New York State Bar Association Pro Bono News Special Edition 2013 Vol. 23 No. 2 Making a Difference Through Pro Bono Seymour W. James, Jr.* President, New York State Bar Association

difference, not only in the lives of the by designating them Empire State Our theme at people involved in life-changing legal Counsel®. Our Empire State Counsel® the New York matters, but also on the proper func- program honors members who have State Bar Asso- tioning of our entire justice system. performed 50 or more hours of pro ciation this year Every year, millions of New York- bono activities during a calendar year. is “Making a ers are forced to navigate the civil In 2012, 1,606 attorneys enrolled in the Difference.” As justice system without any represen- program, donating 294,218 hours of attorneys, one of tation. People face home foreclosure free legal services to people in need. the most mean- proceedings, eviction, family court We appreciate the opportunity to ingful ways we cases and other complex and life- recognize the many attorneys who James can make a dif- changing legal matters, without a represent our profession at its best, ference in our lawyer to turn to for help. With the and we thank you for the good you communities is by serving people growing unmet need for free legal do. If you believe you may be eligible in need. Our ability to provide free representation, pro bono service plays for Empire State Counsel® honors, I legal assistance to people working to a critical role in providing access to encourage you to visit our website maintain basic life necessities is not justice to low-income individuals and at www.nysba.org/probono to learn only a professional duty, but a great the working poor. more and allow us to recognize your privilege. It provides an opportunity We know that pro bono alone contributions. to have a significant positive impact can’t adequately address the growing on the lives of individuals and fami- unmet need for free representation. lies, and to support organizations that That is why the State Bar will contin- provide services to the poor. ue to urge lawmakers to provide suf- Today, pro bono service is more ficient funding for organizations that important than ever. Lingering eco- provide free legal services to the poor. nomic challenges continue to have a But to the individuals and families dramatic impact on the lives of indi- who are able to benefit from pro bono viduals and the organizations that service, a single attorney’s contribu- serve them, as well as our courts and tion of time and energy can make all our government as a whole. Many the difference in the world. people face difficult legal issues We are so grateful to those of you related to economic hardship, and who have shared your talent and are unable to afford an attorney. At experience with people in need and the same time, the economic crisis are proud of your work. Each year, has led to massive cuts in funding the State Bar recognizes our members for civil legal service providers. Pro who have gone above and beyond in bono service can make a tremendous providing pro bono representation

Published by the Department of Pro Bono Affairs www.nysba.org/probono Inside: Congratulations 2012 A Case that Makes a Lawyer’s Life ® Meaningful 26 Empire State Counsel ! Asylum Case Presents Unexpected Challenges 11 Gloria Herron Arthur*, Director, Pro Bono Affairs Charts 25 Those of you or volunteer lawyer project supervi- Class Action Litigation Provides Opportunity for who labor on sors may submit a list of attorneys who Associate to Advance Skills 23 the front lines meet the above criteria. The Depart- Client Testimonial 4 delivering civil ment of Pro Bono Affairs verifies each Congratulations Empire State Counsel®! 2 legal services to applicant’s status as a member of the the poor deeply Association. The 2013 Empire State Corporate Attorney Tackles ERISA Claim 6 appreciate the Counsel® Program Verification form is Distinguished 2012 Empire State Counsel® contributions of available on-line now at www.nysba. Award Recipients 32 pro bono volun- org/probono. Entry Level Associate Rises to Challenges teers. Pro Bono This issue of the Pro Bono Newslet- Presented by Immigration Case 4 Herron Arthur attorneys are ter is dedicated to the 2012 Empire First Time Participants in the Empire State indispensable State Counsel® Honorees. 1,606 Asso- Counsel® Program 31 in the fight to ensure access to justice ciation members earned the honorific ® Foster Home Litigation 8 for our most vulnerable and needy designation of Empire State Counsel residents. Most programs could not and collectively contributed more than Making a Difference through Pro Bono 1 operate without pro bono volunteers. 294,000 hours of free legal services Morrison & Foerster Empire State Counsel® Despite the tremendous outpouring during the past year. Since the program Produce Superstorm Sandy Helping Handbook of pro bono support an astonishing was first launched seven years ago 7 80% of low income persons’ civil legal in 2006, 8,503 Association members New York City’s Plan for the Provision of Indigent needs are unmet. have collectively donated close to 1.3 Defense 24 The Association’s motto has long million pro bono hours! Nixon Peabody Targets Gun Violence 5 been “Do the public good. Do pro The Association’s theme this year Photos from 2013 Justice for All Luncheon 12 bono.” The Association promotes pro is “Making a Difference” and what a Pro Bono: Carry the Message 9 bono participation through a variety of significant difference the Empire State recruitment and recognition programs, Counsel® Honorees have made! Empire Pro Bono Counsel: A Key Link Between Law like the Empire State Counsel® Program. State Counsel® change their clients’ Firms and Legal Services 28 The Empire State Counsel® Pro- lives; and in turn, their own lives are Pro Bono Has Made Me a Better Attorney gram is the only NYSBA recognition transformed. Inside this issue, some of and Person 3 program exclusively reserved for the Empire State Counsel® share their Pro Bono – Positively Changing Society One Case Association members who, during the pro bono experiences – lessons learned, at a Time 6 calendar year, contribute 50 hours or experience gained and triumphs Pro Bono Work Provides Real World On Your Feet more of free legal services to persons of achieved! Some tackled asylum cases; Learning Experience 29 limited financial means; or to an orga- others worked on significant impact Successful Asylum Application Reunites a Family nization whose services are designed litigation cases; while others learned it 30 primarily to address the legal and takes time, patience and persistence to The Importance of Pro Bono 3 other basic needs of persons of limited earn a client’s trust. Whether solo prac- financial means; or provide free legal titioners, law firm associates or law Transgender Name Change Cases at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP 28 representation to an organization dedi- school professors — all agreed that the cated to increasing the availability of pro bono experience was worthwhile Work on Immigration Asylum Case Provides legal services to vulnerable and or and worth repeating. Invaluable Learning Experience While Positively Impacting Client’s Life 10 low-income individuals. We are grateful also to the clients Each Honoree receives a certificate who shared their thoughts about their ® 2012 Empire State Counsel 14 suitable for framing and the signature pro bono experience. Pro bono clients’ 2012 Photo Gallery 36 Empire State Counsel® lapel pin. – like all clients – value attorneys who Honorees also may use the honorific listen to them, who take the time to title as a credential on their resume. answer their questions and who treat An asterisk appears next to the name of NYSBA To enroll as an Empire State Coun- them with respect and dignity. members who contributed to writing of an article sel® is easy. Individual attorneys may or who worked on one of the many diverse legal projects highlighted in this issue. complete the attorney verification form, law firm pro bono counsel, and Continued on page 8

2 Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 The Importance of Pro Bono Hon. Jonathan Lippman*, Chief Judge, State of New York

Participating of time to serving low-income, vulner- still meeting only 20 percent of the in events that able and disadvantaged individuals. needs of low-income New Yorkers for recognize and Several highlights about the 2012 civil legal services. celebrate the Honorees were particularly encourag- That realization has been the impetus good works of ing. More than 20 firms were first- for several recent initiatives designed members of our time Empire State Counsel® partici- to encourage pro bono services from all noble profes- pants in 2012. Of the more than 1,000 levels of the profession: for all lawyers, sion is always a individual Honorees, many performed by increasing the Rules of Professional delight for me, so significantly more than the qualifying Conduct aspirational goal for pro bono I am pleased that 50-hour minimum of pro bono service, legal services to the poor from 20 to 50 Lippman this follow up to and some performed that number hours a year, and requiring pro bono my remarks at the January “Justice for many times over. To give just two reporting with each attorney’s bien- All” award luncheon will be included examples, 28 Solo Practitioner Honor- nial registration; for senior lawyers, in the Special Edition of the Pro Bono ees averaged more than 200 hours per by establishing the Attorney Emeritus Newsletter recognizing the contribu- attorney, and two individual recipi- program to make pro bono work more tions of the 2012 Empire State Coun- ents of Distinguished Awards donated convenient; and for lawyers-to-be, by sel® Honorees. more than a thousand hours each. promulgating the 50-hour pro bono The recent economic downturn Since the program’s inception in 2006, requirement for admission to the bar to has dramatically increased the need nearly 7,900 NYSBA members in the instill a spirit of serving others they will for civil legal services for low-income Empire State Counsel® Program have carry with them throughout their pro- New Yorkers and simultaneously donated more than 1.18 million pro fessional lives. diminished resources available to bono hours. I congratulate the Association and meet that need, leading to a crisis in Even with the tremendous pro all the Program participants for their civil legal services for the poor. That bono efforts of the New York Bar, and efforts over the past six years and means that the dedication of law- the greatly welcomed increases in I commend and applaud each and yers like the Empire State Counsel® public funding for civil legal services every Empire State Counsel® Honoree. Honorees has never been needed or in New York in the last two years — I am confident that more and more appreciated more than it is today, so $40 million in the last Judiciary bud- members of this great Bar Association it is essential that we pay tribute to get alone, and a request for $55 mil- will be inspired by their example and them for their generous contributions lion in the 2013-14 budget — we are answer the call to help.

Pro Bono Has Made Me a Better Attorney and Person Allison B. Mullen Carrow*, Esq. 74 Pro Bono Hours Donated When Southern Tier Legal Services ceived notion that the only reason you tionship change to one where your cli- asked me to take on my first pro bono agreed to help them is because you feel ent is ready to move forward with his client, I didn’t hesitate in saying yes. sorry for them. Others believe that they or her legal matter. Volunteering has always been an inte- will be just another file buried in your Being actively involved in pro gral part of my life, and representing caseload since they cannot be included bono work has made me both a better those who cannot afford to hire an in your billable hours. Lastly, there are attorney and person. The intricacies of attorney seemed second-nature. those who question your credentials some of my clients’ cases force me to Each pro bono case has its own set and have the audacity to ask you if become creative in the way that I han- of challenges. The one I come across you are a “real attorney”. It takes some dle all aspects of their matter, which, on many occasions is the client’s ques- time, and possibly numerous conversa- in turn, constantly improves my tioning of your motives in agreeing to tions, but once you finally assure them understanding and knowledge of my represent them. Some enter your office that their worries are unfounded, the for their initial meeting with a precon- dynamics of the attorney-client rela- Continued on page 5

Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 3 Client Testimonial Jaclyn Natale

I was denied my unemployment and by phone conversations. He was ing the court room. We won my case insurance benefits after being let go always available to answer my ques- the first time we had court and we from work 10 days before Christmas. I tions or to put my mind at ease. Craig also won the second time when my ex called the number for volunteer repre- even took the time to write out pos- employer took us back to court to try sentation and was thrilled when Craig sible questions so I would feel confi- and sway the judge in his favor. Craig Carson*1 chose to work on my case. dent with my answers when it came really went above and beyond my He called me personally the same day. time to be in the court room. Craig expectations and I would not hesitate We met face to face in the same week was very professional in the way he in calling him for future services. and talked about the details of my handled every situation that arose and case. We stayed in touch over emails made me feel confident before enter-

1 craig Diallo Carson donated 350 pro bono hours.

Entry Level Associate Rises to Challenges Presented by Immigration Case Dorian Needham*, Associate, Ropes & Gray LLP 667 Pro Bono Hours

After four During that time, challenges appreciated my help. While he was months as an abounded: the roads to New Jersey grateful for my legal assistance, how- associate at were often clogged with traffic; securi- ever, he was perhaps most thankful Ropes & Gray in ty measures at the jail disrupted meet- for the chance to have told his life’s New York City, ings; the jail’s only two private rooms story—a story that he had long sup- and with one for attorney meetings were often pressed. In finally coming to terms pro bono case occupied; my client spoke only pass- with his past, he had found the under my belt, able English; I could not telephone strength to reshape his future, to make I felt ready to my client to reach him with questions the best use of his now-legal status take on some- or advice; other detainees started to and to build a life he could be proud Needham thing bigger. I make my client’s life difficult when of. turned again they saw how frequently his attorney I was—and still am—proud, too: of to Immigration Equality, a Ropes & visited; and my client had few friends my client’s strength; of the unwaver- Gray pro bono partner organization with legal status who could testify on ing support that my firm showed me; working toward equality under US his behalf. On top of it all, I had never and of the chance to help Immigration immigration law for LGBT and HIV- appeared in court before—so I had to Equality do its invaluable work. This positive individuals. They asked if I get myself ready as well. pride sits neatly alongside the more would represent a detained gay man Every challenge, however, was tiny tangible skills I developed along the facing deportation, and I jumped at compared with what my client had way, including helpful courtroom, the chance. I had no idea how large a gone through and now feared. And motion practice and project manage- challenge I’d assumed, or how much every challenge could not have felt ment skills. I’d learn from rising to it. more worthwhile when I sat in Immi- Not every pro bono case is as Twenty years earlier, my client had gration Court and heard a judge say all-consuming as mine was. The fled a childhood of homophobic abuse that my client would be granted relief. rewards, however, both outstrip the and entered the US illegally. Now, Four days later, I had the pleasure drawbacks and grow in proportion to a late-night misstep had led to his of meeting my client outside the jail the challenges. I lost some sleep and detention and placement in deporta- and driving him back into the city. a little free time—but, three pro bono tion proceedings—and we had only During that trip, and again when I cases later, I wouldn’t change a thing. six weeks to assemble a suitable claim helped him apply for a work permit, for relief. my client told me how much he had

4 Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 Nixon Peabody Targets Gun Violence Stacey Slater*1, Pro Bono Partner, Nixon Peabody LLP

Nixon Pea- David provided Over the past year, David, Lynette body (NP) had free legal services and their team submitted an amicus demonstrated a to the victims’ brief in one dispute pending before strong commit- families as a the Illinois Supreme Court, People v. ment to using member (and Aguilar, in support of an Illinois state the law to reduce immediate past statute restricting public carry of fire- gun violence chair) of the arms. More recently, they filed two even before it felt New York State amicus briefs in cases pending before the sting of gun Bar Association the U.S. Court of Appeals for the violence first- Committee on Ninth Circuit in support of California Tennant* hand on Christ- Trummer-Nogueras* Mass Disaster state licensing laws that permit public mas Eve 2012. Response, a team carry of concealed, loaded firearms That morning, the NP community of lawyers trained to respond to mass upon a showing of good cause (McKay learned the shocking news that one casualty events. v. Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, et al., and of its own, Ted Scardino, a longtime In addition to his committee work, Birdt v. Los Angeles Sheriffs Department, member of the firm’s Information in 2012, David, together with 2012 et al.). Systems department in Rochester, Empire State Counsel Lynette Trum- Their work on behalf of LCPGV was one of four volunteer firefight- mer-Nogueras*3 and others, has led and others has become even more crit- ers shot in a premeditated ambush the firm’s pro bono efforts to address ical given the recent mass shootings while responding to a fire in Webster, gun violence working in partnership in Aurora, Colorado, and Newtown, New York. Two of the firefighters died with Law Center to Prevent Gun Vio- Connecticut—and even in their own in the attack; Ted and another were lence (LCPGV), a national law center backyard near Rochester. “It’s impor- injured. that provides legal and technical assis- tant that the rule of law be properly NP partner David Tennant*2, a 2012 tance in support of gun violence pre- analyzed in court, understood by all Empire State Counsel and colleague vention. They have authored amicus stakeholders, including politicians and of Ted’s in NP’s Rochester office, saw briefs in litigation across the country, the public, and be heard above the personally the after effects of gun and in partnership with LCPGV, have shouting as we struggle to find solu- violence when he volunteered to help analyzed the legality of state and local tions to gun violence,” says David. the families of victims who died in the laws related to the regulation of fire- “I’m humbled by the opportunity to April 3, 2009, shooting at an immigra- arms. Recognizing the firm’s efforts, play even a small part of this effort tion assistance center in Binghamton, LCPGV gave Nixon Peabody its on behalf of our pro bono clients, and New York, where a lone gunman “Outstanding Pro Bono Contribution thankful for the chance to engage in killed 13 people before killing himself. Award” in June 2012. such meaningful work.”

1 Stacey Slater donated 100 pro bono hours. 2 David Tennant donated 161 pro bono hours. 3 Lynette Trummer-Nogueras donated 136 pro bono hours.

Pro Bono Has Made Me a Better Attorney and Person Continued from page 3 chosen craft. As a person, I’ve devel- them that you respect and value them times in our lives when we were in oped a greater awareness of how my as a human being. need of assistance and someone gen- actions truly affect others. Many pro I’d strongly encourage any attorney erously reached out to us. One of the bono clients simply want to know that contemplating becoming involved greatest feelings I’ve had in my legal you’ve heard their story and are doing with pro bono work to jump in and career is the gratitude expressed by a whatever you can to make their life do it. I believe that we as attorneys pro bono client when you attain the or death situation better. Every phone have an obligation to help those in our result they desperately wanted. Every call, every letter to opposing counsel, society who cannot help themselves attorney should experience this phe- every court appearance in which you regardless of their specific situation. nomenon at least once in their career. are in attendance demonstrates to It’s easy for us to forget about those

Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 5 Corporate Attorney Tackles ERISA Claim Kristin Roshelli*, Associate, Ropes & Gray LLP 337 Pro Bono Hours Donated

One of my rogatories and prepared for deposi- don’t typically interact. My colleague first pro bono tions. and I consulted with litigators, as well cases involved Our client was very sympathetic as attorneys in our Tax and Benefits representing a he had worked hard for his employer Department. I learned new skills that pro se litigant for decades before he was injured on I wouldn’t have otherwise learned as in federal court the job and was terminated because he a corporate attorney, and I was able to with one of my could no longer perform the physical implement some of the knowledge I colleagues. Our demands of his position. On the eve learned while clerking. client, who was of our discovery deadline, we reached I would encourage other attorneys unable to read a settlement. It was very rewarding at large firms to step out of their Roshelli or write, had to help him navigate the legal system comfort zone to represent pro bono filed an ERISA and advocate on his behalf. clients. Although the learning curve action seeking disability pension As a corporate health care attorney, can be steep, the resources available benefits. Until we were appointed I was out of my element litigating at a large law firm provide the sup- as counsel, our client was relying on an ERISA case in federal court, but I port necessary to ensure that the client friends to help him draft documents enjoyed the challenge. It afforded me receives the best representation. It’s a for the court. Once appointed, we the opportunity to consult with other win-win situation for both the client amended the complaint, served inter- attorneys in the firm with whom I and the attorney. Pro Bono – Positively Changing Society One Case at a Time Margaret M. Williams*, Assistant Dean for Career Services, Touro Law Center 80 Pro Bono Hours Donated

I did not have a joy to work with. I am currently work with an attorney on pro bono the opportu- working on two pro bono matrimonial cases. In addition to assisting those nity to go to law cases. When I told my clients about who are less fortunate, performing school until I was this article, they both readily agreed to pro bono work is a great learning 44 years old, so I provide a quotation: experience, allows them to build mar- still feel honored “Margarett, I would like to take the ketable skills, and meet other attor- and privileged opportunity to express my complete grati- neys. The contacts they make often to be an attorney. tude to all involved in the pro bono proj- lead to full-time employment. I am currently ect. I am eternally thankful for not only Despite what many may believe, the Assistant for the representation, but the quality of there are not too many lawyers. Law- Williams Dean for Career care I receive from my attorney.” yers are needed now more than ever. Services at Touro “Dear Margarett: You have made sig- There are simply not enough people Law Center, and I practiced matrimo- nificant sacrifices due to the pro bono ser- who can afford legal representation. nial law in an AV rated law firm prior vices you rendered on my behalf. You have Self-represented litigants not only hurt to accepting a position at Touro. My given me confidence in the legal system themselves; they negatively impact former boss, mentor and friend, Jim from your dedication.” attorneys and members of the judi- Winkler*, allowed me to handle some Everyone is aware of the difficult ciary by clogging the court system. of the firm’s pro bono cases. If it had job market, and it is much harder for Attorneys are uniquely suited to effect not been for Jim, I would not have new graduates. When I counsel stu- positive changes in our society –- one realized how fulfilling pro bono work dents and new graduates on the job case at a time. I hope all attorneys will could be. Despite my busy schedule at search, I tell them about the positive utilize the education and skills we the law school, I continue to take one impact that pro bono work has made have been fortunate to obtain by con- or two pro bono cases at a time. With on my life. While searching for their sidering taking just one pro bono case. few exceptions, my clients have been first job, I advise them to volunteer to

6 Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 Morrison & Foerster Empire State Counsel® Produce Superstorm Sandy Helping Handbook Jennifer K. Brown, Pro Bono Counsel, Morrison & Foerster

Soon after Superstorm Sandy swept Relief Manual compiled by Sarah across the New York region, Morri- Alba* of Legal Services NYC with son & Foerster lawyers went to work assistance from The Legal Aid Society, on producing the Superstorm Sandy for use by staff and volunteer lawyers Helping Handbook: A Resource for Indi- assisting victims of the catastrophe. viduals, Families and Small Businesses. The Handbook was published under Several of the firm’s 2012 Empire the auspices of the New York City Bar State Counsel® took the lead on this Association. The communications firm project, including two partners, Jamie RR Donnelley generously donated Levitt* and J. Alexander Lawrence*, printing of 30,000 copies. The City and associate Takeshi Miyamoto*. By Bar has been busily distributing cop- November 21, 2012, the 46-page Hand- ies of the Handbook to disaster relief book was posted on the MoFo website, centers and community organizations where it remains available for down- throughout the affected areas, making loading in English, Spanish, and Chi- it a prime resource for individuals, nese (go to http://www.mofo.com/ businesses, and nonprofit organiza- hurricane-sandy/). tions that are dealing with all aspects The Superstorm Sandy Helping of Sandy recovery. (Copies are still Handbook begins with sections on available; contact Carol Bockner or emergency resources and income sup- Dana Alamia at the New York City ports such as Disaster Unemployment Bar Association, [email protected] Assistance. Other chapters provide or [email protected].) Hurricane Katrina and Southern Cali- detailed information on longer-term The Superstorm Sandy Helping Hand- fornia wildfires. issues, including FEMA programs, book continues a Morrison & Foerster Altogether, eight of the firm’s forty- mortgage and foreclosure relief, insur- tradition of disaster response that six Empire State Counsel® contrib- ance claims, small business assistance, began with a Helping Handbook for uted to the Superstorm Sandy Helping and locating health, legal, and social victims of the September 11, 2001 Handbook: Jamie Levitt*1, J. Alexander services. The Handbook could be pro- tragedies, also produced in coopera- Lawrence*2, Takeshi Miyamoto*3, Luke duced so quickly in part because it tion with the New York City Bar Asso- Bagley*4, Jinyoung Choi*5, Daniel borrowed the structure and much of ciation. The firm has also produced Hannon*6, Benjamin Smiley*7, and the content from a Disaster Assistance Helping Handbooks in response to Jenny Wang*8.

1 Jamie Levitt donated 55 pro bono hours. 2 J. Alexander Lawrence donated 192 pro bono hours. 3 Takeshi Miyamoto donated 96 pro bono hours. 4 Luke Bagley donated 74 pro bono hours. 5 Jinyoung Choi donated 180 pro bono hours. 6 Daniel Hannon donated 142 pro bono hours. 7 Benjamin Smiley donated 97 pro bono hours. 8 Jennifer Wang donated 246 pro bono hours.

Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 7 Foster Home Litigation1

THE ISSUE: Beginning in April change its practices. Davis Polk, Legal stable housing and improve their 2008, Davis Polk began working with Aid, LFC and the City then engaged access to services. ACS also agreed to the Legal Aid Society (“Legal Aid”) in over two years of negotiations over provide a mechanism through which and Lawyers for Children (“LFC”) potential ways to restructure and Legal Aid and LFC can monitor ACS’s to investigate concerns that the City reform ACS’s policies and procedures. compliance with the settlement and of New York and the Commissioner Davis Polk, along with Legal Aid and protection of foster care youth. On of the New York Administration for LFC, filed a class action lawsuit on March 29, 2012, Justice Geoffrey D. Children’s Services (together, “ACS”) behalf of a class of foster care youth Wright of the New York Supreme were (a) discharging youth from the against the ACS. Court approved the settlement. foster care system into homelessness THE OUTCOME: Following exten- THE BOTTOM LINE: This settle- or other unsuitable housing condi- sive negotiation, the parties reached a ment positively impacts thousands of tions; and (b) not supervising foster settlement, which provides substan- youth currently in foster care in New care youth until their 21st birthdays, tial procedural protections, relief and York or who have been discharged as required by New York law. oversight to prevent young people from care but remain subject to ACS’s THE ACTION: After investigat- aging out of foster care from being supervision. ing concerns and concluding that discharged into homelessness or other THE TEAM: Davis Polk senior the City’s failures were longstanding unsuitable housing conditions. As part counsel James W.B. Benkard*2 , special and, absent litigation, unlikely to be of the settlement, the City will main- counsel for pro bono Sharon Katz, reformed, Davis Polk and Legal Aid tain a unit devoted to the foster care associate Scott B. Luftglass and former approached ACS in December 2008 population, initiate training for foster associate David C. Pitluck. to highlight ACS’s noncompliance care agencies, significantly revise its with the law and to demand that ACS procedures for helping youth find

1 this article was recently published in Davis Polk’s Pro Bono Matters Spring 2013 Edition and is reprinted with permission. 2 James W. B. Benkard donated 597 pro bono hours.

Congratulations 2012 Empire State Counsel®! Continued from page 2

Inside this issue is an article by plete list of 2012 Empire State Counsel mentoring provided by law firms, legal Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman. The and their law firms. These lists also are services organizations and volunteer legal services community owes a tre- posted on the website. lawyer projects enable so many volun- mendous debt of gratitude to the Chief Congratulations also to the law teers to stay the course even when the Judge who has made adequate funding firms, legal services organizations and pro bono project took the volunteer out of civil legal services a top priority of volunteer lawyer projects represented of her comfort zone. his administration. In addition, Judge in this issue! Pro Bono collaborations If you already do pro bono we Lippman also is a strong proponent among firms, providers and volunteer commend you and hope that you of pro bono and we thank him for his programs are vital in the on-going will plan to enroll next year as a 2013 words of support and congratulations effort to narrow the justice gap. Firm distinguished Empire State Counsel® to the 2012 Empire State Counsel®. friendly pro bono policies make it pos- Honoree! We also deeply appreciate president sible for associates to sign up for pro Warm regards, Seymour James’ congratulatory mes- bono matters and encourage many to Gloria Herron Arthur sage to the 2012 Empire State Counsel® become Empire State Counsel®. Simi- Honorees. Inside this issue is the com- larly, the guidance, supervision and

8 Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 Pro Bono: Carry the Message Lawrence Zimmerman*, Senior Partner, Hiscock & Barclay LLP 141 Pro Bono Hours Donated

I started victims return to their abusers. I knew adjudicated formulaically in achingly practicing law the next Family Court intervention small amounts that have immense in the mid-70’s would bring even greater pain to my importance to my clients. as an Assistant client. One case showed that perseverance County Attor- Fast forward 35 years and I’m in is rewarded. My unmarried client ney for Broome private practice handling complex gave birth to sickly premature babies. County. I was multi-million dollar commercial litiga- The boyfriend became abusive and assigned Fam- tion congested with data and multiple denied paternity. After multiple pro- ily Court duty expert witnesses. E-discovery has ceedings, paternity was established prosecuting JD’s become the new blood sport. A desic- and an order of protection and sup- Zimmerman and handling a cated world far, far away from the port were granted. Medical expenses small but persis- immediacy and empathy I felt for my mounted as did arrears in support. tent demand for orders of protection earlier domestic violence clients. The father became increasingly eva- by women who were being abused by My firm asked me to be in charge sive, abusive and refused to pay his their partners. Then, the customary of promoting an ethos of doing pro full obligation. We commenced a vio- but wholly ineffective practice was to bono work in our Albany office as lation proceeding and the stubborn stipulate to mutual orders of protec- part of our firm wide pro bono ini- father was sentenced to 30 days right tion. tiative; a daunting task. Of course, out of the courtroom. The arrears were One case involved a husband who you can’t promote if you don’t do, quickly paid and the father returned had abandoned the marital residence, so I signed up for the powerful to work chastened and compliant. returned on random occasions to beat annual CLE on domestic violence Regardless of the outcome, this his wife and refused to pay child sup- co-sponsored by The Legal Project renewal of the humanity of practic- port. We took the case to trial and the and the Legal Aid Society of North- ing law in this arena is a respite from husband was sentenced to 30 days. eastern New York. There I learned the commercial litigation and is soul sat- My client thanked me effusively and I obstacles and fears domestic violence isfying. naively thought the problem solved. victims face and the patience required Far more importantly, each client is Several weeks later, I took my to represent them. a reminder that thousands of people daughter to a community carnival. Family Court dockets are jammed, go unrepresented and are ground up There, hand in hand, strolled my cli- hearings rushed with no time for in the system or simply assume that ent with her abusive husband. I was patrician, orderly presentation of no relief is available as pain and trag- surprised and disappointed to see fact and opinion. The waiting rooms edy unfold around them. them together again. I had yet to learn are tense, filled with pent up anxi- the dynamics of domestic violence ety awaiting galactic solutions to and the complex reasons why some intractable problems. Support is often

Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 9 Work on Immigration Asylum Case Provides Invaluable Learning Experience While Positively Impacting Client’s Life Charlene A. Barker*, Litigation Associate, Fried Frank Shriver & Jacobson LLP 767 Pro Bono Hours Donated

I was able Mr. A, I also conducted telephonic- result, Mr. A was harassed, physically to take on an interviews of witnesses and family attacked outside the radio station and asylum matter members in Haiti, had primary respon- beaten by Haitian government actors for a client, Mr. sibility for drafting the merits brief who threatened to kill him. Fearing A, from Haiti and a post-hearing brief, interviewed for his life, Mr. A fled Haiti, where the not long after I and selected an expert witness and political situation has been chronically came to the firm. conducted direct examination of Mr. A unstable since the January 2010 earth- Working on Mr. during the merits hearing. quake. He was detained and placed in A’s asylum mat- After a merits hearing, post-trial removal proceedings when he attempt- ter was an invalu- briefing, and two post-hearing appear- ed to cross the border from Mexico. Barker able professional ances, the Immigration Judge finally The Government has advised that it experience. Mr. A was referred to the was ready to rule on Mr. A’s applica- will not appeal the asylum grant. firm from Human Rights First, as part tion. The court had been concerned Though my representation of Mr. of Fried Frank’s ongoing partnership about whether we had adequately A was professionally rewarding, it and broad commitment to immigra- proven eligibility but ultimately was also extremely gratifying to have tion work. As a junior associate, I spent decided that we had, and on March the opportunity to help make such an several weeks conducting interviews 28, 2013, we won a final grant of asy- important difference in Mr. A’s life. I of Mr. A to tease out the details of his lum for Mr. A. He had come to the would highly recommend working on persecution and prepare him for his United States in 2011 to escape the an immigration asylum matter because individual merits hearing. Through violence and persecution he faced for it provides an opportunity to gain this process, I was able to both develop having expressed his political opin- valuable skills while doing work that client interview skills and a rapport ions against the then-government of positively impacts the lives of those with Mr. A that proved essential in Haiti. Mr. A is a 34-year-old father of who are often times in dire need of our representation of him. The level two from Les Cayes, Haiti who hosted representation. of responsibility I was given while a political radio show on which he Fried Frank team: Special Coun- representing Mr. A far exceeded my regularly expressed his negative politi- sel Jennifer L. Colyer supervised Ms. expectations, particularly in light of the cal opinions about the government Barker and Stella Drevina, Pro Bono fact that I was assigned to Mr. A’s mat- and encouraged listeners to call in Coordinator, assisted on the case. ter during my first six months at Fried and express their opinions about the Frank. In addition to working with then-upcoming 2010 elections. As a

