2013 ANNUAL REPORT Celebrating the 45th Anniversary of the Lawyers’ Committee

LAWYERS’ COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE SERVING GREATER SINCE 1968 LAWYERS’ COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

CONTENTS MISSION AND HISTORY

2 Mission And History he Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Economic Justice is a 3 Message from the Executive Tprivate, non-profit, non-partisan organization formed to marshal Director the resources of the legal community to address racial and national origin discrimination throughout . For 45 years, the Lawyers’ 4-5 Economic Justice Project Committee has worked to safeguard the civil, social, and economic 6-7 Equal Employment rights of our constituency. We handle impact litigation as well as legal Opportunity Project actions on behalf of individuals. We also engage in community economic 8-9 Health Disparities Project development, community education, and public advocacy. 10 Education Law Project The National Lawyers’ Committee was established in 1963 at the request Voting Rights Project of President John F. Kennedy to involve the private bar in providing legal 11 Other Forms of representation to address racial discrimination. The Boston Lawyers’ Discrimination Committee was founded in 1968 as the first of what are now eight local Convening of the Lawyers’ affiliates of the Washington-based National Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Committee Affiliates Rights Under Law. In 1973, the Lawyers’ Committee became the first 12-13 2013 Annual Reception pro bono project of the Boston Bar Association and was the only Lawyers’ Committee in the nation affiliated with a major bar association. Although 14 Who Seeks Our Help: The Lawyers’ Committee’s the organization is now separately incorporated with its own 501(c)(3) Intakes tax-exempt status, the Lawyers’ Committee continues to maintain very strong ties to the private bar. 15 Member Firm Contributions Membership by private law firms in the Lawyers’ Committee still forms Individual and Non- the working foundation of the organization. These member firms fund Member Firm more than 60% of our annual operating expenses and provide million of Contributions dollars in pro bono legal services by co-counseling with the organization’s Grants legal staff. In this way, the Lawyers’ Committee has for decades harnessed 16-17 Co-Counsel and Pro Bono the resources and legal talent of Boston’s law firms to secure the civil Volunteers rights of area residents. 18 Collaborations with Other Organizations The Lawyers’ Committee has also grown, adding new projects and initiatives to fit the changing face of discrimination. While working 19 New and Outgoing Board Members closely with an ever-increasing number of community partners, it has always remained true to its core mission to challenge discrimination. Subcommittees 20 Member Firms and Organizations Regarding the Cover 2013 Board Members Memorial Service for slain civil rights activist Medgar Evers at the Emeritus Board Members Boston Commons on June 26th, 1963, two weeks after his death. 21 Awards, Fellows, Interns (Associated Press) 22 2013 Staff

2 LAWYERS’ COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

013 was the 45th Anniversary of the Lawyers’ Sadly, many challenging barriers 2Committee. For four and a half decades, the Lawyers’ to inclusion remain. 2013 was Committee, its partners in the private bar, its coalition marked by a lack of affordable colleagues, and its sponsors have challenged all forms of housing, essentially segregated race and national origin discrimination. I am inspired by public schools, a devastating the long list of people who then and now have worked school to prison pipeline, the zealously with this organization to foster equality. mass incarceration of minorities, harsh anti-immigrant sentiment, It is only natural on an anniversary such as this to reflect and other harmful forms of on the reasons why the organization was formed and discrimination. The need for an organization like ours is how the mission is implemented today. In so doing, still apparent. we created a Founders Award recognizing the important spirit of social responsibility shown by our founders who 2013 was also the 50th anniversary of the tragic slaying of responded to the crisis in race relations by creating the civil rights activist Medgar Evers on June 12. The photo- Lawyers’ Committee. They built an organization that has graph on the cover, taken two weeks later at a memorial been a force for social justice over the last 45 years. service on the Boston Commons, is a reminder of the ter- rible hatred that is an inextricable part of discrimination. As this report shows, the Lawyers’ Committee remains The photograph is also, however, a reminder of the power committed to the same vision of an equitable society and of a community coming together as a force for change. spirit of partnership. Our member firms provide financial The Lawyers’ Committee is grateful to the individuals and support and the valuable expertise of their volunteer organizations noted in this report for their support and attorneys. We are lucky to have a dedicated staff and continued commitment to racial justice. strong relationships with other non-profit organizations. Together, we have challenged discrimination, economic Norma P. D’Apolito, Executive Director injustice, health status disparities, and more.

Lawyers’ Committee Staff (left to right): Laura Maslow-Armand, Jessica Sommer, Sarah Gautier, Rahsaan Hall, Sasha Kopf, Michael Perez, and Kendra Sena. 3 LAWYERS’ COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

BELIN ECONOMIC JUSTICE PROJECT

ince 2001, the Belin Economic Justice Project (EJP) technical assistance providers to present on topics such Shas assisted individuals in low-income, minority as business planning, marketing and social media, communities to create and expand their small businesses. accounting, access to capital, and legal basics. We held two By assisting entrepreneurs with legal matters that must seminars in 2013 and helped 40 entrepreneurs learn basic be addressed in order for businesses to grow and increase fundamentals to launch their businesses. A few graduates wealth in their communities, EJP contributes to the of the seminar have recently launched or expanded their Lawyers’ Committee’s efforts to promote racial equality, businesses with the help of pro bono representation from economic opportunity, and social justice. EJP Director member firms. Jess Sommer and EJP Staff Attorney Sarah Gautier collaborate with member firms and various community Haley House organizations to reach out to entrepreneurs in under- n 2013, EJP, Goodwin Procter’s Neighborhood served communities. IBusiness Initiative (NBI), and Haley House Bakery Typically, EJP and our partners offer workshops that Café, a neighborhood café in the Dudley Square present business legal basics, including entity formation, community, teamed up to offer two successful workshops contracts, leases, and employment law. Following a legal at the Haley House Bakery Café. In May, the NBI workshop, EJP and member firms host business legal team held a general legal workshop to provide advice clinics which give small businesses and entrepreneurs an on protecting and growing a business. In fall 2013, a opportunity to speak one-on-one with an attorney about follow-up workshop was held that was more tailored to their businesses’ legal needs. In 2013, EJP and partner entrepreneurs starting a food service or catering business firms held workshops and clinics throughout Greater and the importance of contracts and client expectations Boston, including Dorchester, Roxbury, Chinatown, in this context. EJP provided additional resources to Jamaica Plain, and Lowell. strengthen the partnership.

