Presented by The Honorable Carmen Beauchamp Ciparick, Associate Judge of the New York Court of Appeals, on Tuesday, October 23, 2007, in recognition of the outstanding contributions of individual lawyers, law firms, corporations and others to the cause of equal justice.
The Legal Aid Society's 2007 Pro Bono Publico Awards symbolize the outstanding commitment of major New York City law firms to provide access to justice to low income children, families and individuals. No where in the world is the commitment as strong as it is in New York City. For more than 130 years, these law firms have served as the foundation of the Society's pro bono program, providing representation to the most vulnerable New Yorkers, including senior citizens, disabled children and adults, survivors of domestic violence, immigrants, low-wage workers, persons living with AIDS/HIV, and homeless and imminently homeless children and adults, and to the most forgotten New Yorkers, including inmates in the jails on Rikers Island and prisoners in correctional facilities throughout the State of New York.
Davis Polk & Wardwell is the recipient of the 2007 Pro Bono Publico and Public Service Law Firm Award for its extraordinary pro bono commitment to The Legal Aid Society and its clients. A long-time supporter of the Society, the firm has expanded its pro bono commitment by serving as co-counsel with the Society in a major federal lawsuit, which resulted in significant improvements in psychiatric treatment for New York State prisoners with mental illness. The firm has provided pro bono representation on a continuing basis through the Criminal Appeals Bureau for prisoners in New York State correctional facilities who are appealing their convictions. Key members of the firm's IT Department created a new website for the Society on a pro bono basis and continue to provide assistance. The firm's support of The Legal Aid Society dates back to the early 1900s. Several partners have served on the Society's Board of Directors including Allen Wardwell, who was the President from 1926 through 1936. Currently, Daniel F. Kolb is a member of the Board of Directors. He is being recognized for his outstanding service.
In recogntion of the outstanding pro bono commitment of the following law firms and corporation to The Legal Aid Society and its clients: