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.
Community
Transforming Communities Through the Economic Empowerment of Women
By Wendy Dessy on
Twenty-one years ago, Stacy Francis, one of the savviest ladies I know, established an organization dedicated to providing free financial knowledge for all women who need advice or guidance, regardless of their ability to pay for financial services. She named it, most fittingly, Savvy Ladies.
Partner Ron Franklin Honored at Habitat for Humanity New York City and Westchester’s House Party Celebration
By Wendy Dessy on
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.
Introducing Julia Bihary, Pro Bono Counsel
By William C. Silverman on
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.
Proskauer Takes Part in London Giving Day
By Wendy Dessy on
Proskauer volunteers prepare and serve meals to vulnerable Londoners throughout the year. As part of that effort, we partner with volunteers from our client Ares Management to serve meals on a monthly basis at the Soup Kitchen, an organization that plays a vital role in supporting the homeless, elderly…
Proskauer Hosts Nonprofit Board and Volunteer Showcase
By Wendy Dessy on
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.
Adding Value Through Non-Profit Board Service
By Wendy Dessy on
Proskauer’s longstanding Board Service Initiative places our partners on non-profit boards where they serve organizations in the communities where we live and work, offering guidance and counsel and using their talents and expertise to impact lasting change. Our partners dedicate their services to a wide range of non-profit boards in…
Creating Social Justice Awareness and Positive Social Change: An Interview with Wayne Ho, CEO of the Chinese-American Planning Council
By Wendy Dessy on
As we recognize Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I recently sat down with our friend Wayne Ho, CEO of the Chinese-American Planning Council (“CPC”), to learn more about the community issues the nation’s largest Asian American social service organization is working to address. Since 2021, Proskauer has partnered with the CPC to host several educational workshop series with CPC teens, centering on social justice and academic enrichment. Proskauer employees volunteer as mentors on a regular basis, through programs like those sponsored by the CPC, imparting their expertise beyond the law to inform and inspire students to succeed in college, their careers and other aspects of their lives.