BROOKLYN LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION A
Annual Partnership Awards Benefit
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2013, 6PM Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Skadden, Arps is proud to support Brooklyn A and congratulates tonight’s honorees Michael Cooper The Judge Harold Tyler Award
David Lopez The Sargent Shriver Award
Beijing | Boston | Brussels | Chicago | Frankfurt | Hong Kong | Houston | London Los Angeles | Moscow | Munich | New York | Palo Alto | Paris | São Paulo | Shanghai Singapore | Sydney | Tokyo | Toronto | Washington, D.C. | Wilmington 6:00 pm Cocktails & Dinner
7:00 pm Welcome from the Master of Ceremonies
ROMA TORRE NY1
Welcome Remarks
MARTIN S. NEEDELMAN, Executive Director & Chief Counsel PAUL J. ACINAPURA, General Counsel Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A JAMES H.R. WINDELS Davis Polk & Wardwell PROGRAM Board Chair, Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A Guest Speaker
GLENN LAU-KEE Kee & Lau-Kee President-elect, New York State Bar Association
7:30 pm Award Presentations
Special Remarks/Denis Berger Award MARTY MARKOWITZ Brooklyn Borough President
Judge Harold R. Tyler Award MICHAEL A. COOPER Sullivan & Cromwell
Pro-Bono Service Awards
Sargent Shriver Award DAVID LOPEZ Community Activist and Poet
8:30 pm Thank you remarks
ROMA TORRE NY1
1 GREETINGS FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND GENERAL COUNSEL
Dear Friends of Brooklyn A,
We are truly thankful that you have come tonight to share in the recognition of the extraordinary Honorees at this year’s Annual Partnership Awards Benefit and to celebrate the progress that Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A has made in promoting justice over the past 45 years. Your attendance at this Event is a testament to the commitment that you have made in assisting us in advancing and protecting the interests of the communities we serve throughout Brooklyn. We are thrilled to be able to count on you as a supporter of Brooklyn A and our mission. We use the Event as a moment to pause and honor those who champion the right to high-quality and accessible legal services and those who support Brooklyn A and its partnerships with the wonderful community-based organizations in our neighborhoods. Without your support this critical legal work would not be possible, and for that we express our sincere gratitude. The Event has a rich history at Brooklyn A as an annual tradition dating back to 1987. It is an occasion that for 25 years has allowed us to honor the significant and inspiring work of individuals from our community, legal, and corporate partners whose exemplary contributions and actions both empower communities and enable essential access to justice. We are proud to recognize this year’s honorees and how their own dedication and values align so closely with the core tenets of Brooklyn A. Michael Cooper is the recipient of this year’s Judge Harold R. Tyler Award given to a lawyer with a strong commitment to public service. Throughout his highly successful legal career at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP and as former President of the New York City Bar Association, Michael Cooper has exemplified a consistent and inspirational dedication to public service. Michael served as Co-Chair of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law from 1993 to 1995. From 1981 to 1983 he was president of the Legal Aid Society and chaired the Board of Pro Bono Net from 2000 to 2010. Mr. Cooper has also chaired a task force of the New York City Bar Association which studied employment opportunities for the previously incarcerated. Michael’s commitment to public interest illustrates the significant impact that the practice of law can have on the community at large.
2 David Lopez is the recipient of this year’s Sargent Shriver Award. David was born in Williamsburg, and since his early adolescence he has been committed to serving his community and culture in so many significant ways. As an activist Mr. Lopez has helped children facing the possibility of dropping out of high school by working as a family associate. He also systematically changed the way tenants were being taken advantage of during his years as a mediator in Housing Court. Because of his great work in Court he was recruited by the New York City Commission of Human Rights, where he investigated potential human rights abuses for over 20 years. David is also an accomplished poet, whose poetry focuses on the struggles that disadvantaged communities and individuals face. Currently David serves as the chairman of South Side United HDFC (Los Sures), is a member of Brooklyn A’s Board of Directors, and is working with fellow activists for release of political prisoner Oscar López Rivera. In all of these endeavors David continues to carry on his tradition of inspiring others in his community through his words and actions. We also honor Marty Markowitz, our extraordinary and long-serving Brooklyn Borough President, with the Denis Berger Award. Mr. Markowitz has been a tremendous advocate for Brooklyn and its neighborhoods, bringing the businesses and public interest organizations of our borough together in joint efforts to preserve the vibrant cultures of Brooklyn while simultaneously focusing on improving the quality of life for all Brooklynites. Marty began his career in public service as a community organizer, and after becoming borough president in 2001 he has remained steadfast to his commitment of advocating for the economic, social and cultural interests of Brooklyn. Each honoree shares with Brooklyn A the type of dedication in serving the community that is necessary for establishing long lasting change. This past year marks an exciting time for Brooklyn A as recent restructuring has allowed us to be more independent in our approach to providing legal services. As a result Brooklyn A is now more than ever committed to addressing issues by working with community-based organizations and a variety of other local partners and networks. We are especially proud of being a legal services organization that focuses on involvement and synergy within a community. We believe that a successful strategy for combating injustice is one that solves the problems of individuals and communities as a whole; empowering them to build, grow, and sustain their neighborhoods. We look to the future with a sense of hope and enthusiasm and are continuously encouraged by the support of our partnerships with law firms, businesses, and community organizations. Thank you all for standing with us and continuing to support our mission of building communities, ensuring opportunities, and achieving justice!
