Pro Bono
Serving Those Who Served: Pro Bono Advocacy for Veterans
By Michelle Moriarty on
Each year, thousands of veterans return to civilian life carrying the lasting effects of their military service. While many transition successfully, others face significant physical, psychological, and financial challenges that can persist long after they leave active duty. For many, these hardships are compounded by complex legal and administrative barriers that make it difficult to access the benefits, health care, and other resources they have earned through their service. This summer, Proskauer kicked off a new pro bono initiative across all U.S. offices focused on serving veterans. From navigating the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits system to seeking discharge upgrades or appealing adverse benefits determinations, legal representation can play a critical role in helping veterans secure the support they deserve.
Juvenile Justice Reform: A Discussion on New York’s Raise the Age Legislation
By Michelle Moriarty on
Last month, Proskauer hosted its annual event highlighting the Firm’s participation in the Associates’ Campaign for The Legal Aid Society, an initiative that brings associates together to raise critical funds in support of the nonprofit. This year’s conversation focused on rethinking the juvenile justice system in New York State. Panelists included Werdeh Hassan, Staff Attorney in The Legal Aid Society’s Juvenile Rights Practice; Anthony Katchen, Attorney-in-Charge of The Legal Aid Society’s Juvenile Rights Practice at the Staten Island Trial Office; and Shomari Ward, Litigation Director at Youth Represent.
Pro Bono Work Highlights New York’s Outdated Approach to Uncontested Divorce
By William C. Silverman & Jordan Lewis on
Taking on uncontested divorce matters is a staple of our pro bono practice in New York. Over the course of our work, one thing has become abundantly clear: there is no principled reason why New York’s system for obtaining an uncontested divorce must be so complicated and time-consuming.
Proskauer Sponsors Equal Justice Works Fellows at the American Civil Liberties Union
By Kyara Molina & William C. Silverman on
Proskauer is proud to be sponsoring Equal Justice Works Fellows Katherine McClain Fleming and Anna Catherine Young, who will work at the American Civil Liberties Union starting in September 2026. The fellows’ projects will address two critical and evolving areas of civil rights law: reproductive rights and disability rights.
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Proskauer Secures Unanimous Victory at the New York Court of Appeals on Behalf of Three Legal Services Organizations
By William C. Silverman on
In a unanimous decision, the New York Court of Appeals struck down regulations that would have created a new state-run system for parents to place their children with strangers. The Court held that the “Host Homes” program unlawfully strips away core protections for children and parents under New York State’s voluntary foster care system, which is grounded in statute. I had the honor of serving as lead counsel in this case on behalf of The Legal Aid Society, Lawyers For Children, and the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo — three organizations that represent children in foster care proceedings.
Proskauer Lawyers Recognized on 2026 London Pro Bono Recognition List
By Kyara Molina on
The Firm is honored to share that 33 attorneys in the London office have been recognized on the 2026 Pro Bono Recognition List, which celebrates solicitors and barristers across England and Wales who each volunteered more than 25 hours over the last year to provide essential pro bono legal support to those in need.
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Holds that 24-Hour Delay Between Traffic Infraction and Search Violated Defendant’s Constitutional Rights
By Alexander Guzy-Sprague on
Last fall, Proskauer attorneys filed an amicus brief on behalf of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and ACLU of Massachusetts (ACLUM) in Commonwealth v. Arias, SJC-13816. On April 15, 2026, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court issued its opinion in the case, holding that police violated Article 14 of the Massachusetts Declaration of Rights by waiting more than 24 hours to stop Jose Arias after observing him commit a civil traffic infraction while tailing him as part of a drug investigation. The SJC reversed the denial of Mr. Arias’s Motion to Suppress, vacated his conviction, and remanded the case to the Superior Court.