In addition, EJP expanded our regular programming Pro Bono Clients to address on-going concerns of entrepreneurs in the ue largely to these new initiatives and ongoing communities that we serve. These new initiatives include collaborations with strong community partners, a seven-week business basics seminar and industry-specific D EJP saw a rise in the number of pro bono clients in 2013. programming. Last year, member firms represented about 40 small businesses with a variety of legal business issues. While “Create Your Own Job” Seminar we get our referrals from many sources, Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Community Development Corp. n 2013, EJP launched a partnership with the Urban provided a large number of viable small businesses for pro League of Eastern Massachusetts in response to I bono assistance. For example, Ropes & Gray advised a both organizations’ concerns with the high levels of Jamaica Plain house cleaning business about employment unemployment and underemployment in Greater Boston’s issues. Mintz Levin assisted on a potential purchase of black community. To address these issues, EJP launched a a popular Ethiopian restaurant in Boston. Examples “Create Your Own Job” seminar for individuals who have abound of business owners and entrepreneurs, who skills, experience, and ideas to start their own businesses. could not afford an attorney, receiving great advice and EJP partnered with Latham & Watkins and various assistance from our volunteer attorneys. 4 LAWYERS’ COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

EJP Pro Bono Client Demographics

Women Men 5% 24 5% 3% 28% 18

12 23% African American Latino/a 6 European American / Caucasian Indian 38% Carribean American 0 2013 Other

Small Business Profiles

Tierra Petrus, an African American woman, is the founder of Peace of Haven, LLC. Peace of Haven manufactures and sells luxury soaps. In fall 2013, Tierra was part of our Create Your Own Job Seminar held at Northeastern University Law School in partnership with Latham and Watkins and the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts. After she completed the Seminar, Tierra needed ongoing assistance with product labeling for her soaps. The Economic Justice Project placed her with Goodwin Procter for pro bono assistance. Peace of Haven manufactures and sells luxury soaps throughout Boston, MA.

Lorita Williams, an African American woman, is the founder of Accelerated College Experiences, Inc. (ACE). ACE’s mission is to teach students how to be self-directed and to complete high school and college with excellence as measured by a GPA of 3.0 or higher. In fall 2013, Lorita was part of our Create Your Own Job Seminar held again at Northeastern University Law School in partnership with Latham and Watkins and the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts. After she ACE offers classes for students to help them complete high completed the Seminar, Lorita realized that she school and prepare for college. needed further assistance drafting contracts between her trainers/coaches and other vendors. She reached out to the Lawyers’ Committee and EJP was able to place her with Latham & Watkins for pro bono assistance.

5 LAWYERS’ COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY PROJECT

he Lawyers’ Committee is committed Tto rooting out discrimination in the workplace through the efforts of its Equal Employment Opportunity Project. Discrimination in hiring, pay, promotion, and termination unfairly disadvantages minorities. Historically, this project has represented employees in claims against employers for disparate treatment and unfair practices. Beginning in 2012, we expanded our focus to reach immigrant communities of color through our Low-Wage Immigrant Worker Project.

We challenge all forms of racial, national Staff Attorney Laura Maslow-Armand meeting with clients in an origin, religious, and sexual discrimination employment discrimination case against the City of Boston. in both public and private workplaces. Since its inception, our Equal Employment roofing company. The cases involved numerous claims, including Opportunity Project has been on the failure to promote, unfair termination, and hostile work environment. forefront of upholding federal and state In the course of the past year, we developed arguments to support a fair employment practices statutes though variety of cutting-edge theories, such as post-termination retaliation, litigation as well as advocating for the associational discrimination, and reliance on biased informants. expansion of workplace protections. We are grateful to all the firms who co-counseled cases with us in In 2013, the Lawyers’ Committee provided 2013, including, Bingham McCutchen, who continued to devote pro bono representation to 28 individual considerable resources to vigorously handling an ongoing ten-year race victims of employment discrimination as employment discrimination case against the Boston Police Department. well as a group of immigrant factory workers. The Project also benefited enormously from the involvement of students The employers ranged from a prosperous enrolled in Employment Civil Rights Clinic suburban movie theater chain to a small taught by Board member Steve Churchill.

Settlement on Behalf of Victim of National Origin Discrimination

The Equal Employment Opportunity Project is grateful to Board member Edward J. Barshak and Jeffrey S. Stern both of Sugarman, Rogers, Barshak & Cohen who co-counseled and helped to settle favorably a five- year long suit of national origin discrimination and hostile work environment on behalf of a blue-collar worker of mixed Asian and Hispanic origin who was terminated unjustly by a major national company.

6 LAWYERS’ COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

Low-Wage Immigrant Worker Project

his year marked the first anniversary of the Lawyers’ protections for employees, immigrant workers are often TCommittee’s Low-Wage Immigrant Worker Project. treated as if those protections do not apply to them. The project aims to address an unmet need in immigrant Many workers are uninformed about their rights or fear communities of color by providing free legal counsel in that they lack the immigration status, education, language employment discrimination matters. abilities, or money to vindicate their rights; they often face threats of reprisal for complaining of unjust conditions. Massachusetts is home to approximately 950,000 immigrants. Recent immigrants are disproportionately In its inaugural year, coordinator Kendra Sena provided employed in low-wage work, including construction, direct representation to 15 Spanish-speaking clients who grounds cleaning and maintenance, restaurant work, had experienced discrimination in the workplace due to and manufacturing. Such realities leave immigrant race, national origin, sex (including sexual harassment workers dependent on employers who often exploit their and pregnancy), disability, or religion. The majority of vulnerabilities by treating them differently than non- the cases have been generated from the Project’s many immigrant workers. Industries with high populations of collaborative relationships with workers’ centers in immigrant workers report higher incidences of wage theft, Boston, Chelsea, and New Bedford, which provide client workplace injuries, and discrimination. referrals. The Project also receives referrals from social services providers, other legal advocates, and clients. Civil rights abuses against low-wage immigrant workers are a widespread problem. Immigrant workers In addition to litigation, in 2013, Kendra developed routinely complain of sexual and racial harassment and and delivered extensive training regarding workplace discriminatory hiring, firing, and job assignments. While discrimination to workers’ center organizers from across most employers are to varying degrees aware of civil rights Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Settlement on Behalf of Victim of Sexual Harassment

Adrián (pseudonym) came to the U.S. after having been persecuted in his home country for being gay. To his horror, his supervisor at work began sexually harassing him. Adrián went to the owner for help, but the treatment only worsened. Together with David Godkin of Birnbaum & Godkin, the Lawyers’ Committee filed a claim with the MCAD against the workplace for its failure to act to protect Adrián from sexual harassment. The MCAD issued a finding of Probable Cause and the Lawyers’ Committee had the case transferred to the EEOC. After several months of negotiation, the Lawyers’ Committee with the help of co-counsel secured a settlement on behalf of Adrián for the emotional distress he suffered. The Lawyers’ Committee also connected Adrián to an immigration attorney at Greater Boston Legal Services to pursue a U-Visa for him as a victim. We are pleased to be part of a network of organizations providing services to vulnerable clients.

