In the current economy, you might think professionals are too busy to volunteer. Happily for the Volunteer Lawyers for Justice and their clients, this is not the case.  Elitza Meyer, Assistant General Counsel, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon BCBSNJ)  is one such volunteer.  In fact, her charitable work earned her “Pro Bono Attorney of the Month” honors this past February from Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ).

In earning the award, Elitza provided free legal services for an HIV patient support group, assisted indigent patients with the preparation of wills, and facilitated a wills clinic for VLJ.

For Elitza, giving from her heart is part of a lifelong commitment to help those in need.

“I was a volunteer EMT for 18 years and helping others has always been important to me.  It was the way I was raised and the way I have always tried to live my life,” noted Meyer.  “As my professional career developed, it became impractical for me to continue my EMT duties, so I looked for another outlet that allowed me to help others who are facing challenges.  I have found that providing free legal counsel can make a real difference in peoples’ lives.” 

“Elitza is a very talented lawyer and a very giving person who understands that pro bono work is vital to fulfilling your obligations to the community,” said John Campbell, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, Horizon BCBSNJ.  “I congratulate Elitza for her outstanding work and for being recognized by Volunteer Lawyers for Justice.”

“Ms. Meyer did a tremendous job preparing and presenting a topical overview of advance care directives and wills for members of an HIV support group affiliated with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and assisting indigent patients with planning and documentation,” said Jordyn Baumgarten, Esq., Director of Pro Bono Services, VLJ.  “Her efforts protecting and helping this underserved and vulnerable population is something for which all of us should be proud.” 

Elitza Meyer is a shining example of the many Horizon BCBSNJ employees who donate their time, talent, and resources to improve the quality of life in communities across New Jersey.  Since 2006, more than 500 Horizon BCBSNJ employees have volunteered over 5,600 hours of charitable work to New Jersey non-profit organizations though HorizonCares, a program that helps match employees to volunteer opportunities in their communities.

About Volunteer Lawyers for Justice:

VLJ seeks to improve the lives of economically disadvantaged adults, children and families in New Jersey by empowering them with tools, advice and pro bono representation with the goal of securing fair and equal treatment within the legal system.

About Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is the oldest and largest health insurer in the state serving over 3.6 million members. Horizon BCBSNJ is New Jersey's only not-for-profit, health services corporation and is headquartered in Newark with offices in Wall, Mt. Laurel, and West Trenton. 

Horizon BCBSNJ provides a broad array of health and dental insurance products and services for individuals and small and large companies, including national companies headquartered in New Jersey.  Horizon BCBSNJ is committed to improving the health care experience for all the communities we serve as well as helping our members become and stay healthy.

Horizon BCBSNJ is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.