Jane Hanson of Montclair wants to improve the lives of women struggling to escape abuse and secure a safe future for themselves and their children. She left a corporate law job at Prudential to start Partners for Women and Justice, a non-profit organization that provides free legal services to low-income and abused women who are dealing with domestic violence and family law issues. In the beginning, 2002, Hanson did everything from answering the phones to assisting clients to managing computers and designing databases. She recruited family lawyers to donate time and young lawyers willing to be trained pro bono. By 2005 she secured several grants, hired staff and expanded the board of trustees. Partners for Women and Justice now serves approximately 400 women each year and provides legal representation, legal clinics, telephone help lines, a financial literacy program and the preparation of wills and other legal documents.

Partners for Women and Justice empowers low-income survivors of domestic violence to build safe and secure futures for themselves and their children by providing equal access to justice. Partners offers free legal assistance  with a focus on family court proceedings involving restraining orders, child and spousal support, visitation and custody.  Services range from  extensive advice and counsel (either on the phone or in person) to assistance with preparation of court papers to representation by pro bono attorneys or by a Partners’ staff attorney