10 Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 Asylum Case Presents Unexpected Challenges Amanda C. Croushore*, Associate, Kaye Scholer LLP 100+ Pro Bono Hours Donated

Shortly after I began my second We hired an expert on the DRC to with its own challenges that I did not year as an associate at Kaye Scholer help us work through the weakest anticipate. Our client continues to face LLP, a few other associates and I took aspects of the case, and he turned out insecurity: she struggles to commu- on a case in which we represented a to be invaluable. The expert was able nicate in English, making many daily 36-year-old woman who sought politi- to confirm the objective parts of our tasks difficult, she has not been able cal asylum in the United States after client’s story - e.g. that her uncle was to hold down a job, she has no steady fleeing her home country, the Demo- indeed a political figure who died in source of income, she has suffered cratic Republic of the Congo. Paris - in addition to helping us devel- from psychological issues, and she Our client was the niece of a promi- op one of our strongest arguments. has not been able to find a stable place nent politician in the DRC who found- Namely, he explained to us that to live or a support group she trusts. ed his own political party. She became whether or not our client was actually Realizing that getting asylum was involved in his party and eventually in danger before she began suspecting not the end of our client’s struggles worked as her uncle’s executive assis- the government of involvement in her was upsetting to me. I had worked so tant for some time. When her uncle uncle’s death, the fact of her suspicion hard on preparing her asylum appli- died suddenly during a business trip put her in danger. cation that I naively believed that in France, our client suspected that Our client was denied asylum at everything would be “fixed” after we the DRC government was involved the administrative interview, likely won. Learning that was not the case in his murder. Shortly thereafter, she because she had misrepresented her was disappointing. And although I was summoned by the national police employment title on a form she sub- would love to be able to help our cli- and was interrogated and threatened. mitted to obtain a visa to come to the ent with her personal issues, I have She and her family were put under United States - a minor inconsistency learned that it is important to keep surveillance and received additional but one that may have called into my relationship with her professional threats. Her half-sister, with whom question her credibility in the asylum and limited to immigration matters. she lived, was raped and a short time officer’s mind. We were then referred Because, as much as I would like to, later, disappeared. Our client felt that to Immigration Court and assigned I cannot resolve all of our client’s she was in danger too, and that she a judge who is notorious for grant- problems, and it is important for her needed to flee. ing very few asylum applications. to understand that. I continue to help This was a challenging asylum Even though I was just a second year our client with immigration matters case for several reasons. First, the associate at the time, I was given the - most recently by preparing her per- political party that our client’s uncle opportunity to lead our case - I asked manent residency application - and established was allied with the gov- our client questions on direct exami- my hope is that by just being a reliable erning party - not an opposition nation, interacted with the judge, and person in her life who picks up the party - making political persecution a objected when the cross-examiner phone when she calls and can periodi- more difficult argument to advance. misstated testimony. The hearing went cally report on progress in her case, I Second, our client did not suffer any extremely well and our client came am providing some small part of the physical harm directly and much of across as credible. The judge explicitly support she needs. the intimidation she felt was implied stated that he found persuasive our I also feel a need to move on from or perceived, but not explicitly articu- argument that our client was put into this case so that I can use the skills lated. Finally, and most significantly, danger by suspecting the government and knowledge I obtained to help our client had no proof that the gov- of having been involved in the death others seeking asylum in the United ernment was involved in her uncle’s of her uncle, whether or not her fear States. I have recently taken on a new death or that she would have been in before that point was justified. He asylum case, representing a transgen- danger even if her suspicions to that granted our client’s asylum applica- dered woman from Mexico who suf- effect were confirmed. However, our tion from the bench. fered horrible harassment and abuse client was consistent in recounting This asylum case is the most because of her sexual orientation. This her story each time we met to develop rewarding matter I have worked on as time I am the supervising attorney on her asylum application, she was able a lawyer. I can imagine little more sat- the case, which has provided me with to obtain at least one affidavit from isfying than knowing that you helped a new level of personal and profes- a friend that confirmed parts of her an individual obtain some level of sional satisfaction: witnessing young story, and it was clear from talking to stability after a traumatic experi- associates gain important legal skills her that she was genuinely afraid of ence and enabled them to start a new and understand how they can be what might happen to her if she were life in a country that is safe and full applied to help those in need. forced to return to the DRC. of opportunities. However, it came

Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 11 Photos from 2013 Justice for All Luncheon Honoring 2012 Empire State Counsel®

12 Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 13 2012 Empire State Counsel®

Akin Gump Strauss Christina Spiller Bartlett Pontiff Stewart Paul W. Mourning Hauer & Feld LLP Jessica Supernaw & Rhodes PC William J. Natbony Nicholas C. Adams Emma Tiainen Jessica Hugabone Vinson Edwin D. Robertson Rachel Ehrlich Albanese Pro Bono Hours 1,364 Pro Bono Hours 55 Debra Brown Steinberg Andrew Barnes Jared S. Sunshine Robert James Boller Arnold & Porter LLP Baurkot & Baurkot Sarah Tucker Victoria Fisher Bolton Stewart Aaron Raymond Lahoud Trevor M. Wilson Christopher Lawrence Boyd Keri Arnold Pro Bono Hours 340 Kate R. Woodrow Kelly L. Brown Daniel Bernstein Pro Bono Hours 3,585 Jessica Sara Budoff Charles Berry Bevan Mosca Giuditta Christopher W. Carty Jessica Caterina & Zarillo PC Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP Shenghao Stan Chiueh La Donna Collier Matthew C. Moench Will A. Page Nancy Chung Kerry Dziubek Pro Bono Hours 802 Pro Bono Hours 248 Anta Cisse-Green Tanya Kalivas Christopher Jordan Clore Ryan Keats Blank Rome LLP Calihan Law PLLC Oliver De Moor Joanna Hess Stephen T. Whelan Peter J. Glennon Ron Eliezer Deutsch Eric Lee Pro Bono Hours 70 Pro Bono Hours 57 Alyssa B. Dossick William Miller Brett Daniel Fieldston Alexandra Mitter Bond Schoeneck & King Ciric Law Firm PLLC Miriam F. Foley Kathleen Reilly PLLC Laura Lepicovska Jennifer Hidlebrand Matthew Salzmann David M. Hayes Pro Bono Hours 75 John Thomas Holland Kathleen Scott Thomas E. Myers Sakisha N. Jackson Rachel Smith George H. Lowe, Esq. Cleary Gottlieb Steen Stephen Monning Jordan Kent Yalowitz Pro Bono Hours 330 & Hamilton LLP Ryan Matthew Katz Peter Zimroth Josh Anderson Adam Samuel Krotman Pro Bono Hours 5,030 Bowditch & Dewey LLP Polina Bensman Lewis J. Kweit Katherine Garrahan Ana Christa S. Boksay Lucy C. Malcom Baker Hostetler LLP Pro Bono Hours 50 Michael M. Brennan Kerry Potter McCormick Peter Brown Samuel P. Bryant William F. Mongan Jason D. Cabico Brown Rudnick LLP Scott Buell Patrick M. Mott Natacha Carbajal Yaw Darkwa Antonia Carew-Watts John Cullen Murphy Bik Cheema Mark Fawer Anthony R. Cerceo Louis L. Nock Sammantha E. Clegg Matthew Hyner Angela K. Chen Jessica Lee Oliff Daniel P. Curtin Carolyn Mattus Yana Chernobilsky Jonathan Reuben Pavlich Alison Flynn Elnaz Zarrini Josiah Child Rosa Alina Pizzi Anjula Garg Pro Bono Hours 637 Michael Clements Alexandra Ingrid Reuss Steven H. Goldberg Tania G. Cohen Katherine Penn Scully Brian S. Karp Bryan Cave LLP Kyle Dandelet Joseph L. Sorkin Juvaria S. Khan Hassan Albakri Andrew M. Darcy Roxanne Tizravesh Hanna F. Madbak Tara Burns Newell Matthew J. Dolan Jennifer L. Woodson Michelle K. Marck Kathryn E. Gebert Rebekah Allen Donaleski Jacqueline Yecies Anat Maytal Pro Bono Hours 180 Samantha Duplantis Pro Bono Hours 6,506 Douglas M. Nevin A. Chinyere Ezie Christy A. Nixon Cadwalader Wickersham & Alexa Kircher Fang Alston & Bird LLP Jessica E. Nutt Taft LLP Bryan G. Faubus Adam Baker Jacqlyn Rovine Elizabeth Butler Jason B. Frasco Tiffany Buxton Lindsey A. Shoshany Brian E. Chebli Christine Garg Kelly Holden Andrene Smith Robert Foote Boris Gelfand Matthew Mamak Heather Wlodek Jessica L. Guard Matthew Gurgel Christopher McArdle Michelle L. Young Christina T. Holder Diarra M. Guthrie Douglas McClintock Gonzalo S. Zeballos Peter Isajiw Angela F. Hamarich Allison Muth Pro Bono Hours 3,371 Martin Krezalek Kyle A. Harris Joseph Rothenberg Lauren U Y Lee Moira Heiges-Goepfert Maritza Schaeffer Daniel S. Maland Morgan Kristopher Hill Lance Soderstrom David S. Miller Michael W. Holt

14 Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 Aatif Iqbal Cohen & Gressler LLP Arlen Pyenson Winnie Ling Heide Motaghi Iravani Thomas Bezanson Ira M. Saxe Matthew Maddox Suneela Jain Pro Bono Hours 112 Amelia Schmidt Katherine Marshall Seon H. Jhee Mik Shin-Li Rebecca Martin Eric D. Johnson Cooley LLP Amisha Shrimanker Shingira Masanzu Jessica C. Källström- Jonathan P. Bach Joanna Slott Yuko Masunaga Schreckengost Stanley A. Barsky Jeffrey A. Smith James McIntyre Matthew M. Karlan Laura Grossfield Birger James K. Stronski Paul Means Samar A. Katnani Michael A. Blasie Chiemi Suzuki Adam Mehes Shira A. Kaufman Kate E. Brubacher Amy Tridgell William Miller Young Kim Nicholas A. Flath Pro Bono Hours 3,967 Benjamin Mills Joyce S. Kim Timothy L. Foster Alexander Mindlin Kerrin T. Klein David M. Gardner Cushing & Dolan PC Nadia Moore Erica Klipper Daniel A. Goldberger Joblin C. Younger Melissa Nunziato Martin N. Kostov Eric Haber Pro Bono Hours 50 Zithe Oberholzer Benjamin Leffler Lynn D. Horwitz Stratos Pahis Jaclyn A. Link Dana S. Katz Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP Kerry Price Jessica E. McBride Jennifer Pavane Kenter Ronnie Abrams Abhishek Raghunathan Alexandra S. McCown Matthew E. Langer Jessica Alvarez Vanessa Rakel Mark E. McDonald Lauren Gerber Lee Rachel Antler John Rector Kiesha Minyard Shira Nadich Levin Una Au Alexander Robinson Sean K. Mullen William H. O’Brien Adam Balin Arie Rubenstein Mark Nadeau Robert B. Winning Harry Ballan Andrew Schlichter Edward Bota Newton Karen K. Won Roshni Banker Rory Schneider Jeremy R. Opolsky Pro Bono Hours 3,346 Lesley Bark Gregory Scott Justin N. Outling James Benkard Pritesch Shah Jane Pek Covington & Burling LLP Omolara Bewaji Daniel Spitzer Ruth Z. Plave Jessica Milner Mari Byrne Nicholas Stabile Daniel R. Por Pro Bono Hours 300 Kathryn Chiu Michael Steinberg Samuel L. Raymond Matthew Cormack Alexa Taylor Adriana M. Rios Cozen O’Connor Elyse Cowgill Laura Turano Pablo M. Ros Gail Goldfarb Vesna Cuk Sabrina Ursaner Rafael A. Rosillo Pro Bono Hours 130 Deryn Darcy Yuli Wang Brittany J. Schoepp Keith Edelman Matthew Weinberg Rachel F. Serlen Criscione Ravala & Joshua Foran Ronni Weinstein Zoe E. Shea Tabatchouk LLP Edward Fu Scott Wilcox Nicholas Sheets M. Salman Ravala, Esq. Jacob Gardener Jonathan Zweig Sam C. Shulman Pro Bono Hours 50 Gabriel Gillett Pro Bono Hours 14,417 Anthony M. Shults Elyse Glazer Kamal Sidhu Crowell & Moring LLP Lucia Goy Davis Wright David S. Sokol Olivier Antoine Angelica Grasso Tremaine LLP Jordan Solomon Ariel Applebaum-Bauch Reuban Grinberg Robert D. Balin Garth A. Spencer Melia Amal Bouhabib Christian Guevara Samuel Bayard Megan M. St. Ledger Lisa Caccavo Alison Haggerty Dierdre Davis Darryl G. Stein Honor Rose Costello Alison Hashmall Pro Bono Hours 430 Heather K. Suchorsky Elizabeth Figueira Horiana Isac Esti Tambay Justin Gundlach Isaly Judd Debevoise & Jorge G. Tenreiro Thomas Hanusik Chaim Kagedan Plimpton LLP Ludivine Van der Heyden Amir Katz Matthew Kelly Johan Robert Abraham Sebastian Villaveces James E. Kellett Sallie Kim Andrew C. Adams Bryan N. Warner Birgit Kurtz Melissa King Harriet M. Antczak Emily Weiss Linda Lerner Polly Klyce Pennoyer Amanda M. Bartlett Kelly Engel Wells Olivia Lynch Joseph Kniaz Kevin Bensley Mona M. Williams Craig Lytle Daniel Kolb Andrew M. Berg Dina Zloczower Doha Mekki Julie Kourie Vincent J. Bianco Aron M. Zuckerman Antonio Mendoza Steven Krause Daniel O. Blau Pro Bono Hours 19,074 Moreen Ann O’Brien Sheldon Laing Brandon P. Burkart Brian O’Sullivan Christian Lang Laura C. Carey Aryeh Portnoy Angela Libby Marta M. Castaing

Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 15 Judith L. Church Direction International Patent Drinker Biddle & Michael Handler Pedro De Oliveira Trademark & Law Office Reath LLP Andrew Harper Jeremy R. Delman Liang-Fu Wang Marion B. Cooper Mirabel Hernandez Rivera Wolcott B. Dunham Pro Bono Hours 50 Matthew F. Gately Aaron Holloway Sonia R. Farber William A. Wright Yonatan Jacobs Rayna S. Feldman DLA Piper LLP (US) Pro Bono Hours 964 Veronica Joice Matthew I. Fleischman Marina A. Andrews Brittany Jones Nicholas Folly Hariqbal Basi Duane Morris LLP Robert E. Juceam Christine Ford Emily A. Battersby Reshma Shah Nahale Karimi Sarah Garvey-Potvin Alexander S. Birkhold Jamie R. Dyce Sarah Karmazin Terra L. Gearhart-Serna Nia M. Brown Pro Bono Hours 350 Elizabeth Kozlowski Caitlin Gibson Sarah E. Castle Dana Lee Alex Ginsberg Gregory Chludzinski Film and Business Richard Leland James H. Graham Ming-Qi Chu Law LLP Brian Lewis Irene J. Hahn Danielle Diviaio Julia de Cadenet, Esq. Aleksandr Livshits John H. Hall James P. Duffy IV Pro Bono Hours 250 Jesse Loffler Jyotin Hamid Jason Durschlag Alison Looman Richard Harper Catherine B. Engell Fish & Richardson PC Janice MacAvoy Sean Heikkila Diana L. Erbsen Cindy Chang Michael Mandelstam Eric T. Juergens Justin Farrell Kristen McCallion Samuel Mathias Lauren E. Kapsky Anna Forgie Pro Bono Hours 229 Stephanie Matko Katherine W. Kern Jason D. Gerstein Todd McCafferty Katherine L. Kriegman Barbara J. Harris Freshfields Bruckhaus Kelly McNamee Raafia Mohsin Lari Michael D. Hynes Deringer US LLP Cedrick Mendoza-Tolentino Sasha Linney Robert A. Johnston, Jr. Nathaniel Yong-Ern Khng Nicole Miklos Claire Martirosian Joshua Kane Pro Bono Hours 58 Hadi Nilforoshan Justin D. Mayer Elena Otero Keil Danielle Petrilli Ariel Meyerstein Benjamin M. Keller Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Kenneth Rosh Susan Moser Jennivere L. Kenlon Jacobson LLP Jocelyn Ryan Jason D. Navarino Lana L. Kleiman Judith Abkin Justin Santolli Kamal Steven Nesfield Dov Lader Erin Abrams Yitzchok Segal John Nichols Dianne Rose LaRocca Leah Aden Maximillian Shifrin David B. Noland So-Eun Lee David Badain Laura Sinrod John T. Pierpont Heidi Levine Emma Baratta Andrea Steeves Susan G. Reagan Jenny D. May Charlene Barker Brenna Terry Carl Riehl Cara McGourty Bonnie A. Barsamian Sonya Tien Karli P. Robyn Robert P. Mendez Lisa Bebchick Lorin Wagner Seth L. Rosen Paolo Morante Amy Benford Blake Weinberg Jarrod Shobe Claudia Poernig Evan Berkow Marissa Wiley Johanna Skrzypczyk Chandana T. Ravindranath Jacqueline Bonneau David Yellin Marcus H. Strock Ian A. Read Chad Borden Courtney Zale Neelima Teerdhala Natlee Reisen John A. Borek Pro Bono Hours 16,786 Chantal Tortoroli Gail Rodgers Adam Brenner Alisa A. Waxman Richard Allan Rubano Holly Chen General Electric Capital- Joshua Weigensberg Jose Sanchez Danica Curavic Americas Elizabeth W. Whiston Robert Santoro Keita de Souza Victor Stephan Ramirez Mary Jo White Marc Schlesinger Alexander Dworkowitz Pro Bono Hours 126 Louise Ding Yang Matthew S. Schneid Christopher Fasano Emily D. Zand E. Job Seese Lauren Flicker Gibbons PC Pro Bono Hours 12,980 R. Brian Seibert Jonathan Forman Anthony A. Dean Barbara L. Seniawski Andrew Frohlich Pro Bono Hours 50 DeConcini McDonald Yetwin Rachel V. Stevens David Gartenberg & Lacy PC Constance Tse Howard W. Goldstein Goldfarb & Fleece LLP Peter Bernard Goldman Syed Ahmer Wasim Jaclyn Green Jennivere L. Kenlon Pro Bono Hours 75 Melinda H. Waterhouse Jason Greenberg Pro Bono Hours 100 W. Kurtis Weaver Jeffrey Greenberg Jessica C. Wilson Samuel Groner Sarah B. Zimmer Melissa Guseynov Pro Bono Hours 6,862 Chelsea Hall

16 Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 Goodwin Procter LLP Sachiko J. Jepson Alexandra Copell Divya Jayachandran Nomi D. Berenson Tara A. Laszlo Robert E. Friedman Tina Mepani Anna E. Dodson Wylie H. Levone Joseph E. Gallo Robert Potter Kathryn F. Lazarev Ruoweng Liu David Goldstein Phillip Rosenberg Thomas C. Meriam Janos D. Marton Lauren M. Goodman Pro Bono Hours 644 Nathaniel J. Moore Erin M. Meyer Gregory C. Johnson Christopher Newcomb David R. Michaeli Theresa A. Kraker Kirkland & Ellis LLP Jessica L. Rothstein Jason J. Porta Elizabeth D. Langdale Martin D. Adams Adam M. Sparks Edward Sinclaire Purdon Mark A. Limardo George N. Bauer Meghan K. Spillane Dennis M. Quinio Brian L. Muldrew Heather Behrend Mark A. Sweeney Leah A. Rabinowitz Dean N. Razavi Peter A. Bellacosa Nilda M. Tulla-Isidro Joseph R. Rackman Marianna Schwartsman Dale Cendali Paul F. Ware, Jr. Michael E. Ravvin Allison Wuertz Neil Dugal Robert P. Whalen, Jr. Avi D. Rosenblit Pro Bono Hours 1,360 Yael Julie Fischer Pro Bono Hours 3,310 Dena M. Roth Robert A. Gretch Caitlin M. Russo Kaye Scholer LLP Jeanne M. Heffernan Hancock Estabrook LLP Elliot G. Sagor Candice A. Andalia Kuangyan Huang James J. O’Shea, Esq. Lee Samuelson Tanya N. Blocker David M. Hudson John G. Powers Kyle M. Sawa Daniel Boglioli Andrew S. Jacobs Michael J. Sciotti, Esq. Richard Schaberg Sheila S. Boston Alexandra Kolod Robert J. Thorpe Sarah Schacter Ori Blum Adele P. Maloney Thomas Pro Bono Hours 472 Daniel E. Shulak Joseph Clark Mary C. Mazzello Ashley M. Steinberg Amanda C. Croushore James McConnell Hinman Straub PC Jonathan T. Stoel Larissa A. Eustice Eric S. Meer Joseph M. Dougherty Nina R. Tandon Ira Ginsberg LeMar Moore Pro Bono Hours 85 Jeffrey J. Tolin Alison King Michael Onufer Nicholas A. Tymoczko Joseph Thomas Kohn Samara L. Penn Hiscock & Barclay LLP Christine M. Wagner Nicholas Kovner Claudia Ray Brittany E. Aungier Joanna Felice Wasick Lori B. Leskin Pamela K. Rosen Charles Z. Feldman Brandon Lawrence Wilson Paul Mignano David A. Rosenthal Albert Hessberg III Pro Bono Hours 9,076 Aaron Miner Shanti E. Sadtler Joseph A. Murphy Martin Tomas Murphy Leslie M. Schmidt Lawrence A. Zimmerman Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP Christopher B. Ortiz Leopoldo Joaquin Yanez Pro Bono Hours 588 Miles Orton Noah Peters Stephanie A. Yoshida Pro Bono Hours 322 Michel A. Pignatiello Pro Bono Hours 6,429 Hogan Lovells Glenn Pogust Ashley B. Antler Hunton & Williams LLP Leo Rakitin Kramer Levin Naftalis & David J. Baron Katrina M. Llanes Diana Sterk Frankel LLP Beth A. Bernstein Juana Hopwood Jay W. Waks Matthew F. Abbott Jean C. Blackerby Melinda L. McLennan Gregory Wallance Arthur H. Aufses III Chava Brandriss Robert A. Rich Kacy Wiggum Katrina I. Baker Stanley J. Brown Austin J. Sandler Pro Bono Hours 6,049 Jennifer E. Batterton Joel D. Buckman Lisa J. Sotto Jade Burns Kelly A. Burgesser Andrew Spector Kelley Drye & Warren LLP Angela M. Burton Maria Luisa Canovas Pro Bono Hours 499 Craig A. Convissar Francesca C. Butnick Diego Carvajal Levi M. Downing Dannie Cho Jaime L. Chase Jones Day Ryan M. Duffy Jeremy Cohen Bonnie Chen M. Joel Laub Sean Flanagan Megan H. Daneshrad Cyrus Y. Chung Brandon T. Morris James V. O’Gara Jennifer Diana James Clare Pro Bono Hours 128 Elizabeth Swedock Kristin DiFrancisco Peter J. Dennin Matthew Zucker Carl D. Duffield Neal D. Desai Jurisconsultas Pro Bono Hours 1,066 Nicole S. Eisenman Susann Duffy Guneet Chaudhary Philip Ellenbogen Steven M. Edwards Pro Bono Hours 70 Kilpatrick Townsend & Peggy Farber Jordan L. Estes Stockton LLP Rachel Feinberg Ira M. Feinberg Katten Muchin Tamara Daniels Nicole Foley Benjamin A. Fleming Rosenman LLP Linda Du Samantha Ford Theresa M. House Karen A. Ash Ian Goldrich Aaron Frankel Jason P. Isralowitz Kevin M. Baum Olivia Harris Joshua D. Glick

Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 17 Steven M. Goldman Lowenstein Sandler PC Susan A. Kremer Samantha Martin Illona Gont Naomi D. Barrowclough Jordan E. Lacy Mark McPherson James A. Grayer Lawrence Bluestone Matthew J. Letterner Takeshi Miyamoto Leah B. Grossi Sean R. Collier Robert L. Lindholm Leda Moloff Brittlynn Hall Rebecca L. Cossin Lysondra Ludwig Julian Perez Darren C. Halverson Shirley Dai Mark McCrone Suhna Pierce Natan Hamerman Jennifer L. Fiorica Andrea M. McNamara Jessie Redden Shannon H. Hedvat Danielle J. Garrod Gail Miranda-Schmidt Angela Rella William Johnson Darren S. Goodman Richard Mo Ariel Ruiz Sarah E. Kaehler Lloyd Jeglikowski Spencer Pepper Vernicka Shaw Anastasia N. Kaup Kelly Lloyd Rachel Pojunas Benjamin Smiley Erica Klein David L. Moses Elitza K. Popova-Talty Ruti Smithline Matan Koch Elliot Z. Stein Kelly Pressler Rebecca Ulich Peter S. Kolevzon Bethani L. Williams Sarah L. Rothenberg Katie Viggiani Elizabeth F. Larsen Pro Bono Hours 3,092 Alexis M. Sainz Marian Waldmann Agarwal Marissa Leung Benjamin Sayagh Jenny Wang Edward M. Lintz Macina & Pietrzak LLC Tiffani M. Simmons Craig Whitney Izabel P. McDonald Gregory B. Pietrzak Kimberly B. Timko David Ziegler Jason M. Moff Pro Bono Hours 57 Christina R. Totino Pro Bono Hours 6,735 Mark Parise Jennie R. Tricomi Sheila M. Pozon Mayer Brown LLP Andrew C. Tsang Nixon Peabody LLP Howard J. Rothman Melissa B. Francis Greta R. Ulvad Barbara Asheld Scott Ruskay-Kidd Pro Bono Hours 755 Jeremy Wells Leah Threatte Bojnowski Seth F. Schinfeld Pro Bono Hours 7,166 Constance Boland Michael T. Sillerman McCarter & English LLP Roger Byrd Stephen Sinaiko Zlatko Hadzismajlovic Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP Joseph Carello Helayne O. Stoopack Christina Schmid Matthew Kalinowski Ashley Champion Pamela Swidler Pro Bono Hours 203 Pro Bono Hours 100 Dwight Collin Adam Taubman Michael Cooney Eric Tirschwell Meyer Suozzi English & Morrison & Foerster LLP Peter Durant Jason Tomitz Klein PC Reema Abdelhamid Benjamin R. Dwyer Jeffrey S. Trachtman A. Thomas Levin Cindy Abramson David Feldman Carissa R. Trast Pro Bono Hours 72 Robert Baehr Allan Floro Julia I. Wachter Luke Bagley Alexander Gallin Elise Wagner Milbank Tweed Hadley & Amanda Bakale Tushna Gamadia Elizabeth M. Wieckowski McCloy LLP Emily Bretz Michael Garcia Pro Bono Hours 11,061 Kelechi I. Acholonu David Brown Daniel Gibbons Brittany Akins Toni Camacho Erik Goergen Linklaters LLP Tatiana Bayeva Jinyoung Choi Thomas Greiner Robert Bell Jennifer K. Beaudry Melissa Crespo Devon Haft George Bishop Elise Kent Bernanke John Delaney Christopher Hampton Nathan Carle Thomas C. Bivona Grant Esposito Christian Hancey Kyle Colvin Alison M. Bonelli Nilene Evans Jacob Herstek Parisa Elahi Alicia Bove Natalie Fleming Nolen John Higgins Anna Greene Lisa Brabant Kiersten Fletcher Kacey Houston Thomas Haskins Jonathan Brown Matthew Galeotti Daniel J. Hurteau Sebastian Ko Hugh Carlson Larry Gerschwer Kristin Jamberdino Daniel Law Alexis Chernak Enrico Granata Illana Kameros Pia Naib David S. Cohen Karen Hagberg John Koeppel Michael Neary Katrina Copney Daniel Hannon John Laboda Vijaya Palaniswamy Nicole Love Doppelt Heidi Johanns Brooke Lane Clara Pang James G. Foster Shai Kalansky Stacey Lawkowski Megan Ridley-Kaye Taryn J. Gallup David Kaufman Jared Lusk Nicholas Wexler Bianca S. Gersten Charles Kerr Lindsay Maleson Pro Bono Hours 2,106 Jonathan I. Grossberg David Kiferbaum Christopher Mason Douglas W. Henkin J. Alexander Lawrence Nicole Mastropieri Chris L. Holm Jamie Levitt Daniel McAvoy Aluyah I. Imoisili Hui Liu Meghan McGuire Mia Korot Tiffany Ma Mike Cooney

18 Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 Patrice Morrison Andrew K. Lizotte Phillips Nizer LLP David Munkittrick Gregory Nearpass Richard Allen Martin David M. Doré Amanda Nussbaum Lynnette Nogueras-Trummer Susannah Cody Nagle Pro Bono Hours 150 Charles Ortner Joseph Ortego Scott McArthur Pearsall Corrine Osborn Anita Pelletier Alison K. Roffi Proskauer LLP Katharine Parker Frank Penski Brent Saldana Chandi Abeygunawardana Massiel Pedreira Vincent Polsinelli Jamie Shookman Stephen Ahron Brian Rauch Daniel Rizzi Pro Bono Hours 5,420 Joshua F. Alloy Andrew Rice Terence Robinson Bela Amladi Jason Richman Helen Root Patterson Belknap Webb & Philip Arnold Michael Richter Andrew Rose Tyler LLP Noa Baddish Charles Rooker Jena Rotheim James L. Kerwin Graham Ballou Joshua Sabloff Christine Sackett Melissa O’Neill Aimee Taub Bandler Peter Samuels Kevin Saunders Pro Bono Hours 258 Audrey Bender Seth Schafler Jon Schumacher Jordana Berman Elias Schilowitz Laura Seamon Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton Kevin Blum Charles Sims Stacey Slater & Garrison LLP Shauna Bracher Matthew Skinner James Michael Smith Jeremy A. Benjamin Van Ann Bui Jessica Sonenshein Michael Smith Elana D. Bensoul Aliza Cinamon Richard Spinogatti Sheldon Smith Sarah H. Burghart Evan Citron Samantha Springer Annica Sunner Rebecca R. Cohen Roger Cohen Erika Stallings Eric Tanck James Fanelly Hallie Cohen Ron Tanner David Tennant David Aaron Finkelstein Margaret Dale Fabio Tarud Christopher Thomas Margaret Blodgett Hayden Mark Davidson Nita Vyas Grossman Angelica Valencia Adam Deitch Jeffrey Warshafsky Jenna Statfeld Harris Sherli Yeroushalmi Yafang Deng Jessica Weitzman Alex M. Hyman Pro Bono Hours 8,597 Pietro Deserio Earl White Sarah Johnson David Diamond Jane Wu Jacob Lillywhite Oberdier Ressmeyer LLP Bradley Dillon Elise Yablonski Jason Lowell Meizlish Michael Ead Stuart Youngs Kellen G. Ressmeyer Arianny Mejia Pro Bono Hours 50 Heather L. Navo Jeffrey Escobar Richard Zall Nirva Olibrice Laura Fant Boris Zeldin O’Connell and Aronowitz Laura E. Sedlak Seth Fier Pro Bono Hours 13,333 William F. Berglund Maury Slevin Jessica Fisher Neil H. Rivchin G. Karthik Srinivasan Brian Gershengorn Redgrave LLP Pro Bono Hours 137 Ezra Sternstein Nathaniel Glasser James A. Sherer Judith Tomkins David Grunblatt Pro Bono Hours 51 O’Connor O’Connor Bresee & Moira Weinberg Jonathan Hershberg First PC Eric Howard Wexler Russell Hirschhorn Reed Smith LLP Michael J. O’Connor Karen Zeituni Steven Holinstat David A. Kochman Pro Bono Hours 65 Pro Bono Hours 4,522 Kristine Huggins Pro Bono Hours 700 Daniel Hughes Orrick Herrington & Pepper Hamilton LLP David Jacobson Ropes & Gray LLP Sutcliffe LLP Derek Edward Hines Anna Kaminska Jennifer Bealer Ilene Albala Pro Bono Hours 54 Steven Kayman Jennifer E. Black Jacob D. Albertson Kevin Khurana Stephanie Nicole Busalacchi John Ansbro Perkins Coie LLP Grace Kim Jessica D. Cameron Charity Rae Clark Joanna Jung-Yao Chen William Komaroff Drew Clary Peter J. Coll Chad W. Flansburg, Esq. Patrick Lamparello Hamilton Falk Toi Mary Frederick George Hajduczok Francis Landrey John Kenneth Felter Njoki Gatimu Timothy W. Hoover Sigal Mandelker Moira Hare Derek A. Gluckman Michael R. Law Craig Masheb Pablo D. Hendler Emin Guseynov Kenneth A. Manning Susan McAleavey Gregory Katz Burton K. Haimes Susan Marriott Nicole Medham Natalie Sunhee Kim Richard A. Jacobsen Kevin I. Mulvehill Amy Melican Jennifer Kwon Daniel Aaron Kahn Peter C. Obersheimer M. Todd Mobley Dorian Meyer Needham René Kathawala Gregory L. Peterson David Mordkoff Alexandria Perrin Carrie H. Lebigre William J. Simon Matthew Morris Bharathi Pillai Stephen C. Lessard Pro Bono Hours 1,565 Celia Muller Amanda Nicole Raad

Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 19 Lisa Rosenbaum Allison Laycob Matthew Levy Dohyun Kim Kristin Roshelli Yui Le Mindy Lok Devin A. Kothari Diana Santos James Lee Linda H. Martin Michele A. Kulerman Dalila Argaez Wendlandt John Mellyn Jayma Meyer Songe LaRon Stuart W. Yothers Meghan Louise Moore Sheri G. Nentin Jerome J. Lawton Pro Bono Hours 6,215 Laura C. Mulry David Pernas William C. Leavitt Zana Murdock Jodie Sopher Pimentel June Lee St. Clair & Associates Kerry P. Neligan Maina Tilton Rice Jonathan J. Lerner Jeffrey A. St. Clair Casey T. O’Neill William T. Russell, Jr. Rebecca Levine Pro Bono Hours 200 Leticia Olivera Jodi L. Sackel Raymond Z. Ling Mojoyinola Onijala Heather L. Shaffer Anthony L. Lupinacci Satterlee Stephens Burke & Ji Hyun Park Rodrigo Surcan dos Santos Rebecca A. Marcucci Burke LLP Shawn Kirby Pelsinger David F. E. Tejtel Peter M. McCormack Zoe E. Jasper Hong Nhung Pham Mary Kay Vyskocil Colm P. McInerney Richard C. Schoenstein Jared Ragozine Craig S. Waldman J. Gregory Milmoe Pro Bono Hours 287 Adam George Rahal Samuel M. Warfield Kate T. Moore Geoffrey Lucas Rawle Alicia Washington Benjamin F. Needell Seyfarth Shaw LLP Bradford B. Rossi Andrew Z. Wolstan David J. O’Connell Marshall Babson Michael Shin Peri L. Zelig Arlene A. Osterhoudt Israel Burns Joanna Si Pro Bono Hours 6,719 Zac Padgett Jeremi Chylinski Jennifer Stadler Priya Raghavan Gary Glaser Peter Strauss Skadden Arps Slate Meagher Patrick G. Rideout Sarah Izfar Edward Timlin & Flom LLP Rebecca Rodal Vamsi Kakarla Uzay Topuz Kevin L. Adams Christopher Rosa Lawrence Mandelker Tommaso Tosi Trevor R. Allen Benjamin M. Schreiner Michael Marino Oliver P. Tuholske Reid A. Aronson Joseph N. Soltis Angelo Paparelli Natalee Vernon Kathiana Aurelien Madeline Stavis Courtney Stieber Andrei Vrabie Vincent Barredo Jamie E. Stockton Francesca Weindling Thomas B. Wilner Sheila L. Birnbaum Ronald J. Tabak Pro Bono Hours 1,283 David Winterton Marley Ann Brumme Miriam Tauber Jung Yoo Michael Buchwald Shaud Tavakoli Shaw & Murphy PLLC Bono Hours 8,405 Alexander Chester Akiko Utsumi Liam G. B. Murphy Elliot Choi Kristen Voorhees Pro Bono Hours 52 Shook Hardy & Bacon LLP Christopher G. Clark Khalilah Walters Ryan K. Farnsworth Curt R. Clausen Demetrius A. Warrick Shearman & Sterling LLP Pro Bono Hours 169 Meredith S. Cohen Delroy A. Wright Ari Aranda Maurice Collada Connie V. Wu Jessica Bartlett Simpson Thacher & Sean M. Dailey Nancy D. Zeronda Sasha M. Bass Bartlett LLP Robert J. Del Tufo Pro Bono Hours 16,468 Nell Beekman Elisa Alcabes Michael J. Derderian Paige L. Berges Bruce Angiolillo Alexander C. Drylewski SNR Denton Alexis S. Berkowitz Aditya D. Basrur Blaine Fogg Todd S. Anderson Alexandre Charles Whytne J. V. Brooks John P. Furfaro Carole M. Bass Teresa T. Chen David Caldwell Ryan M. Gainor Robin J. Boucard Saralyn Cohen Michael Ceulen Danielle Gill Michael A. Calandra Nader Dabbo Sam Charlton Jeffrey Glekel Ralph M. Engel Kwame L. Dougan Greg Chuebon Kenneth Grad Brit L. Geiger Dovid Abraham Duchman R. Davis Coen Shari Graham Ryan A. Ghiselli Santiago C. Ekaratne Vanessa B. Cohen Amanda Guzman Gary A. Goodman Andrea Ernst Michael Cuelen Ryan Hagglund Shawn Grove Nicole C. Gragg Mark Cunha Justin L. Herridge Sandra D. Hauser Alfred Groff Meredith Duffy Catherine R. Holmes Jon T. Hutchens Adam S. Hakki Tyler Flood Samantha N. Hong Jessica E. Meylor Alexander Heckscher Andre K. Gray Dmitry G. Ivanov Barbara L. Pedersen Andrew Huang Jason B. Gumer Claire E. James Timothy J. Santoli Merritt Johnson Devin J. Heckman Alec J. Jarvis Kristen A. Truver Paul Hasan Johnson Michelle Hertz Kristina Kallas Richard C. Williams Derek P. Kershaw Samantha Himelman Bentley Kassal Richard M. Zuckerman Maria Marulanda Larsen Stephanie Acosta Inks Judith Kaye Pro Bono Hours 1,639

20 Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 Stagg Terenzi Confusione Lauren R. Mendolera Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP Jonathan E. Sokotch & Wabnik LLP Babasijibomi A. Moore Melody E. Akhavan Farbod Solaimani Thomas E. Stagg Gregory D. Morril Nelly Almeida Amy Suehnholz Pro Bono Hours 75 Michael P. Murtagh Alison Bain-Lucey Christin Sullivan Robin Nunn Adrienne D. Baker Jeffrey E. Tabak Steptoe & Johnson LLP John F. Oster Cheri E. Bessellieu Daniel Trye-Karp Caroline G. Aiello Adam S. Paris Kimberly S. Blanchard Leigh C. Tinmouth Evan T. Barr Alison L. Passer Jonathan Bloom Theodore E. Tsekerides Jeanne M. Cook Benjamin T. Pendroff Lynn Bodkin Rachel S. Vigneaux Dianna K. Muth Richard A. Pollack Adam J. Bookman Amanda Vrecenak Anthony Ornato Mark A. Popovsky Kevin Bostel Brian M. Wells Pro Bono Hours 353 Michael H. Popper Michael Breidenbach Valerie Wicks Matthew J. Porpora Yehudah L. Buchweitz Pro Bono Hours 10,016 Sullivan & Cromwell LLP Jordan T. Razza Thomas Caldwell Alicia K. Amdur Robert W. Reeder III Bruce A. Colbath White & Case LLP Jeffrey S. Arbeit Michael P. Reis Jessica Lynn Costa Lilia Altman Carmel R. Arikat Frederic C. Rich Justin D. D’Aloia Peter Amend Alex M. Boyanovsky Kevin Salinger Ronald F. Daitz Erin Aycock Sean August Camoni Damien G. Scott Stephen J. Dannhauser Jessie Baxter James G. Carr Adam M. Shapiro Howard B. Dicker Rebecca Bodony Stephen H. Clarke Jonathan C. Shapiro Nina Edelman Kelly Bonner Kathleen M. Cochrane Joseph C. Shenker Pablo Falabella Sylvia Chin Michael A. Cooper Sannu K. Shrestha Johathan K. Fisch Nicole Conner Elena Lalli Coronado Florence Annie Sinofsky Marisa B. Geiger Adam Crowley Sarah J. Crowder Danielle E. Stampley Larry J. Gelbfish Allie Diamond Katherine D. DeMamiel Heather Stevenson Simeon Gold Anna Diehn Justin M. Ellis Sarah E. Stoller Lee Jason Goldberg Joshua Dilk Maureen A. Fitzgerald Juliet A. Sullivan Arielle Gordon Yitzchak Fogel Andrew C. Gilman Dana E. Vallera R. Todd Hatcher Raj Gandesha Esterina Giuliani Elizabeth A. Viole Eric C. Hawkins Laura Garr Susan N. Goldis Heather H. Volik Kenneth Heitner Lauren Giudice Matthew T. Gunlock William H. Wagener Elizabeth Hendee Erik Hallengren Dustin F. Guzior Blaze D. Waleski Mark Hoenig Alec Johnson Michelle R. Heisner Stephanie S. Wayne Doron Kenter Saira Khan Theodore D. Holt Jeffery B. White Hyun K. Kim Sunny Kim Christopher G. Hornig Joseph E. White Ryan Kirk Elizabeth Kirk Ellen C. Hu Meredith J. Williams Jason Kwartner Daniela Krinshpun Benjamin W. Hutten Aryeh Zuber Adam Lavine Aidan Leonard Henry V. Hutten Pro Bono Hours 18,610 Eric Leventhal Gregory Little Kateryna P. Imus Robert Levine Thomas MacWright Vijay S. Iyer Troutman Sanders LLP Kami M. Lizarraga Evan Magruder Nelle P. Jennings Christina Bost-Seaton Jaime D. Loda Tal Marnin Dimitrios Kandylas Aurora Cassirer Kevin F. Meade Sarah Melikian Jessica Klein Bracha Hedaya Ryan Martin Jonathan Miner Alexandra D. Korry Allegra Johnson Ira M. Millstein Laura Moran William F. Kroener III Michael Leichtling Alana Montas Roald Nashi Rosita H. Y. Lee Pro Bono Hours 460 Laura A. Napoli Yulia Neyman Marion C. Leydier Henry T. Neading Trina Ng Erik D. Lindauer Veneruso Curto Schwartz & Ellen Odoner Roger Noble Justin S. Lo Curto LLP Arielle R. Pankowski Owen Pell Lara J. Loyd James J. Veneruso Nicholas J. Pappas Vishal Phalgoo Chiansan Ma Pro Bono Hours 60 Anne Catherine Podolsky Valerie Portillo Adam K. Magid Verity S. Rees Kristin Racine Stephen S. Mar Villanueva & Sanchala R. Bruce Rich Jennifer Reiss Ian C. Matthews Tejash V. Sanchala Joshua I. Schlenger Benjamin Rose John G. McCarthy Pro Bono Hours 65 Gladriel Shobe Edward Rover Theodore A. B. McCombs Lisa Sokolowski Andrew Rundus

Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 21 Katayoun Sadeghi Winston & Strawn LLP Yoon & Kim LLP Erika Shapiro Brian T. Fitzpatrick Theodore K. Cheng Andrew Spievack Pro Bono Hours 148 Pro Bono Hours 58 Mariam Subjally Peter Wilhelm The Wolf Law Group PC Augusta Wilson Dana L. White Bing Yan Gerald P. Wolf Pro Bono Hours 11,757 Pro Bono Hours 120

Solo Practitioners Pro Bono Hours 8,418

Howard M. Adelsberg June C. M. Colthirst Mark Grossman Kimberly Anne Pelesz Roberta Ann Arnone K. Jody Cucolo Claire P. Gutekunst Roland Plottel John Ballow Della L. Dekay Jacqueline M. James Robert M. Schaufeld Allison B. Mullen Joseph Anthony Cheryl L. Kates Michael Anton Sciortino Carrow, Esq. Dempsey Yongmoon Kim Steven B. Shapiro Craig Diallo Carson, Esq. Gary Elias Victoria M. Lagoe, Esq. Louis L. Sternberg Nelson A. Castillo, Esq. Morton L. Gitter Jared Matthew J. Machelle Sweeting Asma J. Warsi Chaudry, Julian C. Glatt Langenthal Eleanor Taylor Esq. Louis Brett Goldman Graciela Langone, Esq. Marilyn Tebor Shaw Andy I. Chen James Michael Griffin, Tyear Middleton Scott K. Turner Charles E. Coleman Esq. Anne O’Neill Margarett M. Williams

Program Volunteers Pro Bono Hours 1,397

Robert Selya Rudolph de Winter Ronald Charles Mayer Brooklyn Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project, Selfhelp Community Services Nassau Suffolk Law Services Michael Jos. Witmer Alana Michelson Steinberg Monroe County PD Kelechi Ogbuzuo Student Advocacy Volunteer Attorney Program, NYS Access to Justice

22 Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 Class Action Litigation Provides Opportunity for Associate to Advance Skills Edward Timlin*, Associate, Shearman & Sterling LLP 711 Pro Bono Hours Donated