Martin S. Needelman Paul J. Acinapura
3 2013 PRO BONO SERVICE AWARDS
PAMELA KAPLAN KEVIN J. CHANG Kelley Drye & Warren LLP Simpson Thacher & Bartlett
VICTORIA E. ANDERSON Kelley Drye & Warren LLP CHARLES CLINTON Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP ROBERT SAFRON Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP DAVID SHAPIRO MINA C MASIAMI Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP Paul Hastings LLP NICHOLAS MONTORIO LINDA REGIS HALLINAN Herrick, Feinstein LLP Pepper Hamilton LLP
CHRIS HOWARD MITCH MCGUFFEY Pepper Hamilton LLP DANIEL ROSS RICHARD DAVIS Richard J Davis Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP
LINDSEY CONRAD KENNEDY DEREK SILVERMAN Debevoise & Plimpton LLP Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP TRICIA SHERNO Debevoise & Plimpton LLP STACEY HARKEY Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP HOLLY SAWYER Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP MIRIAM BUHL THOMAS PEASE Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP
DAVID SCHWARTZ Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP
4 2013 HONOREES
Judge Herold Tyler Award MICHAEL COOPER Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
Sarget Shriver Award DAVID LOPEZ Comunity Activist and Poet
Denis Berger Award MARTY MARKOWITZ Brooklyn Borough President
5 PAST HONOREES
2012 2008 2004 Denis Berger Award BETTINA B. PLEVAN EVAN DAVIS MARIADELE PRIEST Proskauer Rose LLP Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP Capital One Bank VINCENT F. PALAGIANO MAUREEN BATEMAN Sargent Shriver Award Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. Evercore Trust Company DIANA REYNA LUIS GARDEN ACOSTA MICHAEL ROCHFORD NYC Council Member, 34th District El Puente St. Nicholas Neighborhood Judge Harold R. Tyler Award Preservation Corp. WILLIAM F. CAVANUAGH, JR. Patterson, Belknap Webb & Tyler 2007 PAUL J. CURRAN, (1933-2008) 2003 Kaye Scholer LLP JAMES F. GILL 2011 BRENDAN J. DUGAN Bryan Cave LLP SARGENT SHRIVER (1915-2011) St. Francis College FREDERICK W. HILL (posthumously) Retired, J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. Special Olympics International MARIA CONTRERAS-COLLIER Cypress Hills Child Care Center JEFFREY E. DUNSTON DAN NISSENBAUM Northeast Brooklyn Housing Urban Investment Group of Goldman Development Corp. Sachs Bank 2006 HARVEY LAWRENCE ROBERT C. SHEEHAN Brownsville Multi-Service Family Skadden, Arps, Meagher & Flom LLP 2002 Health Center & Associates ZACHARY W. CARTER TERRI THOMSON Dorsey & Whitney LLP 2010 Thomson Strategies LLC MACDARA LYNCH Pfizer Global Manufacturing TOMMY MOORE AND JUDITH BARBARA SCHLIFF LIVINGSTON Los Sures (Southside United Housing SISTER PEGGY WALSH Kramer, Dillof, Livingston and Moore Development Fund Corporation) Southside Community Mission STEVE FLAX M&T Bank 2005 2001 MILDRED TUDY JOHNSTON JOHN CALLAGY BARBARA PAUL ROBINSON Crispus Attucks Community Counsel Kelly Drye & Warren LLP Debevoise & Plimpton LLP THOMAS EARLY MARILYN G. GELBER 2009 Elderplan Brooklyn Community Foundation JOHN D. FEERICK DR. CLAUDE OFFORD MAURICE A. REID Fordham University School of Law Brownsville Multi-Service Family Brownsville Multi-Service Family Health Center Health Center EILEEN AULD Citi FATHER JOHN POWIS Bushwick Housing Independence Project
6 2000 1996 FREDERICK A. O. SCHWARZ, JR. HENRY L. KING Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP JOHN M. IMPERIALE ANGELA M. BATTAGLIA J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. Ridgewood Bushwick Senior Citizens DAVID D. PAGAN Council, Inc. Los Sures (Southside United Housing Development Fund Corporation) 1995 JUDGE HAROLD T. TYLER, JR., 1999 (1922-2005) PATRICIA M. HYNES Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP Allen & Overy LLP JOSEPH K. FRANCOIS, (D.2003) FRANCES A. RESHESKE Brownsville Multi-Service Family Con Edison Health Center ADBUR RAHMAN FARRAKHAN Oceanhill-Brownsville Tenants 1993 Association SARGENT SHRIVER, (1915-2011) Special Olympics International 1998 SALLY HERNANDEZ-PIÑERO BARRY H. GARFINKEL East Harlem Business Capital Skadden, Arps, Meagher & Flom LLP Corporation & Associates VITO J. LOPEZ MAGDA N. YRIZARRY New York State Assemblyman Verizon PHILIP A. WHEELER JOHN F. MULHERN United Auto Workers, Region 9A Nuestros Ninos Child Development School 1987* ROBERT MACCRATE 1997 Sullivan & Cromwell LLP CONRAD HARPER CHARLES J. HYNES Retired, Simpson Thacher & New York State Medicaid Fraud Bartlett LLP Prosecutor MICHELLE NEUGEBAUER DAVID TRAGER, (1937-2011) Cypress Hills Local Development Brooklyn Law School Corporation SALLY HERNANDEZ-PINERO, East Harlem Business Capital Corporation
* An additional event in 1987 honored over 40 community leaders.
