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.
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Pro Bono Work Highlights New York’s Outdated Approach to Uncontested Divorce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.
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.
Celebrating Impact: European Golden Gavel Awards
By Benjamin Peacock on
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.
For Good Spotlight: Massachusetts Appleseed
By Catherine Pellerin on
Proskauer performs pro bono work for a number of innovative and impactful nonprofit organizations, including Massachusetts Appleseed. This week, we spoke with board member and partner in Proskauer’s Corporate Department and member of Proskauer’s Health Care Group, Devin Cohen, about the organization and its impact.
Proskauer Partners with ACLU to File Amicus Brief Urging the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court to Curb Pretextual Stops and Reinforce Constitutional Protections Against Warrantless Arrests
By Emily Wakeman & Alexander Guzy-Sprague on
On November 21, 2025, Proskauer attorneys filed an amicus brief on behalf of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and ACLU of Massachusetts (ACLUM) before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) in the case of Commonwealth v. Arias, which presents foundational questions about the protections guaranteed by Article 14…