7 LAWYERS’ COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

HEALTH DISPARITIES PROJECT

he Health Disparities Project was developed to reduce inequities that affect the health of communities of color. TStaff Attorney Laura Maslow-Armanddirected the Project and its many efforts in 2013. As a founding member of the Disparities Action Network, the Lawyers’ Committee helped persuade the Massachusetts House of Representatives to pass a bill authorizing the creation and staffing of an Office of Health Equity in the Executive Branch. The bill is currently pending before the State Senate.

Medical-Legal Partnership

he Lawyers’ Committee formed an innovative of what the patient had endured in the civil war and refugee Tmedical-legal partnership with Massachusetts camps, thereby strengthening the patient’s application. General Hospital Chelsea HealthCare Center (MGH). Many of the referred patients spoke little or no English, The partnership was launched in 2003 as part of the core but again we were able to rely on a team that includes mission of the Lawyers’ Committee to reduce social and certified medical interpreters fluent in languages as varied economic inequalities. We serve immigrant and refugee as Amharic, Tigrinya, and Kinyarwanda. patients referred by MGH health care providers. In the The collaborative nature of this Project has yielded year 2013, the clients came from 26 different countries significant results, with more than 500 clients served in the with 13% from El Salvador and 23% from Somalia. last ten years, leading to material outcomes affecting more The Lawyers’ Committee worked closely with a team of than 1500 family members. In the past year alone, 127 MGH interpreters, case managers, home visitors, refugee persons were provided with direct legal representation. coordinators, and counselors. This team approach ensured Seventeen individuals obtained disability benefits, one- that our attorney had access to all of the information that third after appealing the claim before an Administrative could help the client prevail. When, for example, we Law Judge. assisted a Somali patient this past year with a citizenship As in the past, the MGH patients who became our petition and disability claim, our attorney was able to rely clients in 2013 were among the poorest residents in on the MGH professionals to provide a full understanding

Medical-Legal Partnership Pro Bono Client Demographics

USA, 13% Women Men 100 Russia, 2% Africa, 31% Europe, 1% 80

60 Middle East, 10%

South America, 2% 40 Asia, 2%

20

0 Central America, 24% Carribean, 15%

8 LAWYERS’ COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

disproportionately blight minority neighborhood. Most notably, we continued our decade-long challenge to the operation of a BioContainment laboratory in the South End and Roxbury areas. The challenge took the form of state and federal court litigation against proponents of the laboratory. At the same time, we engaged in community education, speaking to neighborhood groups in person and on Radio Boston about the issue.

The Lawyers’ Committee each year lends its support as a signatory to a number of important amicus briefs that raise issues impacting our clients’ rights. This year, the organization began writing an amicus brief on a significant evironmental justice issue. In Babbin v. Energy Facilities Siting Board, the Lawyers’ Committee Laura Maslow-Armand with members of the MGH Chelsea filed an amicus brief before the Supreme Judicial Court team. in support of residents of Brockton and West Bridgewater Massachusetts. In a market with scant affordable challenging the decision of the Board allowing the housing and in a year when the homeless shelters in Brockton Power Company to build a power plant in Greater Boston were full, we worked to keep tenants in their community. The brief argued that Massachusetts’ their current housing units, avoiding evictions for many, poor and minority communities bear a disproportionate maintaining home utility services for others, and applying burden of environmental hazards and that, therefore, for subsidized housing. We also made sure that patients the Commonwealth must provide a substantively robust and their families received all of the public benefits and interpretation of its environmental justice policy to other financial support for which they were eligible, protect those communities. including unemployment compensation, Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children, child support, fuel assistance, and rent abatements. At the same time, we Lead Paint assisted immigrants to become citizens.

In April of 2013, Staff Attorney Laura Maslow-Armand he prevalence of lead paint in low-income housing presented the Lawyers’ Committee collaboration with Tstock is one of the great health risks for children MGH at the Medical-Legal Partnership Summit in in the Chelsea community. The Lawyers’ Committee Bethesda, Maryland, before a gathering of public health worked with the Attorney General’s Office to compel a and government leaders concerned with the social and Chelsea landlord to delead two units rented by Latino economic health of vulnerable patients. families with young children who had elevated blood lead levels.

Environmental Justice Through its medical legal partnership and its attention to he Health Disparities Project was involved in a number environmental justice and lead paint issues, the Lawyers’ Tof efforts to improve the environmental health of Committee is working rigorously to address health care communities of color and to reduce the health hazards that inequities.

9 LAWYERS’ COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

EDUCATION LAW PROJECT

tarting with its 1972 filing of Morgan v. Hennigan, Sthe Boston school desegregation case, the Lawyers’ Committee has worked to ensure equal educational opportunity for all Massachusetts schoolchildren. In 2013, as Boston revised its student assignment plan, the Lawyers’ Committee partnered with local community organizations to focus public dialogue on the need to provide high quality educational services, particularly to Boston’s low-income and minority students. As a result, Matthew Cregor at a congressional briefing, “Misplaced the Boston School Committee eliminated a “walk zone Priorities: Under Education and Mass Incarceration.” priority” from its final student assignment plan, allowing more students to attend higher performing schools in 2014 to see that the law is implemented faithfully. other Boston neighborhoods. Redoubling its commitment to civil rights advocacy in The Lawyers’ Committee continues to engage a host of legal public education, the Lawyers’ Committee hired Matthew and community partners in developing novel advocacy Cregor to staff the Education Law Project at the very end strategies around matters of educational equity. The of 2013. Matthew is a former public school teacher in the Lawyers’ Committee is particularly concerned by the high Bronx, New York. He has served on education and school rates of out-of-school punishments in some Massachusetts discipline-related advisory boards for the Council of State public schools and the disparate use of these practices on Governments, the National Council of Juvenile and students of color and students with disabilities. In 2012, Family Court Judges, and the New York State Permanent the Lawyers’ Committee supported the passage of a new Judicial Commission on Justice for Children. Prior to state law to curb the overuse of exclusionary punishments. joining the Lawyers’ Committee, Matt was an education Through filing civil rights complaints and engaging in attorney for the Southern Poverty Law Center and the public advocacy, the Lawyers’ Committee intends to use NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. VOTING RIGHTS PROJECT n 2013, the Lawyers’ Committee continued its efforts co-counseled with Ropes & Gray, Demos, Project Vote, Ito fight for voter protection. We worked with our and the National Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Election Protection coalition partners to address concerns Under Law continued through the year in the Delgado v. raised during the 2012 Presidential Election. Issues Galvin lawsuit, challenging the Commonwealth’s failure regarding access to voting facilities, wait times at the to comply with the National Voter Registration Act and polls, inappropriate voter challenges, and requests for consistently provide voter registration materials and voter identification, as well as other voting irregularities information to clients at public assistance offices. Finally, in the cities of Springfield and Worcester were addressed Deputy Director Rahsaan Hall, who directs the Voting with the Secretary of the Commonwealth. The Lawyers’ Rights Project, participated on panels at Boston College Committee also participated in efforts to advance an School of Law, the Boston Bar Association, and the Election Modernization Bill before the state legislature Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, in the wake of with partners MassVOTE, Common Cause, and a host Shelby v. Holder, the U.S. Supreme Court decision that of other civic engagement organizations. Our litigation, invalidated a portion of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. 10 LAWYERS’ COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