Shearman In April 2012, we filed our Class has proved to be meaningful and sig- & Sterling LLP Action Complaint, which, like the pro nificant precedent on both class action became involved se complaints, asserts that the deplor- issues and matters arising under the in Butler v. Suf- able conditions in the Facilities violate Prison Litigation Reform Act of 1996. folk County, the Constitution. For example, the If we are successful in causing the 11-CV-2602 (JS) grossly inadequate plumbing system improvement of the conditions at the (GRB) (E.D.N.Y.) is so overburdened and decrepit that Facilities, either through settlement or in late 2011. At it can no longer generate enough injunctive relief, we will have ensured the time, two water pressure to transport human a quality of life consistent with the colleagues and waste from the toilets in individual Constitution for over 1,500 people at Timlin I were looking cells out of the cellblock. Instead, any given time and an unknowable for a potentially waste from one detainee’s toilet number of future detainees; if we high impact pro bono case, both in the regularly spews from the toilets of his obtain a financial settlement or dam- sense that it could protect the rights of neighbors. ages award, we will have vindicated a large number of people, and in the In March 2013, we defeated (for the the rights of a notoriously under- sense that it could advance the law in most part) defendants’ motion to dis- served population through a remedy a challenging area. We got that chance miss and were granted certification of that is rarely achieved, but clearly in December 2011, when Eastern Dis- both injunctive and damages classes. warranted. trict of New York Judge Joanna Sey- The Court’s recent rulings are criti- From a personal perspective, I have bert appointed Shearman & Sterling cal and encouraging for at least two found that this case involves the same LLP as pro bono counsel for fourteen reasons. First, the Court agreed with tasks and develops the skills that are detainees held in correctional facili- us that, assuming the allegations in required in my matters for corporate ties in Suffolk County, New York (the the Class Action Complaint are true, clients. I am grateful that Butler v. “Facilities”). Our fourteen clients, who the conditions in the Facilities are an Suffolk County has provided countless asserted pro se claims for violations of objective violation of the Constitution. opportunities for me and other associ- the Eighth and Fourteenth Amend- Second, the certification of a damages ates on our team to advance our skills, ment, quickly grew to approximately class of incarcerated persons alleging whether in front of the court, working 130, as other detainees filed similar Eighth and Fourteenth Amendment with clients, or in formulating overall complaints consolidated under our violations is a comparatively rare litigation strategy. The fact that it is representation. occurrence, but it is critical that such for an important cause, just makes it In the fifteen months since we harms are redressed. all that much more fulfilling. were appointed, we have been able to Although there is still a long way to advance the law and take large steps go, we look forward to developing the in protecting the rights of thousands, facts needed to substantiate our allega- if not tens of thousands, of class tions over the coming months. Even at members. this early stage, Butler v. Suffolk County

Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 23 New York City’s Plan for the Provision of Indigent Defense1

THE ISSUE: In 1965, the New York assignments where another institu- ers’ arguments in relevant part and state legislature enacted Section 722 tional provider had a conflict of inter- entered judgment for the City and of the County Law in response to the est. The City issued a Request for Pro- Legal Aid. Justice Singh’s opinion was Supreme Court’s decision in Gideon posal (“RFP”) and Legal Aid bid for affirmed in March 2012 by a divided v. Wainwright, the landmark case that the right to represent clients in these First Department panel. The Petition- held that states must provide indigent so-called conflict cases. ers appealed to the Court of Appeals, defense services. Among other alter- THE ACTION: In 2010, various advancing similar arguments to those natives, local governments may adopt county bar associations, including the raised below. a plan under which cases are assigned New York County Lawyers’ Associa- THE OUTCOME: On October 30, to a legal aid bureau or society; indi- tion and the Bronx County Bar Asso- 2012, the New York State Court of vidual counsel furnished pursuant ciation (“Petitioners”), filed an Article Appeals affirmed the ruling of the to a plan of a bar association (“18-B 78 petition, challenging the City’s Appellate Division, First Department. Attorneys”); or a combination of the authority to assign conflict cases to The majority concluded that the City two. institutional providers. Davis Polk may assign conflict cases to institu- In 1965, the City of New York (the represented long-term pro bono client, tional providers and that the City’s “City”) promulgated a “combination” Legal Aid, which intervened in the revised plan was valid. In December plan. Under that plan, the Legal Aid action to oppose the Petitioners’ posi- 2012, the Court of Appeals summarily Society (“Legal Aid”) would serve tion. denied two motions to reargue. as the primary provider of indigent The Petitioners argued that, under THE BOTTOM LINE: As a result defense services and 18-B Attorneys Section 722, the City may not assign of the Court of Appeals ruling, Legal would provide services when Legal conflict cases to institutional providers Aid anticipates being assigned thou- Aid declined to represent a client and that the City’s revised plan was sands of conflict cases per year. because of “a conflict of interest or flawed in other respects. The City and THE TEAM: Davis Polk senior other appropriate reason.” Legal Aid argued that the City has counsel Daniel F. Kolb*2, associates Between 2008 and 2010, the City discretion under the plain language Lara Samet, Nicholas P. Stabile*3, developed a new plan that was also of the statute to assign conflict cases Edith Beerdsen and Kahlil C. Wil- a “combination” plan, which contem- to institutional providers and that the liams, former associates Daniel J. plated the use of both institutional City’s actions were otherwise proper. O’Neill, Andrew E. Krause, Jennifer providers and 18-B Attorneys. How- In January 2011, Justice Anil C. Marcovitz, Alex A. Crohn and Heidi ever, the revised plan also permitted Singh of the Supreme Court, New E. Reiner, and legal assistant Tracy M. institutional providers to receive case York County, rejected the Petition- Wright.

1 this article was first published in Davis Polk’s Pro Bono Matters, Spring 2013 issue and is reprinted with permission. 2 Daniel F. Kolb donated 562 pro bono hours. 3 Nicolas P. Stabile donated 542 pro bono hours.

24 Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 EMPIRE STATE COUNSEL® PROGRAM 8,503 Total number of NYSBA members from 2006 to 2012

NYSBA Members Enrolled Members

2012 1.3 million cumulative hours donated since program was first launched in 2006 Pro Bono Hours Donated

2006 420 hours donated

Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 25 A Case that Makes a Lawyer’s Life Meaningful Peter Zimroth*, Partner, Arnold & Porter LLP 1,022 Pro Bono Hours Donated

Arnold & Porter is leading a pro resources to the effort. There are many fic patterns and concluded that, even bono effort—together with Archer lawyers involved, and I cannot speak at the times of most intensive use, the & Greiner, the Brennan Center, and for all of them. Speaking for myself, I impact of the mosque would be mini- the Asian American Legal Defense have been a lawyer for more than 40 mal. and Education Fund—to challenge a years. I love what I do. This case crys- Al Falah met with town officials to newly enacted zoning law in Bridge- tallizes for me something that is very discuss the project. The town hired its water, N.J., which was designed to special about being a lawyer in this own traffic expert who agreed with Al block the development of a proposed country in this legal system. Falah’s traffic expert. Then the county mosque in that town. Recently I was The name of the case itself says also reviewed the plans and conclud- asked to talk to a gathering of more something important. ‘Al Falah ver- ed that the impact on traffic patterns than 200 Muslim supporters of the sus the Township of Bridgewater and would be minimal. proposed mosque. The lawyers were the Town Council and the Town Plan- During the meetings with town being thanked for their pro bono ning Board.’ It says that in this coun- planning officials, they raised no sig- effort, and I was asked to talk about try, we can require town officials to nificant issues that might have caused the case and about why lawyers chose come to court and account for their the rejection of the project. So, in Janu- to undertake a case like this pro bono. behavior. They did not want to do ary of this year, Al Falah filed its for- Speaking to this group, I was that and asked the judge to dismiss mal application to use the property as forced to confront the gap between our case. Just a few weeks ago, the a mosque and prepared to participate my own deep faith in the ideals of judge refused. So now our case goes in the public hearings which were American democracy and the evident forward. And their actions will be part of the process. injustice that was being done. There held up to the light, and they will be These were expected to be routine. are 18 houses of worship in Bridge- judged to see whether they comported They were anything but. water, none of them Islamic. The with two of the most important pillars Usually a handful of concerned township had passed a new ordinance of our democracy—religious tolerance neighbors would attend hearings like precisely to block the Al Falah Center. and equal justice. these. But some ill-informed people Many people at the gathering, includ- Al Falah will also tell its story, publicized the meeting and stirred up ing most poignantly, the children, which it will be proud to do. Members anti-Muslim prejudice. Four to 500 asked a very simple question: if every- of the community had been looking people came to the first scheduled one else in our town can have a place for a permanent home for religious meeting, so many that the hearing had of worship, why can’t we? worship for years. They found the to be cancelled and moved to another At the same time, the experience perfect property, the old Redwood location weeks later. At the later was exhilarating because I saw how Inn that was being rented out as a public meetings even more people much lawyers can touch the lives of banquet hall for weddings, political showed up. The hostility was pal- their clients and how we can help fundraisers, and religious worship, pable. Blatantly offensive words were make this “a more perfect union.” including some of yours. uttered. There were death threats on Although we had recently defeated The property came up for sale, a the Internet. the township’s motion to dismiss the contract was signed, and Al Falah Al Falah responded to these provo- case, everyone well understood that hired Archer & Greiner to guide it cations with restraint and dignity. The there was a long way to go. Yet the through the town’s approval process. township officials, however, as we gratitude was real, and it was warmly The goal was to make sure that the will prove in court, caved under the expressed. We were being thanked not application met all the requirements pressure. They hastily acted so they because we had “won” but because of the zoning laws so that Al Falah would not have to approve Al Falah’s we were so vigorously giving voice could use the property as a house of application. They changed the zoning in court to their story. And we were worship without the need to apply law so that a house of worship is no showing how that story fits within the for any variances. At the time, the longer a permitted use on the Red- larger story of American democracy. property was zoned so that a house wood Inn property. The following are my remarks: of worship was a permitted use on After the zoning law was changed, “You may wonder why your law- that property. Because traffic might Al Falah came to us, Arnold & Porter, yers have taken on this matter for free be raised as an issue, Al Falah hired a through the Asian-American Legal and have committed such significant traffic engineer who studied the traf- Defense Fund and the Brennan Center

26 Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 at NYU Law School, both of which are try was not perfect but that what is the willingness of people to sacrifice to still working on the case with us. important is the dedication, the com- make those words live. In a case like this, one of the first mitment, to strive for the ideals of Which brings me back to Al Falah things to address is: who will the this democracy, to get closer to those and the plaintiffs and all their sup- plaintiffs be? To be a plaintiff is not ideals, even if we cannot achieve them porters. You have shown a willingness an easy choice for a person to make. with perfection. to put yourselves on the line. If you You subject yourself to questioning And that is what this case is about, commit to trying to make this a more in the court process and, out of court, striving to reach the ideals of this coun- perfect union, you will achieve some- to hostility. Nonetheless, every per- try, to make the nation “more perfect.” thing very important regardless of the son whom we asked to sign on did I don’t need to tell you how dif- outcome of this particular case. so. Every one of them understood ficult that struggle is, especially now, In fact you already have. the importance of standing up to be after 9/11, and after real and justifi- You have helped bring this com- heard. able concerns about terrorism have munity together to support the cause That decision links those brave led in some quarters to unjustifiable of religious freedom. You have shown people to an important part of Ameri- bigotry against Muslims in general. skeptics that you can fight for your can history, which is the continuing But I do think it is important to say rights with dignity, with restraint, and struggle to create “a more perfect that, although the circumstances of within the best traditions of American union” — what the preamble of our each situation might be different, oth- law. Constitution says is its very purpose. Those who wrote our Constitution understood very well that people are not perfect and that our Constitution There are 18 houses of worship in Bridgewater, none of them would not make us perfect. What is important is striving towards the Islamic. The township had passed a new ordinance precisely goal—getting closer to the goal—the to block the Al Falah Center. Many people at the gathering, goal, in the words of the Constitution, including most poignantly, the children, asked a very simple of “establish[ing] Justice” and insur- question: if everyone else in our town can have a place of ing the “Blessings of Liberty.” worship, why can’t we? Seventy four years after those words were written, and 87 years after we declared independence from Great Britain, one of our greatest presidents, Abraham Lincoln, made the same ers have faced difficult struggles. Your case has brought your cause point in a speech less than 200 miles They were faced by my people, the to the attention of allies and potential from Bridgewater, in Gettysburg, Pa. Jewish People, who saw many in this allies. The U.S. Department of Justice He was consecrating a cemetery for country turn their backs and revile us has opened an investigation into the the fallen soldiers who died in a very even as we were being incinerated in behavior of the town officials. Some bloody battle during the Civil War. He Europe. time before our case began, the Anti- said that this nation was “conceived They were faced by Japanese Ameri- Defamation League sponsored an in Liberty and dedicated to the propo- can citizens who were incarcerated in interfaith coalition on mosques com- sition that all men are created equal.” camps on the West Coast during the prised of important Jewish, Catholic, He knew, in the midst of that terrible Second World War simply because they Protestant and Muslim leaders. That war, that that ideal had not been were of Japanese ancestry. group recently wrote a strong letter achieved. And so he asked the nation They were faced by black African- to the mayor of Bridgewater and the to dedicate itself to “the unfinished Americans whose ancestors were president of the town council sup- work” (that’s what he called it, the brought here in chains and who still porting your case. And there are more “unfinished work’) “which they who must deal with that terrible legacy. supporters; and there will be still oth- fought here have thus far so nobly And although they may have taken ers added. advanced.” And he asked the rest of different forms and with different levels Of course, we lawyers appreci- the nation—those still living, and I of intensity, many immigrant groups ate the thanks you are giving us for think he was also talking to future have faced similar challenges. undertaking this case. But no thank generations, all of us—to dedicate In all these cases, progress has been yous are required. A case like this is, ourselves to “the great task remain- made not simply because of the words after all, one of the things that makes ing” which was that there be “a new in our Constitution or Lincoln’s words our lives as lawyers most meaning- birth of freedom.” at Gettysburg. Those words would die ful and fulfilling—by participating in Lincoln understood, like the found- if they did not live in the hearts of the your attempt to uphold the ideals of ing fathers before him, that this coun- people. And they would die without American democracy.”

Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 27 Transgender Name Change Cases at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP Kathleen Cochrane* and Siaw Ching Lee In 2012, lawyers at Sullivan & ing supporting materials. The lawyer She anticipated needing to show her Cromwell LLP (“S&C”) worked with then makes a court appearance with diploma to prospective employers after the Transgender Legal Defense and the client at which the lawyer assists in graduating and wanted the diploma to Education Fund (“TLDEF”) on a pro addressing any questions the judge has include her new name. bono basis to assist transgendered about the petition and the client’s rea- For us, the best part of our work clients in changing their names to sons for seeking a name change. with TLDEF and the name change accord with their gender identity. S&C While the process of obtaining a project is assisting our clients to move lawyers have partnered with TLDEF name change for a transgender cli- beyond the label of a name that does on the name change project for the ent can be straightforward, we had not reflect who they are. Many clients last six years. Lawyers in our litiga- several complicated cases in 2012 that have described feeling that their new tion group and general practice group provided interesting challenges to our name gives them a fresh start in life. have participated, as have a number of lawyers. S&C associates Michael Reis* It would be difficult for many of these summer associates. 2012 proved to be a and Jeffrey Mason had a case in which clients to complete a name change on particularly eventful year, with nearly the client’s name had previously been their own, so it feels especially reward- 20 name changes taken on by lawyers administratively changed in connection ing to know that we can guide them at S&C. The process of completing a with a same-sex marriage in Massachu- throughout the process and help to name change involves working with setts. We also assisted several clients make a small change in their lives. We the client to prepare the name change with foreign birth certificates. In addi- hope to continue our involvement with petition, conducting research into any tion, we previously had a case where the name change project in the coming judgments, liens or criminal charges in a minor sought to change her name to years and to encourage other lawyers the client’s name, preparing the name conform with her gender identity prior to join us in assisting pro bono trans- change petition for filing and gather- to receiving her high school diploma. gendered clients. Pro Bono Counsel: A Key Link Between Law Firms and Legal Services Steven H. Schulman1 According to the American Law- from a variety of backgrounds (Stroock motivating lawyers to take pro bono yer, the 200 top-grossing firms in the Pro Bono Partner Kevin Curnin started matters. In this role, pro bono counsel United States provided nearly 5 mil- his career as an associate at the firm; work directly with legal services orga- lion hours of pro bono legal services Simpson Thacher hired Harlene nizations to solicit volunteers for a wide in 2011 (2012 data will not be available Katzman from Columbia Law School, variety of matters. An organization like, until July), representing a substantial where she was Assistant Dean for the for example, New York Lawyers for the increase in these firms’ commitment to Center of Public Interest Law; Weil’s Public Interest, will contact one or more pro bono service over the past decade. Miriam Buhl* came from the Greater of the pro bono counsel in New York Given this growth, large U.S. law firms New York Chapter of the March of when it needs to staff a matter, trust- have increasingly recognized the need Dimes). In all, more than 100 lawyers ing that the matter will be circulated to for full-time lawyers to lead and man- work full-time in pro bono manage- interested lawyers in the firm. Once a age their pro bono practices. In these ment roles in law firms, according to case is staffed, pro bono counsel serve days of dwindling funding for indigent data collected by the Association of Pro as a consistent line of communication legal services, pro bono counsel play Bono Counsel (APBCo), a membership with the legal services organization, an important role in providing private organization comprised of full time, ensuring continuity of representation resources to keep the justice gap from professional pro bono counsel and even if a lawyer working on a pro bono becoming a yawning chasm. coordinators employed by major com- matter leaves the firm. Full-time law firm pro bono lawyers mercial law firms. In addition to staffing more routine carry a variety of titles (Shearman & What these law firm pro bono law- matters, pro bono counsel work closely Sterling’s Saralyn Cohen* is “Pro Bono yers have in common is the responsi- with legal services organizations to Counsel and Director of Pro Bono”; bility for developing pro bono matters understand critical community needs Amanda Smith at Morgan Lewis is for their firms, acting as key liaisons and develop innovative partnerships simply “Pro Bono Partner”), and come to the public interest community, and Continued from page 29

