SJM_VigilanteLaw_Profile_10_25_profile 10 / 21 / 25 4 : 46 PM Page 1 s p o n s o r e d p r o f i l e sjm unfairly . They’re tired , worn down and can’t stand up for themselves . That’s where Vigilante comes in . “ They need a really strong advocate , someone who is unafraid of going in there to fight . I fight hard , but I fight fair , ” she says . “ I’m not intimidated . I’m not fearful . I’m a take the bull by the horns kind of person and I charge right in . ” Forging a Path Vigilante is proud to represent members of the Fraternal Order of Police — especially women in law enforcement . She says her book of business has largely come from referrals from past clients — and even Jacqueline Vigilante is proud to represent from opposing counsel — which speaks to the type of attorney she is . clients in all matters of employment law , building “ We try to treat everybody well along the way , including our adversaries . We’re never disrespectful , ” Vigilante says , adding that she lastingrelationships and a strong professional follows the saying that advises treating everyone well as you rise , reputation along the way . since those same people will be around when you fall . It’s important , she stresses , to be a partner throughout the process by KRISTEN DOWD | Photograph by ALISON DUNLAP for your client . After all , they need to be able to rely on the attorney and firm they hire . acquelineVigilante is in the business of helping people . “ We’re happy to fill that role , ” says Vigilante . “ We’ve been blessed “ That’s why we’re here , ” Vigilante says of herself and the team because we’ve operated that same way over the years , so clients come at The Vigilante Law Firm . “ We try to help as many people as we J back to us . It’s because of the trust can . ” and relationships we’ve built . ” A seasoned attorney , Vigilante has been practicing for nearly 40 years . Being a mentor Vigilante is a New Jersey Supreme This philosophy of supporting others Court - certified civil litigator , a desig - and building relationships branches nationearned by only a small number out to the area of mentorship , too . of New Jersey attorneys . Her boutique The Vigilante Law Firm brings in litigation firm based in Mullica Hill , interns , mostly from Rowan University , withroots in Philadelphia , concentrates but also from Rutgers . They have para - inemployment law and also offers ser - legal and law student internships and vices in personal injury , business law , are happy to help guide future attorneys criminaland municipal matters , estate on their journey . planning and real estate law . “ When they end up going to law With just two lawyers — Vigilante school , it’s in part from their experience and her son Christopher Ross — the here . We show them being a lawyer firm may be small , but it is mighty . doesn’t mean you’re locked in a Consideredone of the premier employ - building 20 stories high without ever mentfirms in South Jersey , The Vigilante seeing the light of day or a client’s Law Firm has taken on some of the face , ” Vigilante says . “ I’m proud to toughest cases in the region , recently have influenced many young lawyers securing a win before the New Jersey in their careers . ” Supreme Court . “ We’ve developed a good reputa - A path forward tion , ” Vigilante says , “ and I think it’s Since Vigilante started practicing law , because we work so hard for our the world has changed . Fax machines clients . ” were state of the art 40 years ago . Computers weren’t part of the equation . Business owner , But what hasn’t changed is the advo - business leader cacy she brings on behalf of her clients . Despiteher long tenure as an attorney , “ I feel like now , everybody can ChatGPT a lawyer , but at the end Vigilante still wakes up every day happy with the career path she of the day that’s not going to help them , ” Vigilante says . “ I can explain chose . things in ways that people can understand . I can provide them a path “ It is challenging , but it’s fun . I still enjoy what I do , ” she remarks . forward that they may otherwise not have had . I hold hands through While advocating for clients is her main focus , she also has to pri - the process . ” oritize running the business side of the firm . At the end of the day , Vigilante still puts in 6o - hour work weeks — but the long hours are there is payroll to meet , insurance to provide and the lights to keep worth it . on — but it all balances out , especially thanks to having a dedicated “ It makes me feel good that I can be that person for a lot of people team , an amazing office manager for the past 20 years and a great who can’t be that advocate for themselves , ” she says . “ We believe it’s working relationship with her son . an honor and a privilege to be able to help others , and we’re committed “ The business side is still the business side , ” Vigilante says , “ but n to making a difference . ” we wouldn’t be able to provide the quality results that we do and have the flexibility to take on the kinds of cases we do if we were a mega firm . ” The Vigilante Law Firm Mullica Hill | ( 856 ) 223 - 9990 Building a strong reputation TheVigilanteLawFirm.com When it comes to employment law , clients have often been treated SOUTH JERSEY MAGAZINE volume 22 issue 7 SouthJerseyMagazine.com | 43