OTHER FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION

airness in housing, law enforcement, and public Faccommodations have been central components of the Lawyers’ Committee’s mission since its inception. In 2013, we continued to work actively towards greater racial justice in these areas.

Fair Housing Project – Housing discrimination remained a serious problem in Massachusetts and the Lawyers’ Committee continued to challenge landlords and real estate agents who discriminate. In addition, we began to look for new ways to address issues of affordable housing Deputy Director Rahsaan Hall discussing Stand Your Ground Laws in the wake of George Zimmerman’s acquittal and deficient inspectional services. (Boston Neighborhood Network News). Racial Bias Project – This Project deals with police misconduct and neighbor-to-neighbor harassment throughout Boston. We actively pursued cases involving racially motivated excessive force, violence, and intimidation.

In addition to the project-based work detailed in this report, the Lawyers’ Committee monitors other forms of race and national origin discrimination. We are particularly concerned with CORI, discrimination at the intersection of race and disability, criminal justice, and the school to prison pipeline which we tried to address through community outreach, education, and public policy.

CONVENING OF THE LAWYERS’ COMMITTEE AFFILIATES

n November of 2013, staff from the eight Lawyers’ the representatives from the various affiliates. Areas ICommittee affiliates convened in Washington D.C. discussed included Education, Fair Housing & at the offices of the National Lawyers’ Committee Lending, Immigration, Voting Rights, Employment, for Civil Rights Under Law. Executive Director Disability, Environmental Justice, Criminal Justice, Norma D’Apolito and Deputy Director Rahsaan and Community Development & Economic Justice. Hall attended the convening on behalf of the Boston The convening created a greater sense of combined affiliate; also in attendance were representatives from mission among the affiliates. It also led to the the , Colorado, Los Angeles, Mississippi, development of coordinated subject matter working Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. groups and policy initiatives that would carry the affiliates. work of the committees forward. Together the The convening brought together the collective ideas, national and affiliate offices are staffed by hundreds of energy, and experience of the affiliates to evaluate dedicated civil rights attorneys who, in conjunction the current landscape of civil rights litigation and with thousands of volunteer attorneys from member develop strategies for effective advocacy. The two-day firms, make a sizable force working for social and convening included presentations and subject matter economic justice. breakout sessions that capitalized on the expertise of

11 LAWYERS’ COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

2013 ANNUAL RECEPTION

he Lawyers’ Committee held its Annual Reception at the Boston College Club on Tuesday, June 10, 2013. In Thonor of the organization’s 45th Anniversary, the theme of the evening was “Celebrating Our Legacy.” It was a well attended and uplifting event. Founders Award Established For this anniversary reception, a special award, the Founders Award, was created to be given to an individual “for carrying on the pioneering efforts of the organization’s founders through extraordinary career contributions to enhancing social and economic justice.” The Founders Award was established in recognition of the pivotal role that the organization’s founders played in championing civil rights and setting the groundwork for the ongoing work of challenging discrimination in Massachusetts.

Our esteemed founders are: Richard L. Banks, G. d’Andelot Belin, Hon. Frederick L. Brown, Theodore Chase, Livingston Hall, Samuel Hoar, Hon. Paul J. Liacos, Hans F. Loeser, William F. Looney, Jr., Frank I. Michelman, Hon. David S. Nelson, James D. St. Clair, and James Vorenberg.

Brent Henry Honored

The inaugural Founders Award was presented to Brent Henry, Vice President and General Counsel of Partners HealthCare. Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Henry has not only displayed a commitment to excellence in healthcare, but also to public services aimed at fighting social and economic inequality. Wayne Budd of Goodwin Procter eloquently introduced the honoree, sharing highlights of his work with the enthusiastic audience. Mr. Henry gave thoughtful and inspiring remarks at the reception Brent Henry received the inaugural Founders Award at the Lawyers’ about his introduction to the civil Committee 2013 Annual Reception. rights movement as a young person attending the March on Washington. He then tied those foundational experiences to his work today, striving to expand access to quality healthcare. It was evident that Mr. Henry exemplified a deep commitment to social justice and to the ideals of equality that have supported the Lawyers’ Committee’s work for the last 45 years.

12 LAWYERS’ COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

Lawyers’ Committee Board members (left to right): John Lozada, Jody L. Newman, Navjeet K. Bal, John R. Regier, Linda M. Davidson, Glendora M. Putnam, William A. Horne, Harvey J. Wolkoff, David S. Godkin, Thomas J. Dougherty, Yalonda T. Howze, Richard Belin, Daniel J. Gleason, and Ana M. Francisco.

Civil Rights Pro Bono Recognition Award

The Lawyers’ Committee also awarded its Civil RightsPro Nixon Peabody, Nutter McClennen & Fish, and Bono Recognition Awards to several attorneys who have Ropes & Gray; our Patrons, Blue Cross Blue Shield of shown a particular dedication to pro bono practice. These Massachusetts, Collora, Donoghue Barrett & Singal, attorneys were: Kevin Prussia of WilmerHale, Tim Fidelity Investments, Foley Hoag, Goulston & Storrs, Reppucci and Darah Schofield of Nutter McClennen Holland & Knight, Latham & Watkins, Ogletree & Fish, Roy Smith of Goodwin Procter, and Ropes Deakins, Raytheon Company, Skadden Arps, Sullivan & Gray’s National Voting Right Act Litigation team, & Worcester, Tufts Health Plan, and WilmerHale; and consisting of John Kenneth Felter, Daniel Bennett, a long list of generous Friends. William Davison, Deanna Fitzgerald, Lauren Graber, Thomas Lipton, Matthew Mazzotta, Eugene Morgulis, and Christine Singer.