28 Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 Pro Bono Work Provides Real World On Your Feet Learning Experience Moira Hare*, Associate, Ropes & Gray LLP 174 Pro Bono Hours Donated

As a junior We met with the client, sat on the While all clients have the ability associate, it’s not NYCHA customer service hotline, and to create stress with the expectations every day that I went down to NYCHA to copy her they hold for the work you do on draft a petition, tenant file pursuant to a FOIA request, their behalf, being responsible for file it with the all in an effort to untangle the perti- helping someone find a solution to a court, and then nent facts of her situation. This took an very serious, real, immediate problem enter into settle- unexpectedly long time and involved is a special kind of stress, even if it is ment negotia- unforeseen frustrations - includ- not on a day-to-day basis. Usually I tions with oppos- ing, most memorably, the need to go am somewhat insulated from client ing counsel. In around the corner to another office to demands and problems. They filter Hare fact, I’d never obtain the change necessary to make down to me through a layer of partner done any of these photocopies of her file, page by page. and senior associates and mid-levels, things until I started working on my I, rather optimistically, assumed and arrive in an antiseptic binder. In most recent pro bono case. That’s the that once we spoke to someone of this case, our client just phoned for first thing I can say about pro bono authority on the phone an update, with the implicit reminder work - it’s definitely a real world, on and explained the situation, and how that she wasn’t sure where she’d be your feet (or your phone), first-hand, there had clearly been an error and living next. legal learning experience. some miscommunication But in the end, was this case and This particular experience stemmed they would immediately take some the hopefully imminent positive reso- from a Section 8 housing subsidy case kind of action to sort out this mess for lution of it, one of the most satisfying referred by the Legal Aid Society. our client. I turned out to be wrong, things I’ve done in my brief career? The client required advocacy in deal- and we had to seek recourse in the Yes. We all have an interest in assur- ing with the New York City Housing court system. ing that the bureaucratic institutions Authority’s (NYCHA) leased housing I think rarely are clients perfect, of our communities operate in a office, and potentially the filing of an doing exactly what you advise them transparent and accountable manner. Article 78 petition. Despite our inex- to do, when you advise it, but some- Maybe a little bit of our work on this perience with Article 78 proceedings times pro bono work requires an case will contribute to that lofty goal, (even if it was on the NY state bar emphatic reminder that the circum- while the rest results in the humble exam, long erased from my memory), stances of your client may not mirror goal of a permanent mailing address I, along with another junior associate, your own. Did I mention that our cli- for our client. took on the case. ent was living in a homeless shelter?

Pro Bono Counsel: A Key Link Between Law Firms and Legal Services Continued from page 28 to address those problems. Accord- firms’ pro bono practices, the evalua- firm awards and nominating them for ingly, pro bono counsel provide valu- tion and approval of new matters, and external awards, including the Empire able insight into the law firm world the staffing (and re-staffing) of exist- State Counsel® Program. While few, for public interest lawyers looking to ing matters. Pro bono counsel ensure if any, lawyers take pro bono matters leverage these private resources to that the lawyers working within their to achieve recognition, awards give help their clients. practice group – often hundreds of prominence to lawyers’ dedication to Inside their firms, many pro bono lawyers every year, though typically pro bono, helping pro bono counsel to counsel act as practice managers, only a few with more than several recruit other lawyers to provide need- playing a role quite similar to the hundred hours – are properly evaluat- ed legal services to our communities’ heads of litigation or mergers & acqui- ed and recognized for their work. Pro most vulnerable members. sitions. Pro bono counsel are respon- bono counsel also help promote their sible for the strategic direction of their best pro bono lawyers, giving internal

1 Steven H. Schulman is the President-Elect of the Association of Pro Bono Counsel, and is the Pro Bono Partner at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, responsible for managing the firm-wide pro bono practice, including in the firm’s New York office.

Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 29 Successful Asylum Application Reunites a Family Steven C. Krause*, Associate, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP 292 Pro Bono Hours Donated

Davis Polk represented Mr. C. E., a That day, he sent us this message 41-year-old French-speaking native of “A big thank you to all of the team. the Republic of Congo, in connection What you have done is too big for with his successful asylum application me, I have found my smile again. I in the United States. am here with my children. I am living Mr. E. was targeted for his politi- again.” cal views. Prior to escaping from the We continue to provide his family Republic of Congo, he was abducted with legal support. With our assis- by state and paramilitary forces affili- tance, Mr. E. received his green card ated with the ruling party, once in 1998 in 2012, and we will assist his children and once in 2008. Subjected to brutal with their green card applications torture, including beatings and a near once they are eligible. execution, Mr. E. suffered severe physi- We are deeply moved by Mr. E., cal and emotional trauma. Mr. E.’s fam- energized by his perseverance, warm ily was also targeted by members of heart and positive outlook. Having the ruling party. In 1998, Mr. E.’s four nurtured his trust and grown close sisters were murdered. His partner, with him, we are delighted to see him the mother of his youngest child, was bloom into a cheerful, productive abducted and raped. She died attempt- member of our New York community. ing to abort the ensuing pregnancy. To his lawyers, he feels more like fam- From left to right: Davis Polk associate Mr. E. arrived in New York City in ily than a client! Steven C. Krause, Speak International March 2010, leaving his two young Mr. E. was not the only one to ben- translator Sarah Williams, Mr. C. E. and children in the custody of his pastor. efit, though, as providing him with his two children. We filed Mr. E.’s legal brief in March legal assistance was also a terrific 2011, arguing that the severity of his opportunity for our lawyers to devel- past persecution and his well-founded op their skills and receive additional fear that he would, on the basis of his training. past political beliefs, again be targeted Due to this experience, we have and subjected to further detention, forged stronger ties with some of the torture and possible execution, mer- other organizations assisting him, and coordinator Amy Rossabi, associates ited a grant of asylum. Mr. E. was have been compelled to further action. Steven C. Krause*, Arie Rubenstein*1 granted asylum on May 3, 2011. For example, the team collected toys and Aaron M. Weil, legal assistant In 2012, we prepared his children’s and winter clothes for distribution Sorina Delia Lazar, former associ- applications for derivative asylum and in support of Bellevue’s Survivors of ate Shingira Masanzu*2, former legal for visas. When Mr. E.’s pastor later Torture Program and Williamsbridge assistant Chelsea Zimmerman, and became ill, the urgency to bring them Family Inn, two programs that also former summer associate Britton here increased. We assisted Mr. E. in aided Mr. E. Kovachevich. Translation services obtaining funding, and his children The Davis Polk team included were provided by Sarah Williams of arrived just two weeks later. counsel David B. Toscano, pro bono Speak International.

1 arie Rubenstein donated 125 pro bono hours 2 Shingira Masanzu donated 97 pro bono hours

30 Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 First Time Participants in the Empire State Counsel® Program

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP Goldfarb & Fleece LLP Baurkot & Baurkot Hinman Straub PC Bevan Mosca Giuditta & Zarillo PC Jurisconsultus Bowditch & Dewey LLP Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP Calihan Law PLLC Lowenstein Sandler PC Ciric Law Firm PLLC Oberdier Ressmeyer LLP Cooley LLP Pepper Hamilton LLP Cozen O’Connor Perkins Coie LLP Criscione Ravala & Tabatchouk LLP St. Claire & Associates Cushing & Dolan PC Redgrave LLP DeConcini McDonald Yetwin & Lacy PC Shook Hardy & Bacon LLP Direction International Patent Trademark & Law Office Stagg Terenzi Confusione & Wabnik LLP Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP The Lagoe Law Firm Duane Morris LLP The Wolf Law Group PC Film and Business Law LLP Veneruso Curto Schwartz & Curto LLP Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer US LLP Villanueva & Sanchala General Electric Capital-Americas

A Pro Bono Opportunities Guide For Lawyers in New York State Online!

Looking to volunteer? This easy-to-use guide will help you find the right opportunity. You can search by county, by subject area, and by population served. A collaborative project of the New York City Bar Justice Center, the New York State Bar Association and Volunteers of Legal Service.

You can find the Opportunities Guide on the Pro Bono Net Web site at www.probono.net, through the New York State Bar Association Web site at www.nysba.org/probono, through the New York City Bar Justice Center’s NEW YORK Web site at www.nycbar.org, and through the Volunteers of Legal Service STATE BAR Web site at www.volsprobono.org. ASSOCIATION

Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 31 Distinguished 2012 Empire State Counsel® Award Recipients

Jerome Lawton Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom LLP Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom LLP Silver Sponsor 2012 Empire State Counsel® Peter Zimroth Arnold & Porter LLP Proskauer Silver Sponsor Sullivan & Cromwell LLP 2012 Empire State Counsel® Platinum Sponsor 2012 Empire State Counsel® White & Case LLP Bronze Sponsor Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP 2012 Empire State Counsel® Gold Sponsor 2012 Empire State Counsel® Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP Bronze Sponsor 2012 Empire State Counsel®

Jerome Lawton to concentration camps (where they up when their claims were denied, were forced to work for the Germans even though they needed additional Donated 1,055 Hours and often then murdered). Many of financial assistance and could be Counsel, Skadden Arps Slate Meagher the survivor clients represented by entitled to compensation. Under Mr. & Flom LLP Skadden lawyers were teenagers when Lawton’s leadership, Skadden law- Jerome Lawton their families were placed in ghettos yers and legal assistants continue to leads a program after the war began. Because these provide the necessary assistance to at Skadden’s New young adults were able to work, they enable such victims to file claims and York office to help survived, whereas the vast majority of receive the benefits to which they are Holocaust survi- their parents were killed by the Nazis. entitled under these programs. The vors file – and if The “GGWP” program provides a reparations payments that Holocaust need be follow up one-time payment of 2,000 Euros to survivors represented by Skadden’s on – applications such “workers” who were confined to New York lawyers have obtained from to obtain one- ghettos during the War. The “ZRBG” the GGWP and ZRBG programs have time payments, program provides a monthly pension exceeded $100,000 annually. annual pensions, and “back payment” to ghetto “work- Mr. Lawton has done an invaluable and increases to ers” who meet the requisite standards. job in personally handling many cases existing pensions that are available to The payments to survivors are based for Holocaust survivors seeking pay- victims of Nazi persecution who were on recent German legislation and court ments from the German government, confined in European ghettos dur- decisions that permit both a GGWP and in providing advice to numerous ing World War II. Skadden, with Mr. payment and the ZRBG payments to other lawyers in the New York office Lawton acting as the fulcrum, is also survivors who performed “voluntary” who are also representing Holocaust the coordinating firm for several other labor in Nazi-formed ghettos during survivors – as well as in his coordinat- New York firms that also assist victims World War II. For example, to qualify ing efforts by lawyers at other law to obtain relief under these programs. for a pension, an applicant must prove firms. Mr. Lawton and the lawyers For the past five years, teams of Skad- that (s)he “voluntarily” worked in he has mentored continue to secure den lawyers and legal assistants have a ghetto in a country occupied or substantial amounts for many of their been meeting with survivors, filing incorporated by the Third Reich and clients – often, only after submitting applications, responding to questions received some form of compensation appeals from initial adverse rulings. from the German authorities, and ap- – such as an additional potato or scrap Mr. Lawton and others with whom he pealing adverse decisions. of food. has worked were also instrumental The Nazis began forming ghettos Because the relevant legislation, in Chancellor Merkel’s decision to in 1939 by forcing Jews into contained court decisions, and application eliminate the deadline for the filing of sections of cities. The Jews confined to process can be extremely confusing certain claims by Holocaust survivors. ghettos were usually moved within a to unrepresented survivors, many of short period of time to work camps or them declined to file claims or gave

32 Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 Peter L. Zimroth that could proceed in federal court. Davis Polk & Following completion of discovery, Donated 1,022 Hours United States District Judge Michael Wardwell LLP Partner, Arnold & Porter LLP Shipp in November 2012 heard oral Gold Sponsor argument on Al Falah Center’s motion Peter Zimroth has been engaged in 2012 Empire State Counsel® Program for a preliminary injunction. A deci- pro bono work Seventy-Nine Attorneys Provided Four- sion is pending. Mr. Zimroth argued throughout his teen Thousand Four Hundred Seventeen both motions for Al Falah Center. career. Currently Hours of Free Legal Service he serves as lead Mr. Zimroth leads the Arnold & counsel to Al Porter team in this representation. Pro bono work has always been Falah Center, a Arnold & Porter LLP serves as co- a core responsibility of Davis Polk & Muslim congre- counsel with The Brennan Center for Wardwell LLP and its lawyers. Davis gation located Justice, the Asian American Legal De- Polk has a long and distinguished in Bridgewater, fense and Education Fund, and Archer history of providing pro bono le- New Jersey, in & Greiner. Without the support of pro gal services to those who could not litigation against bono counsel, Al Falah Center would otherwise obtain representation, and the Township of not have been able to afford the costs dedicates considerable resources to its Bridgewater for religious discrimina- of developing a mosque and Islamic pro bono program. Over the past year tion and civil rights violations under community center and the costs of our work has included: representing the federal and state constitutions and litigating its rights to do so. low and middle-income homeowners relevant statutes. After years of search- against mortgage scammers, success- ing for a suitable site on which to Sullivan & fully defending Legal Aid in a case establish a house of worship, day care, challenging the City’s right to assign religious school and community center Cromwell LLP cases to other providers of indigent for congregants in the area, members Platinum Sponsor defense when conflicts arise; negotiat- of the Al Falah board identified a for- 2012 Empire State Counsel® Program ing a settlement to avert homelessness mer banquet hall as an ideal location Eighty-One Attorneys Provided Eighteen in youths as they are discharged from and worked with Township officials to Thousand Six Hundred Ten Hours of Free foster care; aiding victims of domestic develop a site plan for renovation that Legal Service violence obtain divorces from their meet all zoning requirements. When batterers; representing workers in opponents of the project fomented wage and hour violations against their anti-Muslim hysteria, the Township Sullivan & Cromwell LLP is com- employers; obtaining U visa and green officials rushed through changes to mitted to the communities in which cards for many crime victims; gaining the local zoning laws, transforming Al we practice, to those unable to afford asylum for seven individuals fleeing Falah’s proposed site, where a house legal representation, and to the legal persecution in their home countries; of worship had been a conditionally profession itself. We seek to maintain drafting policy papers on human permitted use for over 40 years, into this role of corporate and social leader- rights issues; serving as counsel for one on which houses of worship are ship by supporting pro bono work and four microfinance organizations; and no longer a permitted use. Though the creating partnerships outside the Firm providing IP, tax and corporate advice Township cited concerns over traffic, a that promote legal justice and equal- to numerous non-profit organizations. traffic analysis had been prepared and ity of conditions. The Firm regularly showed that Al Falah’s proposed plan represents clients on a pro bono basis will not adversely affect local traffic. in significant matters and has also Both a Township traffic consultant undertaken important community and a County official had reviewed building and community service ef- the analysis and did not dispute its forts. The Firm’s lawyers work on a conclusions. wide variety of pro bono matters that cover issues ranging from criminal ap- In July 2011, United States District peals and constitutional law to asylum Judge Joel Pisano denied the Town- and domestic violence. In addition, ship’s motion to dismiss the com- our lawyers serve on boards of more plaint, finding thatA l Falah Center’s than 300 not-for-profit philanthropic, complaint presented a facial challenge cultural, educational and civic organi- to the zoning ordinance amendment zations.

Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 33 Skadden Arps Slate Proskauer White & Case LLP Meagher & Flom LLP Silver Sponsor Bronze Sponsor Silver Sponsor 2012 Empire State Counsel® Program 2012 Empire State Counsel® Program ® Eighty-Five Attorneys Provided Thirteen Forty-Nine Attorneys Provided Eleven 2012 Empire State Counsel Program Thousand Two Hundred Eighty Hours of Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty-Seven Sixty-Three Attorneys Provided Thirteen Free Legal Service Hours of Free Legal Service Thousand Seven Hundred Sixty Seven Hours of Free Legal Service Proskauer, founded in 1875, is an White & Case has a long history international law firm providing a of pro bono and is one of the largest Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher wide variety of legal services to clients providers of pro bono legal services in & Flom LLP and affiliates strongly worldwide from offices in Beijing, the world. In 2010 we named pro bono encourages its lawyers, summer as- Boca Raton, Boston, Chicago, Hong one of our 14 global practices. This sociates, and legal assistants to do pro Kong, London, Los Angeles, New Or- step puts pro bono work on par with bono work for those individuals and leans, New York, Newark, Paris, São our commercial practices in the leader- groups unable to afford legal services. Paulo, and Washington, DC. ship, focus and management that we The firm is a charter signatory to the Proskauer is proud of its robust bring to bear. Under the leadership of Law Firm Pro Bono Challenge, pledg- pro bono program offering significant Brussels partner and EU law litigator ing to commit time equivalent to at opportunities to lawyers at every level Ian Forrester, QC, our Global Pro Bono least 3% of its annual billable hours of experience in each of our offices Practice focuses on three areas – pro- to work on pro bono matters. In 2012, and practice departments. The clients viding access to justice, promoting the New York office lawyers and summer we help include community groups, rule of law and serving the world’s associates reached 5.3% of time billed. refugees seeking asylum, domestic leading non-governmental organiza- Firm wide, Skadden attorneys and violence victims, artists and musicians, tions. More than 100 partners world- summer Holocaust survivors, and lesbian, gay, wide serve as Pro Bono Leaders who associates recorded 146,451 hours of bisexual and transgender individuals help guide and develop the practice. pro bono legal work in 2012. among many others. Our lawyers have Pro bono is the centerpiece of our Deeply ingrained in the firm’s also played a crucial role in shaping social responsibility initiative, which culture, our lawyers’ and summer as- important issues such as gender rights, we introduced in 2009. Our social re- sociates’ pro bono work provides vital voting rights, prisoner rights and reli- sponsibility programs also encompass help to a wide variety of individuals gious freedoms. our legal education work – such as our and organizations in need of legal Our motto is “Doing Well, by Doing sponsorship of the Philip C. Jessup assistance. Skadden attorneys regu- Good.” We believe that introducing International Law Moot Court Com- larly assist those seeking asylum in associates to pro bono work early in petition - and our volunteer programs, the United States in their attempts to their careers will help instill in them a charitable contributions and Green escape persecution due to religious or commitment to integrating this work Initiative. political beliefs, or sexual orientation. into their professional lives. We view One of the distinctive features of Attorneys also handle cases of wrong- pro bono as an opportunity to not only White & Case is its global footprint. ful imprisonment and prosecution, positively impact another life, but also An important aspect of our pro housing disputes, and family law, and for personal and professional develop- bono strategy is to offer cross-border frequently provide legal advice to non- ment. Pro bono allows our lawyers to projects that give all our lawyers profit organizations and artists. For work together while making a differ- the opportunity to work on interna- the third consecutive year, Skadden ence in the communities where they tional issues regardless of where they was recognized as one of Law360’s Pro live and work. work. Half of our lawyers worldwide Bono Firms of 2012, due to the firm’s A significant number of our law- worked on a pro bono matter in 2012, work on cases ranging from securing yers participate in our pro bono pro- giving on average about 74 hours of asylum for a Palestinian man who had gram, dedicating thousands of hours their time to important causes. They been tortured by Hamas to having a to pro bono clients each year. Lawyers researched the penal practices in ten death sentence for a Mississippi man take on pro bono matters according European countries that affect home- vacated. In 2012, the firm received spe- to their individual interests and can less people and communities. They cial awards from Lawyers’ Alliance for choose a case from any of the referral surveyed laws and regulations in New York (whose Cornerstone Award agencies with which the firm partners eight countries relating to domestic had never before been awarded twice or they can suggest a matter of their workers’ rights and enforcement of to the same firm) and the LegalA id own design. standards to assess compliance with Society. We are thrilled and honored to be the ILO Convention 189: Decent Work selected as the recipient of the Empire for Domestic Workers. They provided State Counsel Silver Supporter Award. an overview of children’s rights and

34 Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 inhumane sentencing of children in Weil Gotshal & to assisting small business owners, nine countries. nonprofits and microentrepreneurs The highlights of our work in 2012 Manges LLP with the assistance of the New York were creating a human trafficking case Bronze Sponsor City Bar Association’s Neighborhood law database and our criminal appeals Entrepreneur Law Project, Start Small 2012 Empire State Counsel® Program initiative. In a project for the United Think Big, Lawyers Alliance for New Forty-Nine Attorneys Provided Eleven Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, York, Volunteers of Legal Service, New Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty-Seven more than 175 lawyers across 24 offic- York Lawyers in the Public Interest, es researched and summarized human Hours of Free Legal Service and other pro bono clearinghouses. In trafficking case law in more than 150 2012, Weil hosted its seventh annual countries to create a comprehensive, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP has a Not-for-Profit Board Governance worldwide online database of human deep commitment to pro bono that is Symposium to help charitable orga- trafficking court cases. In the US, we an ingrained part of the firm’s culture. nizations better understand emerging increased our work on criminal ap- Weil’s pro bono program reflects the best practices and regulatory develop- peals matters, expanding our practice belief that providing free legal services ments and handle increased tensions from 4 matters in 2011 to 16 in 2012. to those most vulnerable and in need and risks associated with our challeng- We believe pro bono work is an is an essential element of the firm’s ing economy, government regulations excellent way to accelerate a young relationship with the community and effective not-for-profit gover- lawyer’s training and development. and a vital professional obligation of nance. The firm’s New York office All first-year and summer associates every Weil lawyer. Many of Weil’s also fields a powerful housing team are assigned at least one pro bono mat- institutional clients share the firm’s in partnership with The Legal Aid ter. We encourage all our lawyers to commitment and actively work with Society through which attorneys from propose pro bono matters to the Firm. the firm on initiatives in a number all departments represent low-income To read more about our pro bono of areas, including criminal justice New Yorkers at risk of homelessness. work and social responsibility initia- reform, human rights, community and In 2012, Weil joined Legal Aid on two tives, and to view our 2011 Social economic development, children’s major class actions to assert the rights Responsibility Review, please visit welfare, civil and constitutional rights, of over 16,000 low-income families www.whitecase.com/about/social- health and environmental issues, and who were threatened with eviction. responsibility. asylum and immigration. Included in Weil is justifiably proud of its time Weil’s broad repertoire of pro bono spent on pro bono matters, which the service, the firm’s New York attor- firm calls “Our finest hours.” neys devote many pro bono hours

Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 35 2012 Empire State Counsel® Photo Gallery

A. Thomas Levin viewed as a burden. It is truly an Reshma Shah 72 Pro Bono Hours honor to be able to provide assistance 100+ Pro Bono Hours I perform pro to those in need, and I view my ability I partake Pro bono because to practice law as a gift that I choose Bono work pro bono service to share. because the legal is the obligation field is so of every attor- Marilyn (Moriah) Tebor Shaw difficult to ney, and a fair 95 Pro Bono Hours navigate espe- exchange for the I serve the cially for those privilege public through who do not granted to each pro bono legal speak English as of us to practice work because I their first our profession. view my law language, are A civil society cannot function without license as a elderly or just do not have the means everyone having access to the legal sacred trust to hire counsel. In order for the justice system, regardless of means or ability given to me by system to work, everyone needs fair to pay. It is in the interests of all the State of New access to help. Attorneys who do pro attorneys to make sure that such York to practice bono work help create a more bal- access is available to all. law on behalf of anced world. citizens of this State. As lawyers, we Claire P. Gutekunst are in a unique position to help those Major Guneet Chaudhary 55 Pro Bono Hours less fortunate than ourselves navigate 70 Pro Bono Hours Providing pro the vicissitudes of life as they relate to I am an Ex-Cal- bono services is their legal affairs. I believe it is our vary officer of both personally obligation to do so whether or not the Indian Army and profession- people have the means to pay us for and an attorney. ally rewarding. our services. Being an Ex- It lets me help Serviceman, I people who Most recently in 2012, I have been provide free need legal privileged to help through the efforts legal services to assistance to of the NYSBA to try and ease the former army provide for their hardship of New Yorkers downstate personnel in basic needs. It who have been affected by Super- civil matters also allows me to work with and learn storm Sandy. At times of natural disas- who cannot afford an attorney. I also from talented attorneys in new and ter like this, it is so rewarding to be do volunteer legal work on behalf of challenging areas of law. able to offer some assistance to people, Indian women who have been di- who through no fault of their own vorced by their husbands or who have Jamie R. Dyce find themselves in dire circumstances. been sexually assaulted. 250 Pro Bono Hours This is what lawyers can do and, in I believe that my opinion, should do for the public. I consider it my moral duty to provide every attorney As Marian Wright Edelman said at my pro bono service to people who has an obliga- daughter’s graduation from high cannot afford the high cost of litiga- tion to perform school a number of years ago, “Com- tion in India. pro bono munity service is the rent we pay for services because living.” That statement has remained we each possess with me as a great summation in a unique and words of what my parents, Lea and special skill set Leonard Tebor, and my legal mentor, J. which enables Coyne O’Brien, Esq. of Rochester us to help others showed me with their deeds. I am in ways that we simply would not be grateful that my profession allows me able to without a law degree. The to follow in all of their footsteps. obligation, however, should not be

36 Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 Victor Stephen Ramirez Roberta Ann Arnone Robert Selya 126 Pro Bono Hours 50 Pro Bono Hours 52 Pro Bono Hours I am very In these finan- Attorney Jimmy honored to be cially trying Lathrop* is the recognized by times, it is Director of the my peers for the important to Brooklyn Bar assistance I remember the Association’s provide to our working poor Foreclosure community. I am and middle class Intervention happy knowing who routinely project. He that the people I suffer so many recruited me and help see me as a expenses. has mentored me resource in the Anything we can since I volun- community. Not only are we trying to do as lawyers to assist our neighbors teered for the Project in 2010. I am help the community navigate the court and those generally ineligible for free deeply grateful for his guidance. system, but we are directly helping services is helping to restore the displaced families, abused women and promise of America. Rachel Ehrlich Albanese children, non-English speakers and 125 Pro Bono Hours underprivileged individuals take Morton L. Gitter Quite simply, I action legally through our court 550 Pro Bono Hours like to perform system. I am proud to be a part of GE Having retired pro bono service where we are encouraged to volunteer after almost fifty because it is and make an impact to our local years in practice, rewarding for me community. I continue as a on a personal volunteer level and for my Brandon T. Morris attorney for the clients. I like to 68+Pro Bono Hours past five years be able to assist My pro bono with The Legal people who need work focuses Aid Society, City help but can’t principally on Bar Justice afford it. helping nonprof- Center, Queens it organizations Volunteer Lawyers Project and other Peter J. Glennon apply for and groups. It gives me immense personal 57 Pro Bono Hours maintain tax satisfaction to help those who cannot Performing pro exempt status. It afford a lawyer to deal with their bono work is not is rewarding to personal problems such as credit card only a profes- assist these fledg- debt and related consumer matters, sional responsi- ling organiza- personal bankruptcy and mortgage bility, but it is a tions in taking a major step achieving foreclosures. I feel privileged in being personal respon- their charitable, educational, or other able to make this contribution which is sibility and a goals. beneficial to the less fortunate and also civic duty. enhances our profession. Without each Michael J. Sciotti other there is no 125 Pro Bono Hours Timothy W. Hoover community. It is simply the 277 Pro Bono Hours right thing to do! There is a Raymond LaHoud continuing, vast 340 Pro Bono Hours unmet need for Serving the basic civil legal community services for through pro struggling New bono assistance Yorkers. Every is a bedrock prin- lawyer should do ciple when one is his or her part, an attorney. My and try to do service is not more. only because I want to do it, but, ethically, I, like all other attorneys am required to help others.

Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013 37 Emily Zhao Julian C. Glatt Kelechi Ogbuzuo 65+ Pro Bono Hours 420 Pro Bono Hours 60+ Pro Bono Hours I take the As with many divorce attorneys the I have a strong opportunity of understanding that the system sense of justice providing pro despite competent judges - is broken and I believe bono assistance lingers; and the need to do something that people in to persons in to restore faith in the system at an the pursuit of need of legal individual level is particularly acute. justice, should services who Doing pro bono gives mean the have the oppor- cannot afford change to bring meaning to a client tunity to be them as not only who is experiencing a difficult life. heard and an obligation, should have but also as a privilege of being a J. Machelle Sweeting informed legal licensed attorney. 50 Pro Bono Hours counsel. Volunteering is my way of “Justice, justice, contributing to my community, plus Howard M. Adelsberg shall thou the experience is well worth the time. 74 Pro Bono Hours pursue.” The Giving back to value of pro Louis Brett Goldman your fellow bono service is 51 Pro Bono Hours citizens who are priceless. It gives I have taken part in need is a civic a voice to the in the New York duty. Society is voiceless and State Unified better served access to our Court’s Access to when we help court system to Justice Program our neighbors. those who might because I We should otherwise be denied justice. Providing recognize that always strive to pro bono services allows the sign many New help those who above the doorway of justice to read: Yorkers do not need assistance but are without means “All may enter!” have the resourc- to pay for the help they need. es to afford the Gary Elias legal help that we all deserve. By Andy I. Chen 75 Pro Bono Hours volunteering in Housing Court help 115 Pro Bono Hours I donate my pro centers throughout New York, I have I do pro bono bono hours the opportunity to help pro se litigants work at a drafting Ad- understand their legal problems. homeless shelter vanced Direc- More importantly, it gives the people a for military tives and Wills chance to talk with someone, espe- veterans. Many for military cially someone that will hear their of the veterans personnel being trials and tribulations, and help them feel that their deployed figure out the best solution for their legal problems oversees. I also dilemmas. are insurmount- perform this able; but in service for local reality, for a military families and retirees at Fort lawyer their problems are easily Hamilton Army base in Brooklyn. If a resolved. By helping them I gain person can put themselves in harm’s experience and a veteran who has way, the least I can do is provide legal served our county can have a better services. life. I see it as a win-win situation.

38 Pro Bono News/Special Edition 2013

New York State Bar Association PRSRT STD pro bono department U.S. Postage Paid One Elk Street, Albany, New York 12207-1002 Albany, N.Y. Permit No. 155 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED