Gibbons Director Michael Griffinger Honored by Volunteer Lawyers for Justice

This attorney has been selected for the recognitions mentioned herein, which have been conferred by the corresponding publications and/or organizations noted. An overview of the award selection methodologies for these recognitions can be found at https://www.gibbonslaw.com/awards. Links to certain specific methodologies are embedded in individual entries. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

Michael R. Griffinger, a Director in the Gibbons P.C. Business & Commercial Litigation Department and former Chairman of the Board of the Volunteer Laywers for Justice (VLJ), was honored as a “Champion of Justice” at VLJ’s 15th anniversary gala, held on November 14 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark.

VLJ provides economically disadvantaged adults, children, and families in New Jersey with pro bono representation and advice, to ensure for them fair and equal treatment within the legal system. The organization recognized Mr. Griffinger for his longstanding, exceptional commitment to this mission. In addition to his work with VLJ, in recent years, he has served as Chairman of the Judicial and Prosecutorial Appointments Committee of the New Jersey State Bar Association and Chairman of the Board of Legal Services Foundation. In the broader community, Mr. Griffinger has served on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center since 1995, and he founded the Fresh Air Fund Games. Recognition for his outreach efforts has been extensive. This year, he was the recipient of the New Jersey Law Journal’s Lifetime Achievement Award and, in years past, he has been honored by various organizations, including Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (Champion of Change); New Jersey State Bar Foundation (Medal of Honor Award); Trial Attorneys of New Jersey (Trial Bar Award); and the Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey (William J. Brennan, Jr. Award).

“Mike is one of the attorneys at Gibbons who, from the beginning of his career, set the standards for community outreach and pro bono service, which have become core firm-wide values at Gibbons,” said Patrick C. Dunican Jr., Chairman and Managing Director of Gibbons. “The good work VLJ does and the work Mike does for VLJ are critical components to providing equal access to a fair legal system.”

Since its founding in 2001, VLJ has grown from a grassroots effort of 30 volunteer attorneys in Essex County to a statewide nonprofit with more than 1,500 volunteer attorneys and paralegals aiding thousands of clients each year. VLJ’s programs include free legal counsel and advice, educational seminars on various legal matters, and direct representation for at-risk individuals facing critical civil legal issues. Mr. Griffinger had served as VLJ’s Chair from 2007 to 2010 and Chair of the Board of Trustees from 2008 to 2012.

No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. 
A description of the selection process methodology for the awards referenced is available at gibbonslaw.com/awards/.