The Annual Reception was a great success, thanks in large part to generous contributions from law firms, individuals, and corporate sponsors. Our Donor Leader, Partners HealthCare, was particularly instrumental in making the evening a success. The Lawyers’ Committee is also especially grateful to the event’s Underwriters: Choate Hall & Stewart and EMC Corporation; our Benefactors, Awardee Brent Henry with Executive Director Birnbaum & Godkin, Godwin Procter, Mintz Levin, Norma D'Apolito and Deputy Director Rahsaan Hall. 13 LAWYERS’ COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

WHO SEEKS OUR HELP: THE LAWYERS’ COMMITTEE’S INTAKES

ach year, Lawyers’ Committee staff and interns field hundreds of calls, emails, and letters from individuals seeking legal representation and advice. In 2013, we completed 286 intakes and tracked demographic informationEmployment about E Other areas of law 25% the people seeking help. Information about these intakes in31% summarized in the graphs below.

2013 Intakes by Employment Other areas of law 25% Type of Case 31% Public A significant percentage of our 2013 intakes accommodations 3% Housing fell within traditional areas of discrimination, 15% Education housing, education, and employment. For 5% intakes that did not fall within the scope of our Public accommodations Police 3% Criminal law and Housing mission, such as family law issues, we were often prisoner's rights misconduct 15% Education 15% 6% able to refer individuals to other organizations 5% that could provide assistance.

Criminal law and Police prisoner's rights misconduct 2013 Intakes by Race and 15% 6% National Origin Race or national As part of our intake process, the Lawyers’ origin undisclosed 18% Committee asks callers to identify their race or Other racial or Black / African national origin. The majority of intake callers national groups American 3% Race or national 41% self-identified as either Black, Latino, White, origin undisclosed Asian 18% or Asian. Others that did not fall within one 4%

of those groups included individuals that self- Other racial or Black / African national groups American identified as Haitian, Cape Verdean, Middle 3% 41% Eastern, and multi-racial. Asian White 4%Caucasian 25% Middlesex County 23% Worcester County 3% Latino / Hispanic 9%

Franklin County, White Caucasian 25% Berkshire County, Essex County 8% 2013 Intakes Hampshire County Suffolk County 33% by LocationLatino / Hispanic 9% 3% Plymouth County 5% Over half of our 2013 intakes came from Suffolk and Middlesex counties. We do, however, receive intakes from Hampden County 3% all over the state that we investigate Other States 7% Norfolk County 7%

Undisclosed 2% Bristol County 5% thoroughly to determine if they are Barnstable County 1% viable claims.

14 LAWYERS’ COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

INDIVIDUAL AND NON-MEMBER FIRM MEMBER FIRM CONTRIBUTIONS CONTRIBUTIONS The Lawyers' Committee expresses its thanks to the following Board mem- The Lawyers’ Committee is deeply bers and friends who contributed generously in 2013. We are also grateful grateful to the following member to Foley Hoag and Nutter McClennen & Fish for their generous donation law firms for their generous and of attorney fees. We regret if any names have been inadvertently omitted. crucial support in 2013: Benefactors Juan A. Concepción Peter Farrow Anderson & Krieger LLP: $1,000 Thomas J. Dougherty Crittenton Women’s Angelina Franco EMC Corporation Union Caroline Gammill Brown Rudnick LLP: $5,000 David S. Godkin Wayne F. Dennison Alan Geismer Lisa J. Pirozzolo James Dittmar Lisa Goodheart Casner & Edwards LLP: $3,000 John R. Regier Anthony Doniger Michael Hartnett Harvey J. Wolkoff Rory Fitzpatrick Patricia Hennigan Choate Hall & Stewert LLP: Anita F. Hill Laurence M. Johnson $30,000 Patrons Paul Holtzman Rudolph Kass Yolanda T. Howze Andrea Knowles Collora LLP: $7,500 Richard Belin Daniel J. Gleason Gary Klein Martha Koster Foley Hoag LLP: $53,333 Paul E. Nemser Claire Laporte Ann Lambert Laura Steinberg Lesser, Newman & Andrew Levin Goodwin Procter LLP: $55,000 Nasser LLP John Lozada Friends Matthew R. Lynch Bruce Mann Klein Kavanagh Costello LLP: $1,000 Eric J. Marandett Robert & Susan Mayer Edward J. Barshak Susan L. Mazur Karol Mcllvaine Krokidas & Bluestein LLP: $1,000 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Neil V. McKittrick Amy McManus Massachusetts Daniel Meltzer Howard Medwed Latham & Watkins LLP: $6,500 Blue Hills Bank James L. Messenger Anthony Mirenda, Jr. Boston Private Bank & Frank I. Michelman Evelyn Moreno Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky Trust Christine Netski Alexa H. O’Keefe & Popeo, P.C.: $64,500 Donoghue, Barrett & William Newman John O’Neill Singal, PC Nixon Peabody LLP: $6,750 Achal Oza Bubba Pearson Vinita Ferrera Glendora M. Putnam Charlotte Petilla Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP: Fidelity Investments Pamela Steiner Jessica Pettit $38,750 Foley & Lardner LLP Robert E. Toone, Jr. Lonnie Powers Ana M. Francisco Judith Warren Prince Lobel Tye LLP Ropes & Gray: $90,000 Inez H. Friedman-Boyce Stephen Weiner Ronaldo Rauseo- Goulston & Storrs Ricupero Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Harvard Pilgrim Contributors Allen Rodgers Hemenway & Barnes LLP Flom LLP: $12,500 Anthony Agudelo Jennifer Rodriquez Holland & Knight LLP Regina Roman Sugarman, Rogers, Barshak & Cohen, William A. Horne Michael Appel David Barry Rose Chinitz & Rose P.C.: $2,000 LeClair Ryan James Rowan Scott P. Lewis Peter Baylor Sullivan & Worcester LLP: $52,500 Kenneth Berman Kate Salley Cornelius J. Moynihan, Jr. Beatrix & Dylan Sanders Jody Newman Edward G. Black WilmerHale LLP: $69,600 Karen Blum Sandulli Grace, PC Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Miyoko P. Sato Smoak & Stewart, LC William Boesch Joseph Borsellino Matthew Selig Kenneth J. Parsigian Joseph Serafini Raytheon Company Dorian Bowman GRANTS Donna M. Brewer Maxwell Solet Loretta R. Richard Jacqueline Taylor Robert H. Smith Sophia Burks The Lawyers’ Committee benefited Nurys Camargo The Boston Lawyers greatly in 2013 as a recipient of Elliot Surkin Group Tufts Health Plan Christine Chang grants from: Steve Churchill Kerry Tipper Shagha Tousi Supporters Robert Crabtree Massachusetts Bar Foundation Lisa Danetz Cardrienne Turner $3,500 Navjeet K. Bal Linda M. Davidson Janet Vaillant Boston Foundation Tiffanie C. Ellis-Niles Albert Wallis Partners HealthCare System Natasha Z. Boye Fair Housing Center Katy Ward $60,000 Matthew Burke Francisca Fajana Paul White William Collins Gerald Fanfan Sarah Wunsch 15 LAWYERS’ COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

CO-COUNSEL AND PRO BONO VOLUNTEERS

he Lawyers’ Committee is deeply grateful to the following individuals who assisted the organization in 2013 Tthrough co-counseling our cases and participating in the Economic Justice Project. They were a pleasure to work with and contributed significantly to the public interest. We could not have provided the level of services described herein without these wonderful volunteers. We apologize in advance if we have inadvertently omitted anyone.