7 JUDGE HEROLD TYLER AWARD MICHAEL A. COOPER SULLIVAN & CROMWELL LLP
JUDGE For Michael Cooper, the obligation to permanent place in our community for HEROLD TYLER AWARD do pro bono legal work and to support these much needed services. Judge Tyler was organizations doing that work has been Over the years Michael has defended a prominent a core part of his personal professional the Legal Aid Society in a malpractice lawyer and a former Deputy ethic for as long as he can remember. case, has pursued constitutional Attorney General Beginning with his earliest days in the and statutory claims on behalf of and federal Litigation Group at Sullivan & Cromwell, patients confined in the psychiatric judge, as well as a named partner at Patterson, Michael felt that as a member of the emergency rooms of public hospitals, Belknap, Webb & Tyler. For Judge Bar, he ought to devote some of his and has represented a detainee at the Tyler, the practice of law was always about public service. He professional time to providing legal Guantanamo Bay Naval Station. But constantly devoted himself not just services to individuals who could not much like Judge Tyler, his commitment to to private clients but also to any afford to pay for them. As he advanced public service has always gone beyond number of projects that benefited the world at large. He understood to serve as the managing partner of the the individual matter. He has sought to the vital function that civil legal Group, he worked not only to contribute make lasting changes to our community’s service organizations provide his time to pro bono matters, but also ability to serve those in need. Thus, at in communities throughout the United States. to encourage and inspire others at the the request of former New York Chief This year we honor Michael Firm to do so by coordinating the Firm’s Judge Judith S. Kaye, he chaired the Cooper of Sullivan & Cromwell for extensive pro bono activities. Sullivan Legal Services Project, which sought his dedication and commitment to equal justice for all. His & Cromwell, a strong supporter of pro permanent funding of civil legal services commitment to public interest bono work since its inception, stood to the poor. And as chair of a task force illustrates the significant impact that the practice of law can have behind Michael’s efforts not only to help of the New York City Bar Association, he on the community at large. organizations like Brooklyn Legal Services studied employment opportunities for the A Corporation, but also to earmark a previously incarcerated
8 From 1981 to 1983 he was arbitrator in both domestic and A graduate of Harvard College president of the Legal Aid Society. international disputes. He has served and Harvard Law School, Michael is A decade later he was co-chair of as a court appointed and private active in Harvard Law School’s alumni the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil mediator and as a referee in state affairs, having served on the Board Rights Under Law from 1993 to disciplinary proceedings. of Overseers Committee to Visit 1995. In addition, he chaired the In addition to his service on the the Law School, been president of board of the New York State Lawyer boards of public service organizations, the Harvard Law School Association Assistance Trust, as well as the board Michael also served as president of New York City and chaired the of Pro Bono Net. He is a director of of the Association of the Bar of Harvard Law School Fund. He is Volunteers of Legal Service, Inc. and the City of New York from 1998 to currently Co-Chair of the Harvard Law an emeritus member of the Vance 2000, having previously chaired the School Senior Advisory Network. Center Advisory Board. Association’s Executive Committee. Michael brings his extensive He is a past president and a member experience in business-related of the Board of Regents of the litigation, including shareholder American College of Trial Lawyers derivative suits, antitrust and and was president of its Foundation. securities actions, and investigations He has chaired the Commercial and by antitrust, securities and banking Federal Litigation Section and Civil regulators to all of his legal work. He Rights Committee of the New York has represented three prominent law State Bar Association , served on the firms, as well as special committees ABA Task Force on Civil Trial Practice of two corporate boards and has Standards, and been a trustee of the extensive experience as a commercial Federal Bar Council.
9 SARGENT SHRIVER AWARD DAVID LOPEZ COMMUNITY ACTIVIST AND POET
SARGET SHRIVER David Lopez is a lifelong resident, for the non-profit organization South AWARD Sargent Shriver activist and poet of Williamsburg. Side United HDFC (Los Sures) which was a founder Having been just the second person in advocates for affordable housing in of the National his family to be born in the United State Williamsburg. Moving from Los Sures, Legal Services program and a dear and having lived in the Southside for David worked for the corporation friend of Brooklyn most of his life, David has witnessed counsel of the NYC law department A. His passion firsthand the challenges that have and then for an education based and profound commitment to the and continue to face the culture and organization for high school students. founding mission, community within the transformative David went on to work as a not only to bring justice to low- neighborhoods he grew up in. coordinator for the mediation program income neighborhoods, but also to join with them as their advocate David’s penchant for fighting for the with the Brooklyn Housing Court. in rebuilding and sustaining betterment of his community started As a mediator David made substantial themselves, continues to inspire. Sarge’s vision for the legal services at an early age, as David remembers strides in making court mediation a program focused on providing having to skip classes in high school with much more fair process by ensuring much needed legal representation his friends in order to attend marches that tenants were properly informed to low-income and marginalized individuals and families, and also and rallies. After high school David took of their rights in the process. Another supporting community-based a position as the first family associate issue David spearheaded was changing organizations that provide services at Eastern District Highschool where he the nature of the relationships to their neighborhoods. This year we honor David worked with families of students who between the mediators and housing Lopez, Community Activist & were facing the possibility of dropping lawyers, as these often resulted in Poet, in recognition of his life-long out of school. Then after graduating a disadvantage to the tenants since commitment, both personal and professional, to social justice and from college with an associate degree mediators should be impartial parties. his many years of advocacy, political in the applied arts David began working Because of David’s impact he was asked action and community service.
