July 1987: Robert Bork is nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court; two men become the first hot-air balloon travelers to cross the Atlantic Ocean; and one Ada Zapata begins her career at Hudson County Legal Services.
On July 9, 2019, Ada celebrated 32 years at Northeast New Jersey Legal Services (NNJLS), the successor organization of Hudson County Legal Services when it merged with Bergen County Legal Services and Passaic County Legal Aid. Over the course of her 32 years, Ada has served in several capacities across many of the firm's offices: Ada's first role was an Investigator/Process Server at the 574 Newark Avenue location. When legal services organizations nationwide were hit by the recession and resulting budget cuts, Ada moved to the Paterson office to serve as a receptionist and eventually assist the Intake Department.
During her time at the Paterson office, Ada began evening classes at Berkeley College, ultimately graduating in April 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies. In February 2016, Ada began her current role as a paralegal in the NNJLS Housing Unit. Ada remained in the Paterson office serving as a casehandler and paralegal until April 2019 when life came full circle and she returned "home" to the Jersey City office.
Ada has witnessed a lot of change over the years, from Hudson County Legal Services merging into NNJLS, to the many names and faces of clients and coworkers; however, one thing remains constant since the day she started: Ada's dedication to her community. Whether working at NNJLS or volunteering with her church, Ada is a zealous advocate for and supporter of fairness, respect, and equal justice.
NNJLS is incredibly grateful to Ada for her 32 years of service to the firm and its clients. NNJLS looks forward to many more years of Ada's dedication, service, and championing of justice.