Susan Abbott – Goodwin Procter Kevin Conroy – Foley Hoag Courtney Gaughan – Goodwin Procter John F. Adkins – Bingham Jack M. Creedon – Ropes & Gray McCutchen Ara Gershengorn – Foley Hoag Brittany Cvetanovich – Ropes & Laurin Ariail – Ropes & Gray Gray David S. Godkin – Birnbaum & Godkin Mick Bain – WilmerHale Taras M. Czenbiniak – Ropes & Gray Collette Goodman – Goodwin Deanna Barkett FitzGerald – Ropes Aaron Dalnoot – Ropes & Gray Procter & Gray Lisa J. Danetz – Demos Lauren Graber – Ropes & Gray Edward J. Barshak – Sugarman, Melissa C. Danforth – Ropes & Gray Rogers, Barshak & Cohen Joshua A. Gray – Goodwin Procter Sally N. Davis – Ropes & Gray Dick Bauer – Greater Boston Legal Kat S. Gregor – Ropes & Gray Services William T. Davison – Ropes & Gray Christine M. Griffin – Anderson & Michael D. Beauvais – Ropes & Gray Alex Denniston – Goodwin Procter Kreiger Suneal Bedi – Ropes & Gray Raj Dhaliwal – Mintz Levin Mike B. Grosso III – Ropes & Gray Daniel Bennett – Ropes & Gray Anna Dodson – Goodwin Procter Aaron A. Harsh – Ropes & Gray Chase Bentley – Goodwin Procter Julie S. Dorais – Ropes & Gray Justin Hebenstreit – Ropes & Gray Brian P. Bialas – Foley Hoag Julienne M. Eby – Ropes & Gray Eric Heining – Bingham McCutchen Megan Bisk – Ropes & Gray Adam N. Eckart – Ropes & Gray Mary A. Herman – Latham & Watkins Edward G. Black – Ropes & Gray Isabelle S.K. Farrar– Ropes & Gray Caitie Hill – Mintz Levin Eric R. Blythe – Mintz Levin Amy Feinman – Latham & Watkins Jenna L. Hoeler – Ropes & Gray Sarah Brannon – Project Vote Michelle Feldman – Ropes & Gray Jim Howard – Ropes & Gray Mark Burnett – Goodwin Procter John Kenneth Felter – Ropes & Gray Patrick Hurley – Goodwin Procter Meaghan P. Calter – Ropes & Gray Vinita Ferrera – WilmerHale Rebecca Izzo – WilmerHale Emilia Cannella – Ropes & Gray Susan M. Finegan – Mintz Levin Vladimir Jeune – Goodwin Procter Jonathan E. Cheng – Ropes & Gray Tara M. Fisher – Ropes & Gray Laurence M. Johnson – Davis Malm Esther Cho – Mintz Levin Alyssa Fitzergerald – Goodwin Procter & D’Agostine John Chory – Latham & Watkins Catherine Flanagan – Project Vote Anthony Joyce – WilmerHale Zachary Cloyd – Ropes & Gray Joshua D. Fox – WilmerHale Jeff R. Katz – Ropes & Gray Adam B. Coffin – Mintz Levin Joel F. Freedman – Ropes & Gray Bob Kengel – National Lawyers’ William Collins – Goodwin Procter Committee for Civil Rights Under Caroline Gammill – Mintz Levin Law 16 LAWYERS’ COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

Robert Kester – Goodwin Procter Siobhan C. Murphy – Goodwin Stephanie Singer – WilmerHale Procter Samantha M. Kirby – Goodwin Evan Smith – Latham & Watkins Procter Stuart Naifeh – Ropes & Gray Lauren Gesserman Smith – Goodwin Erica Koenig – Latham & Watkins Jody Newman – Collora Procter Arthur P. Kreiger – Anderson & Scott Novakowski – Ropes & Gray Nicole Rizzo Smith – Ropes & Gray Kreiger Eileen O’Connor – National Roy Smith – Goodwin Procter Nathaniel K. Kurtis – Ropes & Gray Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Jessica Soto – Ropes & Gray Rights Under Law Eric Labbe – Goodwin Procter Noah Spaulding – Goodwin Procter Seth Orkand – WilmerHale Susan C. Lake – Ropes & Gray Tom Spellman – Goodwin Procter Peter Osborn – WilmerHale Alex Lazar – Latham & Watkins Jeffery S. Stern – Sugarman Rogers, Charlotte Petilla – Foley Hoag Breton Leone-Quick – Mintz Levin Barshak & Cohen Robert Petitt – Goodwin Procter Daniel Levin – Ropes & Gray Andrew Sucoff – Goodwin Procter Kate Pharr – WilmerHale Tom Lipton – Ropes & Gray Joshua Talicska – Ropes & Gray Tracy Plants – Ropes & Gray Byran MacDonald – Ropes & Gray Emily Taylor – Latham & Watkins Christopher Price – Goodwin Procter Mina S. Makarious – Anderson & Emily Taylor – WilmerHale Kreiger Doreen Rachal – Bingham Brian S. Tessler – Ropes & Gray McCutchen Dave M. Mandel – Ropes & Gray James E. Thomas – Ropes & Gray Stephen Ranere – Latham & Watkins Craig E. Marcus – Ropes & Gray Margaret Turner – Greater Boston Alejandro Reyes – National Lawyers’ Gina Martin – Goodwin Procter Legal Services Committee for Civil Rights Under James Mattus – Goodwin Procter Law Colin Van Dyke – Mintz Levin Susan L. Mazur – Latham & Watkins Loretta R. Richard – Ropes & Gray Justin K. Van Etten – Ropes & Gray Matthew Mazzotta – Ropes & Gray Janet Rickershauser – Goodwin Manuel Vazquez – Mintz Levin David M. McIntosh – Ropes & Gray Procter Adam Veness – Mintz Levin Daniel A. Mejia – Ropes & Gray Jennifer Romig – Ropes & Gray John Wang – Ropes & Gray Matthew Miller – Foley Hoag Claire S. Rosa – Ropes & Gray Bethany P. Withers – Goodwin Procter Steve C. Moeller-Sally – Ropes & Michelle Rupp – Project Vote Gray Jennifer K. Rushlow – Conservation Al Zabin – Duane Morris Tavis Morello – Mintz Levin Law Foundation Daniel M. Zuckerman – Ropes & Gray Eugene Morgulis – Ropes & Gray Gary R. Schall – WilmerHale Kristen Morrill – Foley Hoag Jack Schecter – Mintz Levin Beth Muir – Nutter McClennen & Matthew Sgro – Brown Rudnick Fish Peter Shelley – Conservation Law Elaine B. Murphy – Ropes & Gray Foundation Megan Sherman – Goodwin Procter

