Lynn Judell to take over as president of the Volunteer Lawyers Project

James Slattery retires and is elected to emeritus board

February 8, 2019 By Rob Abruzzese Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Lynn E. Judell is going to take over as the leader of the Volunteer Lawyers Project after serving as its secretary for years. Photos courtesy of the Volunteer Lawyers Project

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The Brooklyn Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) will undergo potentially its biggest change in two decades. At its Wednesday meeting, the organization announced that its longtime president, James P. Slattery, will retire.

Replacing Slattery will be former Board Secretary Lynn E. Judell, who was chosen via election on Wednesday. Slattery was elected to a position on the emeritus board.

“I had the privilege of chairing the VLP’s board from its early days, with a staff of two in donated space at the Brooklyn Bar Association, to its current size of 10 employees in a spacious and comfortable office in Downtown Brooklyn,” said Slattery, who served as president for longer than 20 years. “I have seen its reputation and stature grow to where it has clearly become one of the ‘go-to’ civil legal services organizations serving Brooklyn’s most vulnerable residents.”

Stephen Z. Williamson was also elected as the secretary at the meeting. Lawrence F. DiGiovanna and Gregory Messer were both re-elected as the vice president and treasurer, respectively.

After 20 years as president, James Slattery will join the VLP’s emeritus board.

After his more than 20 years at the helm of the ship, many members of the organization had great things to say about Slattery, a fixture in the Brooklyn legal community.

“Jim has been an exemplary leader through his board service and pro bono work for the VLP, giving generously of his time, expertise and creativity, and going above and beyond to support the VLP personally. It has been an honor and privilege to work with him,” said executive director Heidi Henderson.

“With his trademark kindness and grace, Jim has served as a tireless advocate for the less fortunate, a strong voice for the voiceless,” said founding Board Member Emeritus Terri Letica. “He has been an inspiration to his colleagues, to scores of volunteers and to countless others who labor in pursuit of equal access to justice for all. Jim has truly earned his ‘emeritus’ status, and we proudly welcome him as the newest member of the emeritus board.”

Stephen Z. Williamson was elected as the new VLP secretary to replace Judell. Larry DiGiovanna and Gregory Messer (not pictured) will resume their roles as vice president and treasurer.

Slattery also expressed strong support for Judell, whom he worked beside for years.

“Lynn is not only a successful litigator and highly respected but is also very well connected in the legal community,” Slattery said. “She will be an outstanding president.”

The VLP was established in 1990 in order to provide free legal services for Brooklynites without the means to otherwise hire a lawyer. It regularly provides attorneys with free continuing legal education in exchange for taking on pro bono clients.