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.
Nonprofit
Proskauer Honors Public Service at the 17th Annual Golden Gavel Awards
By Mark Bunbury, Wendy Dessy & William C. Silverman on
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.
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.
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.
Proskauer Prevails in London Benefits Matter
By William C. Silverman on
A Proskauer London-based team, consisting of partner Paul Tannenbaum and associates Julia Bihary, Shameelah Khan, and Antonia George, were recently successful in a pro bono personal independence payment (“PIP”) appeal case. PIP is a benefit awarded by the Department for Work & Pensions (“DWP”) for people who need help with…
Economic Empowerment for Women
By Wendy Dessy on
Financial literacy and independence are important for everyone, but even more important for women given the gender wealth gap. According to Forbes, “in the U.S., women-headed families only have 55% of the median wealth as compared to families headed by men.” As part of our observance of Women’s History Month, Proskauer hosted a workshop on the importance of financial literacy with Savvy Ladies, a non-profit committed to empowering women through financial education. Stacy Francis, founder of Savvy Ladies, and Lisa Zeiderman, Board Chair, shared best practices for taking charge of one’s finances, regardless of economic status or stage in life. They explained the difference between financial advisors, consultants and planners, and the mistakes to avoid when seeking a financial advisor. Above all, the pair highlighted the importance of staying engaged, prepared and in control when dealing with finances and not to leave financial matters up to a spouse, partner or family member.
Proskauer Files Amicus Brief Before the U.S. Supreme Court on Behalf of the American College of Tax Counsel
By Tyler J. Moser on
On October 23, 2023, Proskauer attorneys submitted an amicus brief in connection with the U.S. Supreme Court case of Moore v. United States[1] on behalf of the American College of Tax Counsel—a nonprofit professional association of tax lawyers in private practice, law school teaching positions and government that is widely recognized for its excellence in, and substantive contributions to, the tax profession. Moore is widely viewed as a significant case, as it represents the first time in decades in which the Supreme Court will consider the constitutionality of a federal income tax statute. Furthermore, the Court’s decision has the potential to upend years of well-settled tax law and planning principles, introduce unprecedented uncertainty into the Code and spawn voluminous litigation.