17 LAWYERS’ COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

COLLABORATIONS WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

he Lawyers’ Committee maintains close ties with many other nonprofit organizations, collaborating on various Tprojects and sharing information regarding legal issues affecting the community. In 2013, we worked alongside the following organizations:

• American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts • Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action (JALSA) • Asian American Civil Association • Justice At Work • Bill of Rights Defense Committee • Kirstein Business Library, Boston Public Library • Black Educators Alliance of Massachusetts • National Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights (B.E.A.M.) Under Law • Blacks in Law Enforcement of America • League of Women Voters • Blue Hills Bank • Massachusetts Association of Minority Law • Boston Branch NAACP Enforcement Officers, Inc. (MAMLEO) • Boston Impact Initiative • Massachusetts Employment Lawyers Association • Brazilian Immigrant Center • Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) • Bunker Hill Community College • Massachusetts Law Reform Institute • Center for Church and Prison • Massachusetts Office of Access and Opportunity • Center for Women and Enterprise • Massachusetts Office of Small Business and • Centro Latino Entrepreneurship • Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and • Massachusetts Voter Table Justice • MassVOTE • Chelsea Collaborative • Merrimack Valley Small Business Assistance Center • City of Boston, Office of Business Development • National Workrights Institute • Common Cause • Neighborhood Business Initiative • Community Change, Inc. • Neighborhood Community Development Corp. • Conservation Law Foundation • New England Area Conference of the NAACP • Disparities Action Network (DAN) • Operational Services Division, Supplier Diversity • East West Bank Office • Fair Employment Project, Inc. • Roxbury Safety Net • Fair Housing Center of Greater Boston • Small Business Administration • Greater Boston Legal Services • Springfield Institute • Haley House • Stop the Biolab Coalition • High Point Families United • Union of Minority Neighborhoods • International Institute of New England • United for Justice with Peace • Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development • Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts Corporation

18 LAWYERS’ COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

NEW AND OUTGOING BOARD MEMBERS

he Lawyers’ Committee welcomed two new members to the Board of Directors. They areSteve Churchill of Fair TWork and Paul Holtzman of Krokidas and Bluestein. We are pleased and excited to have them join us and look forward to working with them in the future. At the same time, we are grateful to John C. Bonifaz and Gloria Tan, both of whom left the Board in 2013 after many years of service. We extend our deep appreciation to both new and outgoing Board members for their commitment to the social justice mission of the organization.

SUBCOMMITTEES

he Lawyers’ Committee gratefully acknowledges the very important contributions made to the organization in T2013 by the various subcommittees of the Board of Directors and by the Board members who gave their time and energy to these subcommittees. Executive Committee The Lawyers’ Committee Executive Committee met monthly to oversee the organization’s operations and manage its business affairs. The Executive Committee consisted of the following members:

Daniel J. Gleason, Co-Chair Claire Laporte Harvey J. Wolkoff, Co-Chair Eric J. Marandett Lisa J. Pirozzolo, Treasurer Paul E. Nemser Inez H. Friedman-Boyce Jody L. Newman David S. Godkin Glendora M. Putnam Yalonda T. Howze Loretta R. Richard Development Committee The Development Committee was responsible for identifying and pursuing additional sources of revenue forthe organization. The members of the Development Committee for this year were:

Jody L. Newman, Chair Gary Klein Richard Belin Claire Laporte Daniel J. Gleason John Lozada David S. Godkin Lisa J. Pirozzolo William A. Horne

Nominating Committee The Nominating Committee is responsible for identifying attorneys with a strong commitment to civil rights and pro bono to fill seats on the Lawyers’ Committee Board of Directors and its subcommittees. The members of the Nominating Committee in 2013 were:

Robert H. Smith, Chair Rory Fitzpatrick David S. Godkin

19 LAWYERS’ COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

MEMBER FIRMS AND ORGANIZATIONS

Anderson & Kreiger LLP Klein Kavanagh Costello, LLP Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP Asian-American Lawyers Association Krokidas & Bluestein LLP Pepper Hamilton LLP of Massachusetts Latham & Watkins LLP Ropes & Gray LLP Birnbaum & Godkin, LLP Massachusetts Association of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Brown Rudnick LLP Hispanic Attorneys Flom LLP Casner & Edwards LLP Massachusetts Black Lawyers South Asian Bar Association Assocation Choate Hall & Stewart LLP Sugarman, Rogers, Barshak & Massachusetts Black Women Cohen, P.C Collora LLP Attorneys Sullivan & Worcester LLP Davis, Malm & D’Agostine, P.C. Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky WilmerHale LLP Foley Hoag LLP and Popeo, P.C. Goodwin Procter LLP Nixon Peabody LLP

2013 BOARD MEMBERS

Daniel J. Gleason, Co-Chair Thomas J. Dougherty Matthew R. Lynch Harvey J. Wolkoff, Co-Chair Tiffanie C. Ellis-Niles Eric J. Marandett Lisa J. Pirozzolo, Treasurer Vinita Ferrera Susan L. Mazur Rory Fitzpatrick Neil V. McKittrick Navjeet K. Bal Ana M. Francisco James L. Messenger Edward J. Barshak Inez H. Friedman-Boyce Paul E. Nemser Richard Belin David S. Godkin Jody L. Newman Richard M. Bluestein Anita F. Hill Alexa H. O’Keefe John C. Bonifaz Paul Holtzman Kenneth J. Parsigian Natasha Z. Boye William A. Horne Glendora M. Putnam Donna M. Brewer Yalonda T. Howze John R. Regier Robert Y. Chow Laurence M. Johnson Loretta R. Richard Steve Churchill Gary Klein Robert H. Smith Juan A. Concepción Claire Laporte Laura Steinberg Linda M. Davidson Scott P. Lewis Gloria Tan Wayne F. Dennison John Lozada Robert E. Toone, Jr.

