been known as a zealous champion of pro bono work and pushing present day issues in her drive to recruit volunteer lawyers for the VLP.  

“As Brooklyn gentrifies and ages, indigent families and the elderly urgently require legal representation and assistance to obtain and protect essential rights,” Costello wrote in a 2007 Brooklyn Barrister article. “Yet…barely 20 percent of those who need civil legal assistance receive help. As a result, the need for volunteers has reached a critical stage. This is a plea for help!”

The VLP, created in 1990, provides legal assistance for the underprivileged and those with limited access to the legal justice system.

Set to take over as executive director is Heidi Lee Henderson, currently the senior director of Legal Services at Her Justice.

“We are thrilled that Heidi is succeeding Jeannie as executive director,” noted Slattery. “After a long and thorough search, during which we interviewed a number of top candidates, it was clear that Heidi’s wealth of experience and deep commitment to the mission of the VLP would inspire the board and the staff. We are so fortunate to have found such an accomplished leader.”

Henderson shared the excitement.

I am thrilled and honored to join the Brooklyn Volunteer Lawyers Project,” the attorney said.

“I wholeheartedly believe in its critical mission to provide free legal services to low-income Brooklyn residents by leveraging the talents of the private bar.”

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