10 to facilitate the same changes in the peacefully preserve and organize acts as Chairman. Brooklyn A also NY Housing Court. communities. David had a long has had strong ties with David, as After three years of working as and accomplished career with the he worked with the organization a mediator David was recruited by Commission, all together working 30 since our first Executive Director the New York City Commission of years with the city. and currently sits on our Board Human Rights due to his growing David also remained active of Directors. David is additionally reputation as an effective change in working with community working with fellow activists for maker and champion for the organizations outside of his release of political prisoner Oscar community. David’s role was to professional career. Months after he López Rivera work in the field; investigating stopped working for Los David is not just a man of potential abuses and violations of Sures he was asked to serve on the action, but also of words. He started human rights while also helping to Board of Directors where he now writing in poetry in college and has since recited his poems All those who consider other people are beautiful people. at borough halls, major Collectively we are great. Individually we all have our own universities, and in Puerto journeys, but we only become great when are together, when Rico. His work has been we are one as a group. That’s when we pass the test of time, featured in anthologies individually we are all going to die and leave this earth. But and he received special mention in an anthology the collective idea can always live on. — david lopez from Seton Hall.
11 DENIS BERGER AWARD BROOKLYN BOROUGH PRESIDENT MARTY MARKOWITZ
DENIS BERGER No one works harder for all 2.6 million largest tenants’ advocacy organization in AWARD Denis Berger Brooklynites than Marty Markowitz. New York State. In 1973, he founded the served as Brooklyn Since entering Borough Hall in January Senior Citizens League of Flatbush, an A’s Director of 2002, Marty has reinvigorated the office organization that is still going strong — in Development and later as of borough president, serving as the fact Marty proudly joined the League in Development tireless chief advocate for Brooklyn’s 2006 at the youthful age of 60. Consultant for economic, social and cultural interests, As borough president, in addition 15 years. He was instrumental in while initiating and promoting efforts to setting an ambitious agenda focused creating Brooklyn to improve Brooklynites’ quality of life. on the core issues of his more than A’s Advisory Committee and Born and raised in Crown Heights, Marty three decades in public service — initiated and launched the Annual Partnership Awards Benefit in 1987. graduated from Wingate High School housing, neighborhood preservation Denis was incredibly devoted to in 1962. He received his B.A. in Political and community development — Marty the struggles for justice throughout the world and in our own local Science after attending evening sessions has enacted programs to boost civic neighborhoods. at Brooklyn College from 1962 to 1970. pride, improve health, promote tourism This year we honor Marty Elected to the New York State Senate in and empower young Brooklynites. As a Markowitz, Brooklyn Borough President, for his years of 1978, Marty represented Central Brooklyn longtime advocate for seniors, he fought unwavering commitment to for 23 years. In 2001, he was elected to the vigorously to keep Brooklyn senior centers Brooklyn, tireless advocacy on office of borough president; he was honored open when they were threatened with behalf of Brooklyn’s economic, social and cultural interests and to be re-elected to his third term in 2009. closures due to budget cuts. Marty’s Brooklynites’ quality of life. Marty began his career in public service in efforts to save Brooklyn’s financially 1971, at the age of 26, by organizing the troubled medical institutions resulted in Flatbush Tenants Council, which grew into the preservation of maternity and pediatric Brooklyn Housing and Family Services, the units at Long Island College Hospital as
12 well as the critical services provided and retailers, startups and green saving Loew’s Kings Theatre, which will by school medical clinics. Marty has businesses, and lobbying on behalf be the largest indoor theater in Brooklyn also called for increased parental and of Brooklynites for the affordable when it is restored to its former glory community engagement in schools housing and jobs attached to Barclays as a venue for live performances. Marty and has supported policies that Center, a state-of-the-art arena. Marty is the proud publisher of Brooklyn!!, a improve graduation rates and prepare was instrumental in bringing the New quarterly newspaper that champions Brooklyn students to compete and Jersey Nets to Brooklyn, the first the borough and delivers to more than succeed in the global economy. His professional sports team since 1957. 400,000 residents. office was instrumental in creating The annual Brooklyn Book Festival Just as important are programs two new schools in Brooklyn: the High was spearheaded by Marty in 2006 and like Shop Brooklyn, the Lighten Up School for Innovation in Advertising has become the largest literary festival Brooklyn and Take Your Man to the and Media and the Brooklyn Academy in the northeast and the second largest Doctor campaigns, Camp Brooklyn, the of Global Finance. on the eastern seaboard. Two of the jobs-for-youth Summer HEAT program, Marty’s efforts to stimulate and largest, free concert series in New York Dine in Brooklyn restaurant week, grow Brooklyn’s economy include City were founded by Marty: the Martin the smART Brooklyn Gallery Hop and revitalizing Coney Island, re-zoning Luther King Jr. Concert Series, now Brooklyn Tourism, all of which have Greenpoint-Williamsburg and in its 30th year; and the 34th Annual helped make Brooklyn a better place Downtown Brooklyn, lowering auto Seaside Summer Concert Series, both of to live, work and raise a family. insurance rates, cleaning up Newtown which Marty continues to host. Efforts Marty married his wife, Jamie, in Creek, encouraging development continue to build New York City’s first 1999 and they recently celebrated of the Brooklyn Cruise Ship seasonal amphitheater, located in Coney their 13th wedding anniversary. They Terminal, wooing regional corporate Island, a project that Marty was pleased are the proud parents of Beep, an headquarters, large manufacturers to initiate. And he was instrumental in African Grey Parrot.
13 GUEST SPEAKER GLENN LAU-KEE KEE & LAU-KEE, PRESIDENT-ELECT, NEW YORK STATE BAR ASSOCIATION
Glenn Lau-Kee is the president- Manhattan Legal Services and most the Year Award from the Chinese elect of the New York State Bar recently, Queens Legal Services. American Planning Council. Association. He will become He has served as a director of the Glenn has served as a the president of the Association New York Bar Foundation, the New Commissioner of the Commission in June, 2014, succeeding the York County Lawyers’ Association, on Human Rights of the City of current president, David Schraver the NYCLA Foundation and The Fund New York, as a member of the New of Nixon & Peabody in Rochester, for Modern Courts. He is also on the York State Judicial Screening Panel New York. Board of Trustees of the U.S.-Asia for the First Department, and on Glenn is a partner of Kee & Institute in Washington, DC. former Chief Judge Judith Kaye’s Lau-Kee, PLLC, a small firm located Glenn also serves on the Board Commission to Examine Solo and on Broome Street in lower Manhattan Emeritus of the YMCA of Greater Small First Practice and Commission and concentrates on a transactional New York, having served as Vice to Promote Public Trust and practice of real estate and business Chair of the Board of Directors and Confidence in the Legal System. He matters. He began his practice in the chair of the Y’s Finance Committee is a David Rockefeller Fellow of the New York office of Coudert Brothers and Audit Committee. He recently New York City Partnership, a Fellow in Hong Kong in 1975. He was also a received the order of the Red of the American Bar Association partner in the White Plains firm then Triangle, the Y’s highest award. Foundation, and a Fellow of the New known as Koo, Larrabee, Lau-Kee & He has also received, together York Bar Foundation. Lane, LLP. with his father, Norman Kee, He received his B.A. from Yale Glenn served as a member of the the Honorable George Bundy University in 1971 and his J.D. from Board of Directors of Legal Services Smith Pioneer Award from the the Boston University School of Law for New York City from 2001 to Commercial and Federal Litigation in 1974. 2008, and within that organization, Section of the New York State Bar also served as a board member of Association, and the Honoree of
14 MASTER OF CEREMONIES ROMA TORRE NY1
This year we are honoring a group City Hall’, once referred to as the ‘60 Marie Torre, a print journalist for of people whose work has helped to minutes of local television’. You also the N.Y. Herald Tribune and the first maintain this city we call home and might know her from her work at journalist to go to jail for protecting preserve its reputation as one of the News12 Long Island, the first 24 hours a source of information. Marie Torre greatest places on earth. Whether local news network in the country, served a ten day sentence right after they are working directly in New reporting, anchoring, hosting a weekly giving birth to her daughter Roma. York City communities, finding ways news program, and serving as the Roma graduated with a degree to finance community development, station’s TV and film critic. in English and history from Tufts or the overall work they’ve done for However, perhaps what you don’t University. While in Boston, she started low-income communities, their labor know about Ms. Torre is that she a theater company with fellow student has benefited countless residents of has won more than 25 broadcasting Ed Lopez which, although lasting only New York and they have contributed awards, including an Emmy for three years, indicative of her passion to a higher quality of life for New reporting and anchoring the Avianca for acting would lead to several roles Yorkers. Thus we could not think of plane crash disaster in 1991. In 1993, on soap operas and off Broadway anyone more fitting to MC this event she and “News All Evening” anchor productions. The partnership with Ed than Roma Torre, one of the most Lewis Dodley were honored by New thrived. They married in 1991. exceptional New Yorkers on television. York Magazine’s “Best Of” edition as Ms. Torre, a mom of two, works to You may see Ms. Torre on TV the best news anchors in New York. keep us informed about and invested regularly during her mid-day shift on In 2003 she was the recipient of in our city. She has spent the past New York 1’s ‘News All Day’ or doing the Newswomen’s Club of New York’s decade plus covering the issues facing her theater reviews for New York 1’s 2003 Peggy Award for Broadcasting, New Yorkers with an almost personal ‘NY1 On Stage’. Perhaps you remember for her review of the Broadway show conviction. As a parent, a patron of the her from her award winning coverage “Big River.” arts, a journalist and a New Yorker we on the award winning program ‘Inside Roma Torre is the daughter of are honored to have her with us tonight.
15 ABOUT BROOKLYN A
Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A communities, and are thus charged (Brooklyn A) has provided high-quality, with the responsibility of identifying, neighborhood based civil legal services understanding their needs, participating to low-income individuals, families, in addressing the problems confronting community groups, and nonprofit those communities. organizations in Brooklyn for over forty- four years. While we are broadening WHAT WE DO our focus toward expanding services We offer representation and advocacy: throughout all of Brooklyn and beyond, • To tenants and tenant associations our efforts have typically focused on to prevent their displacement and to neighborhoods where much of the ensure decent living conditions; borough’s poverty is concentrated, • To counter predatory lending practices; including: Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and Bushwick, Oceanhill-Brownsville, East • To support community and economic New York, Bedford- Stuyvesant, Cypress development efforts undertaken Hills, Starrett City, City Line, East by nonprofit, neighborhood-based Flatbush, Flatlands, and Canarsie. organizations. Established in 1968 as part of the We also provide education, federally-funded legal services program, counseling and outreach not only directly Brooklyn A embraces the value that to our target population but also to lawyers have in combating poverty. We other stakeholders, including community endorse the idea that legal services boards, community- based organizations programs are responsible to low-income (CBOs), advocacy groups, and the offices
16 of elected officials. The range of and economic justice in local low- litigation services, to homeowners these interventions is designed to income communities. CED attorneys, facing foreclosure and/or victimized allow us to extend our reach as far as general counsel, provide CBOs by predatory lending practices. as possible in providing accessible with ongoing, comprehensive legal services, and our activities include: counsel in their daily operation and PRESERVING AFFORDABLE workshops, educational meetings, functioning and at all stages of project HOUSING informational materials, and skill- and program development, thereby The goal of the Housing Program is building sessions. increasing their client’s organizational to preserve tenancies and increase strength, the effectiveness of the affordable housing for low-income COMMUNITY AND services they deliver and their ability clients. We represent tenants ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT to meet their community’s needs. individually and collectively through (CED) tenants’ associations in Supreme Through its role as the lawyer for CONSUMER AND and Housing courts, defending CBOs and their initiated projects, ECONOMIC ADVOCACY them in eviction proceedings, and, Brooklyn A’s CED Program The goal of the Consumer and if necessary, bringing affirmative provides critical legal support Economic Advocacy Program is cases to ensure that their landlords and representation to CBOs and to empower underrepresented provide essential services and community development corporations consumers to assert their rights in perform adequate repair and (CDCs) that, amongst a variety of the marketplace and courts, and maintenance work. This work is community services, seek to: create, financially stabilize. As Brooklyn A done in conjunction with community develop, and operate new and was establishing our consumer rights organizations that promote the rehabilitated affordable housing, practice, the foreclosure crisis was expansion of resources for affordable provide high quality health care beginning to seriously impact low- housing and try to minimize the services, develop community-wide income homeowners. In response, we loss of currently affordable units. sustainable development strategies, expanded our foreclosure defense Further, the Housing Program directly provide support and educational work as a part of our consumer rights supports HDFC apartment building services to youth from infancy through practice. We provide legal assistance, cooperative corporations and college, and generally work for social including advice, advocacy and community coalitions.
15 BROOKLYN A
Jyotin Hamid BOARD OF Debevoise & Plimpton LLP Valerie A. Hing Curtis, Mallt-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP DIRECTORS Shekar Krishnan Law Clerk, U.S. District Judge OFFICERS Harvey Lawrence James H.R. Windels, Chair Brownsville Multi-Service Family Health Davis Polk & Wardwell Center Robert E. Crotty, Vice-Chair Joseph Lipofsky Kelley, Drye & Warren LLP Zwerling Schachter & Zwerling Thomas McC. Souther, Treasurer David Lopez Pepper Hamilton LLP Southside United HDFC (Los Sures) Anne Pilsbury, Secretary Frances Lucerna Central American Legal Assistance El Puente Saul B. Shapiro MEMBERS Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler Robert Begleiter Robert Sheehan Schlam Stone & Dolan LLP Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher Todd Duffield & Flom LLP Paul Hastings LLP Harold Green EMERITUS Cypress Hills Local Development Arthur V. Bates, Sr., 1916-2010 Corporation Rev. Peter A. Mahoney
16 Joseph E. Geoghan Charles Alvarez, J.D. Stephen L. Gordon Staff Attorney ADVISORY Columbia Law School Fellow Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP Michael Gugig David Bryan, Esq. COMMITTEE Saul Ewing, LLP Program Director, Consumer & Economic Advocacy HONORARY CO-CHAIRS Gary S. Hattem Deutsche Bank Kevin Chang, Esq. John Feerick Staff Attorney Fordham University School of Law Judith Livingston Simpson Thacher & Bartlett Extern Kramer, Dillof, Livingston & Moore Barry H. Garfinkel Shoshannah Goodman, Esq. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Kenneth J. Mahon AmeriCorps VISTA Law Fellow Flom LLP DIME Savings Bank of Williamsburg Joshua Hoffman, Esq. Henry L. King Sam Marks Director of Finance & Administration Davis Polk & Wardwell Deutsche Bank Jason Lee Robert MacCrate William Mastro Tenant Legal Services Coordinator Sullivan & Cromwell GHI AmeriCorps VISTA Haywood Burns Thomas Moore Janna Levin, Esq. 1940-1996 Kramer, Dillof, Livingston & Moore AmeriCorps VISTA Law Fellow Paul J. Curran Edward Odom Lee McRae, Esq. 1933-2008 Citi Program Director, Individual Housing Charles E. Inniss Vincent F. Pitta Adam Meyers, J.D 1935-1997 Pitta & Giblin LLP Skadden Law Fellow Pitta Bishop Del Giorno & Giblin LLC Sargent Shriver Rosmarie Peralta 1915-2011 Bettina Plevan Administrative Assistant/ Reception Proskauer Rose Hon. Harold R. Tyler, Jr. Maria Posner 1921-2005 Mariadele Priest Office Manager Capital One Bank William A. Volckhausen Gloria Ramón, M.P.P. 1937-2001 Leslie B. Samuels Director of Development & Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton Communications LLP MEMBERS Austen Refuerzo, J.D Terri Thomson Berkeley Law Bridge Fellow Peter A. Cross, Chair Thomson Strategies McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP Jessica Rose, Esq. Grace Lyu Volckhausen Program Director, Community & Henry P. Baer Tiger Baron Foundation Economic Development Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP Stephan P. Younger Shimon Sieskel Patterson, Belknap, Webb & Tyler LLP Executive Assistant/Reception Carlos Cabrales Bank Leumi Domenico Siravo Development & Marketing Evan A. Davis Coordinator Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP AmeriCorps VISTA Brendan J. Dugan Victor Torres St. Francis College Senior Paralegal Randy Estrada TD Bank STAFF VOLUNTEERS Steven Flax Martin S. Needelman, Esq. Andrew Malozemoff, Esq. M&T Bank Executive Director and Chief Counsel Henry Parr Caroline E. Forte Paul J. Acinapura, Esq. Pfizer Global Manufacturing General Counsel Avina Rivera
17 JUDICIARY COMMITTEE JERROLD NADLER TH SUBCOMMITTEES: 10 DISTRICT, NEW YORK RANKING MEMBER REPLY TO: CONSTITUTION WASHINGTON OFFICE: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, COMPETITION, 2234 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING AND THE INTERNET WASHINGTON, DC 20515 (202) 225-5635 Congress of the United States TRANSPORTATION AND DISTRICT OFFICE: INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE 201 VARICK STREET House of Representatives SUITE 669 SUBCOMMITTEES: NEW YORK, NY 10014 (212) 367-7350 HIGHWAYS AND TRANSIT Washington, DC 20515 RAILROADS, PIPELINES AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS DISTRICT OFFICE: 6605 FT. HAMILTON PARKWAY BROOKLYN, NY 11219 ASSISTANT WHIP (718) 373-3198 Web: www.nadler.house.gov
November 20, 2013
Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A Shriver Tyler MacCrate Center for Justice 260 Broadway, Suite 2 Brooklyn, New York 11211
Dear Friends:
I would like to extend my warmest greetings to Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation and its honorees on the occasion of tonight’s Annual Partnership Awards Benefit.
Since 1968, Brooklyn Legal Services has helped Brooklyn’s low-income residents fight discrimination and displacement. By providing free and accessible civil legal services and partnering with vital community organizations, Brooklyn Legal Services has assisted thousands of New Yorkers with issues including healthcare, education, and housing. These vital services are essential, and I thank you for your commitment and devotion to the most vulnerable of our society.
It is with great pleasure that I also congratulate tonight’s honorees: Michael Cooper, with the annual Judge Harold Tyler Award, and David Lopez with the Sargent Shriver Award. On behalf of my constituents and all the residents of Brooklyn, I thank Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation and tonight’s honorees for your dedication and hard work and wish you continue success in the future.
Sincerely, N JERROLD NADLER Member of Congress
T HE C ITY OF N EW Y ORK O FFICE OF THE M AYOR N EW Y ORK, NY 10007
November 20, 2013
Dear Friends:
It is a great pleasure to welcome everyone to the Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A’s Annual Partnership Awards Benefit.
New York has long been known as a place where people of all backgrounds can work hard and have a fair chance at success. Our attorneys, especially, have been instrumental in helping us uphold this reputation by promoting justice and driving our social and economic progress. Since 1968, Brooklyn A has served the people of our City, working to protect public interest and providing competent, quality legal assistance to our residents. The efforts of this outstanding organization made an important difference in the lives of countless individuals and families, and we applaud Brooklyn A and all those associated with it for their ongoing commitment to strengthening the Brooklyn community.
On behalf of all New Yorkers, congratulations to tonight’s honorees – Michael Cooper, who will receive the Judge Tyler Award, and David Lopez, who is the recipient of this year’s Sargent Shriver Award. Please accept my best wishes for an enjoyable event and continued success.
Sincerely,
Michael R. Bloomberg Mayor
the CounCil of the City of new york Christine C. Quinn City hall Telephone Speaker new york, ny 10007 212-788-7210
November 20, 2013
Dear Friends,
Greetings to everyone gathered here tonight at Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A’s (Brooklyn A) Annual Partnership Awards Benefit!
One of the great privileges and joys of serving on the City Council is being able to see first-hand the extraordinarily good work being done by so many groups and organizations around the city. In neighborhoods all across the five boroughs, these groups are working hard to help strengthen our communities, improve our quality of life, and ensure that our city continues to grow and thrive.
On this special night of celebration, I would like to thank Brooklyn A and its dedicated staff and team for the critically important work that they are doing here in our city. Thanks to their efforts, thousands of New Yorkers and their families have been provided with the tools they need to defend their right to remain in their communities and homes.
Congratulations as well to this year’s honorees, Michael Cooper and David Lopez.
My best wishes to everyone for a wonderful evening. Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Christine C. Quinn Speaker Davis Polk is proud to support Brooklyn A in its vital efforts to improve the quality of life in the neighborhoods it serves.
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New York Paris Menlo Park Madrid Washington DC Tokyo São Paulo Beijing London Hong Kong
davispolk.com © 2013 Davis Polk & Wardwell llp Debevoise is pleased to support Brooklyn A
text here and we join in honoring Michael Cooper and David Lopez
New York Washington, D.C. London Paris Frankfurt Moscow Hong Kong Shanghai For more information about Kelley Drye, visit us at www.kelleydrye.com.
KELLEY DRYE & WARREN LLP
congratulates BRooKLYN LEgAL SERvicES coRPoRAtioN A and its Honorees Michael cooper David Lopez for their dedication andtext support here in providing high quality legal assistance to low-income individuals and groups in Brooklyn Congratulations
Dime salutes Brooklyn legal services Corporation a and the 2013 annual Partnership awards Honorees
Like many of us, Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh understands what it means to serve the community. We bring almost 150 years of friendly, professional service to neighbors, businesses and community organizations across the New York area. That’s why we’re proud to support the efforts of Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A and salute all of the 2013 Annual Partnership Award honorees.
26 branches to serve you throughout Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and the Bronx. Call 800.321.3463 for information.
dime.com © 2013 The Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh We are proud to continue our support for Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A and to celebrate its Annual Partnership Awards Benefit
We join in congratulating tonight’s honorees
Michael Cooper David Lopez recipient of the and recipient of the Judge Harold Tyler Sargent Shriver Award Award
November 20, 2013
1133 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10036-6710 212.336.2000 www.pbwt.com Southside United HDFC - Los Sures
Southside United HDFC - Los Sures would like to congratulate Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A on its Annual Partnership Awards Benefit
Special Congratulations to David Lopez Chairman of the Los Sures Board on receiving the Sargent Shriver Award Your decades of service to the Williamsburg Community have not gone unnoticed. You make us all very proud.
213 S. 4th Street, Brooklyn, NY. | (718) 387-3600 | www.lossures.org
Connect with Los Sures! A
We are proud to support
Brooklyn Legal Services’ Annual Partnership Awards Benefit and congratulate our friend and colleague Michael A. Cooper recipient of the Judge Harold Tyler Award
www.sullcrom.com new york . washington, d.c. . los angeles . palo alto london . paris . frankfurt tokyo . hong kong . beijing . melbourne . sydney BEST WISHES to Martin S. Needelman and to the Members of the Board and Professional and Administrative Staff of BROOKLYN LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION A ˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜ CONGRATULATIONS to Honorees Michael Cooper and David Lopez ˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜ PITTA & GIBLIN LLP LABOR * EMPLOYMENT * EMPLOYEE BENEFITS * REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
PITTA BISHOP DEL GIORNO & GIBLIN LLC LOBBYING * CONSULTING * GOVERNMENT RELATIONS * CAMPAIGN FINANCE COMPLIANCE
111 Washington Ave, St. 401 120 Broadway, 28th Floor Albany, New York 12210 New York, New York 10271 Telephone (518) 449-3320 Telephone (212) 652-3890 Facsimile (518) 449-5812 Facsimile (212) 652-3891
Salutes David Lopez & Michael Cooper
We thank you for your leadership and service to the communities we serve!
2 Kingsland Avenue ▪ Brooklyn, NY 11211 www.stnicksalliance.org www.schoolsettlement.org 718-388-5454
M&T Bank. Understanding what’s important.
At M&T Bank, we know it’s important to support the people, businesses and organizations in all the communities we serve – and that’s what we’ve been doing for more than 155 years. Because when our community succeeds, we all succeed.
mtb.com ©2012 M&T Bank. Member FDIC. Heartfelt Congratulations to
MICHAEL A. COOPER 2013 Recipient of the Judge Harold Tyler Award
Our sincere appreciation for all you do to bridge the justice gap The Pro Bono Net Board of Directors
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE DESERVING HONOREES AND TO BROOKLYN LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION A FOR OVER FORTY YEARS OF COMMITMENT TO BROOKLYN COMMUNITIES
Morris Kirschner Perpetual Charitable Trust Cye E. Ross, Attorney at Law 30 Vesey Street, Suite 1800 New York, N.Y 10007 (212) 732-0843 Congratulations to the Honorees and Richard Izquierdo, MD Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez Brooklyn Legal Services Corp. A Founder President & CEO For working to bring justice to people Congratulations to And communities most in need. Brooklyn Legal Services
Thanks to BKA for your support of the &
Cypress Hills Community School. All of the honorees
Thanks to David Lopez for his friendship, at the Poetry, activism, and passion in helping 2013 Annual Awards Benefit
Neighbors and communities to wake up!
Smell the coffee! combat injustice and Win victories, big and small. (718) 860-5555 www.urbanhealthplan.org Maria Jaya & Roy Pingel
Congratulations to Mike Cooper
--Betsy and Ken Plevan CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR PARTNER BROOKLYN LEGAL SERVICES CORP A AND HONOREES WILLIAM CAMICHAELVANAUGH ▪COOPER MARIADELE PRIEST Congratulations to the 2013 honorees DAVIDAND OU LOPEZR OWN NYC BrooklynCOUNCIL BoroughMEMBER President DIANA R E NYA and for the continuing commitment of MARTY MARKOWITZ Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A MRNY is proud to work alongside you in the fight for respect and dignity for our communities to the people of Brooklyn. WWW.MAKETHEROADNY.ORG BROOKLYN ▪ QUEENS ▪ STATEN ISLAND ▪ LONG ISLAND Brooklyn Bar Association Foundation, Inc. Andrew M. Fallek, Esq., President Avery Eli Okin, Esq., CAE, Executive Director
The family of Jessica Rose congratulates Brooklyn A staff and its community partners-clients for another year of facilitating projects that help meet the critical needs of Brooklynites who are amongst the most underserved in New York City. THE PRINTING OF THIS JOURNAL was made possible by a generous contribution from the Law Firm of Davis Polk & Wardwell, LLP.
Thank you!
Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A BROOKLYN A OFFICE
SHRIVER TYLER MACCRATE CENTER FOR JUSTICE 260 broadway, suite 2 brooklyn, ny 11211 www.bka.org