EMERITUS BOARD MEMBERS

James K. Brown John B. French Cornelius “Neil” J. Moynihan, Jr. Judith Olans Brown Hugh R. Jones, Jr. Richard A. Soden Joseph D. Feaster, Jr. James J. Marcellino Nicholas U. Sommerfeld Frank I. Michelman John Taylor “Ike” Williams

20 LAWYERS’ COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

AWARDS FELLOWS

he Lawyers’ Committee and its attorneys were recog- Tnized for their efforts to protect the civil rights of all Massachusetts residents twice in 2013.

On May 21, 2013, at the Museum of Fine Arts, Staff Attorney Laura Maslow-Armand joined those chosen as the “100 most influential persons in the Common- wealth for the Latino community” and those who had "made a difference" during that year. The gathering in- cluded judges, legislators, city councilors, hospital admin- istrators, immigration lawyers, and community activists.

The Lawyers’ Committee received the Chinese Progres- sive Association's Social Justice Award for our work 2013 Litigation Fellows: Bryn Sfetsios (left) and Priya Ashok with the Coalition of Color on Redistricting. In 2012, Lane (right). the City of Boston began efforts to redistrict the City Council Districts based on the 2010 U.S. Census. This Priya Ashok Lane data reflected Boston’s growing communities of color and Priya, a former Lawyers’ Committee intern, returned indicated that Boston had become a majority minority to the office in 2013 as a Fellow. Priya is a graduate of city. The Lawyers’ Committee worked with a coalition Northeastern Law School and Hood College. In addition of community organizations to ensure that Boston’s com- to interning at Lawyer’s Committee, Priya interned at munities of color had a voice in the redistricting process. Asian Outreach Unit at Greater Boston Legal Services, at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and with State Senator Karen INTERNS Spilka. During law school, Priya was a coordinator of The Lawyers’ Committee was fortunate to work with the Northeastern Chapter of the Iraqi Refugee Assistance fifteen talented interns from Boston area schools this year. Project (IRAP). This past year, Priya has been working on housing and employment issues. She has also been We wish to thank the following interns for their many working closely with Staff Attorney Matt Cregor on contributions: expanding our Education Law Project. Daniella Adler – Harvard Law School Aezad Aftab - Suffolk Law School Bryn Sfetsios Conor Ahern - Harvard Law School Bryn also joined the Lawyers' Committee as a Fellow in 2013. She primarily works on employment discrimination Matthew Aufiero – Boston College cases. Bryn graduated from Penn State University and Dyana Boxley – Suffolk Law School Boston University School of Law in 2013. During her Hilary Cheng – Suffolk Law School time in law school, Bryn interned with the Massachusetts Gerald Glover – Suffolk Law School Commission Against Discrimination, Greater Boston Shekinah Harris – Northeastern Law School Legal Services, and Pontikes Law, which specializes in Scott Hochberg – Harvard Law School employment law. She was a student attorney for her Douglas Horne - Northeastern Law School school’s Employment Rights Clinic, Administrative Editor for its International Law Journal, and on the Executive Elizabeth McIntyre - Boston University Law School Board of her Student Government Association. Desiree Mitchell - Northeastern Law School Phuong Nguyen – Boston College Law School We were also assisted by volunteer attorneys Tyler Crosby Victor Perez – Northeastern Law School and Jared Milrad, both graduates of Northeastern Lauren Standiford – Suffolk Law School University Law School. 21 LAWYERS’ COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

2013 STAFF

Norma P. D’Apolito, Executive Director Rahsaan D. Hall, Deputy Director Norma became Executive Director in Rahsaan joined the Lawyers’ Commit- November 2007. A graduate of New tee as a Staff Attorney in March 2008. York University School of Law, Norma He was appointed Deputy Director in previously served with the Special 2011. Before coming to the Lawyers’ Master of the U.S. District Court in Committee, Rahsaan was a member of California to provide mental health the Suffolk County District Attorney’s services to inmates, as Associate Dean of Cardozo Law Office. Rahsaan is a graduate of Northeastern University School, as Managing Attorney for Greater Boston Legal School of Law. In addition to his advocacy at the Lawyers’ Services, and as Senior Staff Attorney with Prisoners’ Committee, Rahsaan is an Itinerant Elder with the AME Rights Project in New York. Church.

Jessica Sommer, Economic Justice Project Director Laura Maslow-Armand, Staff Attorney Jess became Director of the Economic Laura joined the Lawyers’ Committee Justice Project in 2009. Jess gradu- in 2003. Prior to that, she served as ated from the University of Pittsburgh Assistant Attorney General in the Civil School of Law in 2005 and, prior to Rights and Public Charities Divisions. joining the Lawyers’ Committee, she Laura is a graduate of was an associate at Ropes & Gray. Jess and Harvard Law School. She divides coordinates with member firms and community organiza- her time between employment discrimination litigation tions to put on workshops, clinics, and other EJP events. and the Health Disparities Project.

Matthew Cregor, Staff Attorney Sasha Kopf, Staff Attorney Matt Cregor joined the Lawyers’ Com- Sasha, a former Lawyers’ Committee mittee in January 2014 and works on a intern, joined the office as a Fellow variety of education matters including in 2010 and became a Staff Attorney school discipline, special education, in 2011. She is a 2009 graduate of and student assignment. Previously, Northeastern Law School. Sasha Matt served as a staff attorney for the focuses her practice on housing and NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the employment discrimination cases. She also coordinates Southern Poverty Law Center. Matt is a 2006 graduate of intakes, supervises interns, and assists the Development the Georgetown University Law Center. Committee.

Sarah Gautier, Economic Justice Project Staff Attorney Kendra Sena, Staff Attorney Sarah, a former Lawyers’ Committee Kendra, also a former intern, joined intern, returned to the office in the Lawyers’ Committee as the Irving 2011 as an EJP Fellow following her R. Kaufman Fellow for Public Interest graduation from Northeastern Law in 2012 and became a Staff Attorney School and became a Staff Attorney in in 2013. Kendra coordinates the 2013. Sarah continues to work closely Low-Wage Immigrant Worker Initia- with Jess Sommer and the Lawyers’ Committee’s member tive, providing direct representation to individuals in em- firms and partner organizations to make EJP events ployment discrimination claims and training to workers’ happen. Sarah is also a Student Pastor at the Cóngregacion center organizers on workplace rights. Kendra is a 2012 de Judá. graduate of Harvard Law School.

22

LAWYERS’ COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE

294 WASHINGTON STREET, SUITE 443 BOSTON, MA 02108 PHONE: 617-482-1145 FAX: 617-482-4392