Our longstanding, non-profit partner, The People Concern, is one of Los Angeles County’s largest social services agencies, providing a wide array of wrap around services for those with nowhere else to turn, including mental and medical health care, housing, domestic violence services, substance abuse treatment and free care for those with furry companions. They meet the challenges inherent in homelessness and domestic violence with evidence-based solutions and, in so doing, transform lives with care and compassion.

Earlier this month, Proskauer was a proud participant in Student Leadership Network’s Cool Careers, Potential Paths day at their Young Women’s Leadership School of Manhattan. At the event, Firm volunteers, including lawyers and business staff, shared their education and career paths with a class of high school seniors. Our panelists discussed how choices they made shaped their successes and failures along the way, and talked about the importance of mentorship, soft skills, teamwork, participating in college activities, and the need for hard work and balance in one’s life. Brad Ruskin, co-chair of the Firm’s Sports Law Group has been a member of Student Leadership Network’s Board since 2014 and Board Chair since 2023.

Last week, the Proskauer community gathered for the 17th Annual Golden Gavel Awards ceremony to celebrate and honor those lawyers and staff members who went far above and beyond to contribute to the Firm’s pro bono, corporate social responsibility and community building efforts in 2024. Congratulations and thanks to the following colleagues for their extraordinary commitment to public service.

On October 22, Proskauer partner Ron Franklin was honored at the Habitat for Humanity of New York City and Westchester County’s 40th anniversary celebration. Ron, a Habitat Board member, is co-head of the Firm’s Finance Group and leads the Fund Finance practice. Over the years, he has volunteered around the world with Habitat and has distinguished himself at the Firm and in his community through pro bono work. At the event, Habitat CEO Sabrina Lippman, summed it up well when she noted that, “Ron’s dedication goes far beyond funding — he actively volunteers on local build sites and abroad, demonstrating a deep commitment to our cause. As a devoted board member, his thoughtful leadership has been a guiding force, setting a tremendous example of service.” Below, we asked Ron to reflect on his work for the organization and the importance of public service. 

Julia Bihary has recently joined Proskauer’s pro bono team in London. She has practiced as a litigator for six years (three of which were spent at Proskauer) prior to this move, specializing in complex commercial litigation and arbitration matters. She is also a solicitor advocate with Higher Rights of Audience, which enables her to appear in the higher courts of England and Wales. In this short interview, Julia explains more about her passion for pro bono and the transition to this new role.

Last week, Proskauer co-hosted a Nonprofit Board and Volunteer Showcase in its New York Office, an event featuring nonprofit organizations who were looking to engage new volunteers, board members and mentors. The night’s organizations serve students in low-income communities and have a shared goal to help transform young people’s lives through the afterschool experience. There are over 1,000 nonprofit organizations that provide sports, mentoring, tutoring, arts, college preparation, internship opportunities and more to our public school students in New York City, the largest public school system in the country, through afterschool programs.