Justice Gary S. Stein Public Interest Center

Overview

About the Stein Public Interest Center

Established in 2019, the Justice Gary S. Stein Public Interest Center at Pashman Stein Walder Hayden (Stein Public Interest Center) is dedicated to a broad range of public interest impact litigation and appellate advocacy that advances social, racial, and economic justice; protects civil liberties and constitutional rights; and promotes an open and transparent government.

The Stein Public Interest Center is named after retired New Jersey Supreme Court Justice Gary S. Stein in recognition of his distinguished career of dedicated public service and contributions to the legal profession. During his remarkable 17-year tenure on the New Jersey Supreme Court, Justice Stein helped shape the law for generations to come. In honor of his legacy, the Stein Public Interest Center is dedicated to advocating for the rights and liberties of all individuals.

The establishment of the Stein Public Interest Center reflects the Firm’s long-standing commitment to lean in and to leave an imprint on the public issues of our time. Throughout the Firm’s history, attorneys at Pashman Stein Walder Hayden have participated in this region’s most significant public interest lawsuits and landmark appellate court cases, remaining at the forefront of issues such as government transparency, free speech, voting rights, and the integration of the state’s public schools.

Under the leadership of Director CJ Griffin, the Stein Public Interest Center will partner with local, regional, and national organizations to promote and advance justice.

Justice Gary S. Stein Public Interest Center Fellowship

The Justice Gary S. Stein Public Interest Center Fellowship was established in 2023. Claude Heffron, the inaugural Fellow, joined the Center in fall 2023.The Fellowship, which has a two-year term, offers attorneys a unique opportunity to work on public interest impact litigation and appellate advocacy within a law firm setting.

To learn more about the Justice Gary S. Stein Public Interest Center at Pashman Stein Walder Hayden and the fellowship please click here.

Contacting the Stein Public Interest Center

Individuals seeking representation specifically on matters related to the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) or Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) are welcome to contact the Justice Gary S. Stein Public Interest Center at Pashman Stein Walder Hayden directly by emailing CJ Griffin.

Except for OPRA and OPMA matters, the Stein Public Interest Center generally does not accept requests for representation made directly by individuals. Rather, potential clients seeking pro bono assistance in a legal matter must first contact a recognized public interest law organization or other screening agency, such as the Legal Services of New Jersey, American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, or Volunteer Lawyers for Justice, for an intake interview. If the public interest law organization determines that the individual or group qualifies for legal services, it may accept the matter directly, or it may refer the matter to the Stein Public Interest Center for representation.

If you have a question about the Stein Public Interest Center or are a member of the media seeking an interview with one of our attorneys, you may contact us at PublicInterest@PashmanStein.com.