On 23 February 2026, colleagues from Proskauer’s London and Paris offices gathered for the Annual Golden Gavel Awards, an evening dedicated to celebrating the extraordinary contributions of our people to the Firm’s Pro Bono, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Community Engagement & Inclusion (CEI) efforts.

The event opened with a thoughtful fireside conversation moderated by Bruno Bertrand-Delfau, featuring Matthew Thornton (Head of Ardian UK, COO and CFO of Ardian UK and MD of Ardian), Ana Ćorić (Foundation Partnerships Manager, Ardian), Dorothy Murray and Michelle Omotayo. The discussion explored the Ardian Foundation’s mission and priorities, and highlighted how collaboration between law firms and clients can amplify the impact of social and community initiatives.

Following the conversation, the Firm honored the exceptional efforts of our colleagues whose work continues to strengthen communities and advance access to justice. The award categories and those recognized are outlined below.

On July 8th, Proskauer partnered with the Red Cross and Century Park Towers building management to sponsor a blood drive at Century Park Towers in Los Angeles. This collaborative effort exceeded expectations, resulting in the collection of 42 units of blood, including contributions from 16 first-time donors. As a long-standing

Over the past few months, attorneys, staff, summer associates and interns across Proskauer’s U.S. offices have been volunteering with organizations to address food insecurity in their communities, a central focus of the Firm’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts. Partnering with organizations like New York Common Pantry (New York City), D.C. Central Kitchen (Washington, D.C.), The People Concern (Los Angeles), Rosie’s Place (Boston), and Chicago Common Pantry (Chicago), Proskauer’s volunteers contributed over 300 hours of service, helping to distribute over 64,000 meals. In addition to supporting these impactful organizations, volunteers had the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the growing issue of food insecurity in the communities where they live and work.

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.