Partners, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing legal assistance to domestic and sexual violence survivors, is proud to announce the launch of a new Legal Professional Pilot Program in collaboration with Lowenstein Sandler LLP. This innovative program, which began in January 2025, aims to streamline Partners’ workflow and improve access to free legal assistance for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Operating two days per week, the Legal Professional Pilot Program enlists dedicated volunteers from Lowenstein’s talented administrative staff to field inquiries and connect survivors to much-needed services and resources. Volunteers participate in two-hour shifts, with four volunteers covering shifts each day.
The primary focus of the Pilot Program is to support survivors seeking assistance with Final Restraining Orders (FRO) and other related family law matters.
Lisa Nichole Roskos, Esq., Director of Pro Bono Programs at Partners, expressed her enthusiasm for the program, stating: “We are incredibly grateful for our longstanding partnership with Lowenstein Sandler, which dates back to 2009. This Pilot Program allows us to expand our reach, providing survivors with timely and compassionate assistance while freeing up our specialized staff to focus on fulfillment of our organization’s mission. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”
Michael A. Kaplan, Chair of Partners’ Board of Trustees and partner at Lowenstein, added “Lowenstein Sandler has always been committed to giving back to our community. This program not only empowers our volunteers to make a difference but also provides a unique opportunity for them to interact directly with those seeking help. It’s a profound experience that goes beyond paperwork—our volunteers see firsthand the resilience of survivors and the vital importance of legal advocacy.”
In addition to an already impressive pool of attorney volunteers taking on cases as part of Partners’ Pro Bono Program, Lowenstein Sandler also encourages non-attorney staff to participate in altruistic efforts, offering them a unique opportunity to engage with the community and support survivors. The flexible structure of two-hour shifts makes volunteering manageable while allowing staff to multitask effectively without disrupting their workday.
The program is designed to attract volunteers who feel personally connected to Partners’ mission as well as those who have a desire to make a tangible difference. Volunteers appreciate the chance to go beyond administrative tasks, directly assisting potential clients and gaining insight into the challenges faced by survivors.
About Partners
Partners is a nonprofit public interest law firm based in New Jersey dedicated to providing free legal services to low-income survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Through compassionate, client-centered advocacy, Partners empowers individuals to seek safety and assert their rights in the legal system. Learn more at www.partnersnj.org or contact lbrown@partnersnj.org.
About the Lowenstein Center for the Public Interest
From its founding, Lowenstein Sandler has been committed to advancing the public interest and serving communities in need. The Lowenstein Center for the Public Interest embodies this commitment, directing the firm’s strong pro bono program and other forms of civic and philanthropic engagement. Through these efforts, the center addresses significant social problems and offers meaningful assistance to low-income and other marginalized people, along with the organizations that advocate for and support them. This work engages the full range of the firm’s talents and reflects the core values that imbue all of the firm’s efforts: to perform work of the highest quality in a manner that maximizes results for our clients and causes.
About Lowenstein Sandler LLP
Lowenstein Sandler LLP is a national law firm with over 350 lawyers based in New York, New Jersey, Palo Alto, Utah, and Washington, D.C. The firm represents leaders in virtually every sector of the global economy, with particular emphasis on investment funds, life sciences, and technology. Recognized for its entrepreneurial spirit and high standard of client service, the firm is committed to the interests of its clients, colleagues, and communities.
