Pro Bono Attorney Profile: Robert McLellan

Robert McLellan walked into Legal Services of Northwest Jersey’s (LSNWJ) offices in January 2003 with only one question. Was there an opportunity for him to do volunteer work for us? Bob and his family had relocated to Sparta a few months earlier and he was eager to become an active participant in their new community. We quickly brought him into the Legal Services community through the LSNWJ Volunteer Lawyer Program. Since then, he has become a strong legal advocate for Sussex County's neediest residents.

Robert McLellan

A Reassuring Presence

Working mainly in tenancy law, Bob helps clients facing homelessness resolve their housing dilemmas. Compassionate and sympathetic to the multiple needs our clients face, Bob volunteers a minimum of two full days per week as an in-house volunteer in the Newton office, putting in more than 400 hours a year. He participates in statewide Legal Services trainings to hone his skills and is always willing to put in extra days when asked. In an “average” year, 40 clients and their families benefit from his ardent legal advocacy.

Bob is the reassuring presence in tenancy court to whom judges direct people facing evictions. Along with helping clients who seek services prior to the court date, he takes “on the spot” cases, tenaciously representing everyone eligible for Legal Services. Many volunteer attorneys find appearing before the judge immediately after interviewing the client a daunting challenge, but Bob does it week after week, earning the respect of the court and other attorneys, as well as appreciation from his clients.

No Rest In Retirement

Bob’s dedication to his community is not limited to Legal Services work. Along with a group of fellow Exxon retirees, Bob volunteers every spring to assist people through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Low-income seniors, disabled people and those eligible for the Earned Income Credit are the beneficiaries of this program, through which volunteers prepare personal state and federal tax returns. Bob adds this volunteer effort to his Legal Services schedule without missing a beat.

Bob retired to Sparta after a career with Exxon that spanned more than 35 years. A graduate of the University of Rochester with an MBA from Columbia University, Bob went to law school at night and received his JD from Fordham University's Law School in 1977. After law school, he moved within Exxon to the tax department and worked in London for five years before returning to the United States.

When Bob isn’t assisting Legal Services clients or volunteering with VITA, he is busy traveling and visiting with friends and family. He also finds time to be an avid tennis player and golfer. Bob is an inspiring model for those who believe that retirement does not mean that you sit home with your feet up and do nothing. Legal Services of Northwest Jersey is the grateful beneficiary of his tireless efforts to make equal justice a reality for vulnerable members of our community.

Teri Henninger — Pro Bono Coordinator Legal Services of Northwest New Jersey

This article appeared in the Spring 2007 edition of For the Public Good.