Read the following excerpts authored by their pro bono supervisors detailing the meaningful impact they've made on communities in need. These volunteers were honored at the Pro Bono Awards Celebration on October 19th, 2023 in New York City.
Lynn Barsamian
Fordham Law School Feerick Center for Social Justice (Bronx CLARO)
Lynn Barsamian is a highly esteemed volunteer recognized for her exceptional pro bono service through Fordham Law School Feerick Center for Social Justice's Bronx CLARO (Civil Legal Advice and Resource Office) Program. Her dedication played a pivotal role in the resumption of in-person services at the Bronx CLARO clinic post-COVID, enabling unrepresented consumer-defendants to access legal support. Ms. Barsamian's unwavering commitment was evident through her weekly commute from New Jersey to assist clients, even when social distancing requirements were still in place. She readily takes on challenging cases and assists new volunteers in getting oriented, making her an indispensable asset to the Bronx CLARO program and exemplifying a deep commitment to learning and service.
Stephen M. Jacoby
Pace Women's Justice Center (PWJC)
Steve Jacoby, a retired attorney from the NY Attorney General's Office, joined the Volunteer Team in 2017, complementing his wife's 11-year commitment as a bilingual paralegal at Pace Women's Justice Center (PWJC). Leveraging his extensive litigation experience, Steve focused on research and writing to assist the organization. His contributions covered a wide range of client-specific issues, including the Soldiers' & Sailors' Civil Relief Act, service of summons and complaint in a divorce in Kosovo, revisions to PWJC's retainer agreement, default motions, and the confidentiality of addresses held by the Child Support Collection Unit. While not quantifiable in terms of clients or wins, Steve's research and analysis have been invaluable to PWJC, enabling new avenues of litigation strategy and having a significant positive impact on the organization and its clients.
Evelyn Kalenscher
Nassau Suffolk Law Services
Evelyn Kalenscher, a retired attorney and Attorney Emeritus, has provided pro bono legal assistance through the Nassau/Suffolk Law Services Volunteer Lawyers Project since 2009, specifically focusing on landlord/tenant cases in the Nassau County District Court. She has represented numerous indigent clients facing eviction, effectively negotiating settlements that grant clients time to secure new housing, repay overdue rent, or have their outstanding rent partially or fully forgiven if they meet stipulated terms. Additionally, she has filed motions to dismiss, resulting in case withdrawals or dismissals. Notable cases highlight Ms. Kalenscher's impact, including her successful defense of a son facing eviction from his home due to an elderly relative's trust involvement. She also secured a dismissal in a case where a tenant had been assaulted by the landlord and an order of protection was issued. Ms. Kalenscher's dedication was further evident in her effort to set aside a money judgment against a client who moved out following a stipulation, successfully arguing that the landlord lacked standing and revealing property ownership changes that voided the judgment. Evelyn Kalenscher's exceptional pro bono work has had a substantial positive impact on her clients' housing situations and legal outcomes.
Beth Schwarz
City Bar Justice Center
Beth G. Schwartz is a retired clinical professor of law with extensive experience as a government attorney, serving both the City of New York and the federal government. She joined the City Bar Justice Center's Federal Pro Se Legal Assistance Project (Fed Pro) in June 2021 through the AEP. In her role, Ms. Schwartz provides valuable litigation assistance to individuals representing themselves in civil suits in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Her contributions to the Fed Pro team include reviewing pleadings, offering legal advice, analyzing cases, and mentoring interns and staff, making her an invaluable asset due to her knowledge, experience, compassion, and sense of humor.
Ann Williams
Just Cause
Ann Williams, a former staff attorney for JustCause, has made significant contributions to the AEP through her pro bono service. While at JustCause, she encouraged numerous volunteers to join AEP, resulting in 30 AEP volunteers for the organization. Ms. Williams's commitment extended beyond AEP, as she collaborated with Harter Secrest & Emery and the University of Rochester to establish the HELP-U Program, which provided wills clinics for low-income housing residents over the age of 60, and she assisted transgender clients in obtaining name changes to align with their gender identity. Upon her retirement from JustCause in 2021, Ms. Williams ensured a smooth transition for her successor, Marlene Attardo, by sharing her knowledge of the AEP. Ms. Williams has continued her pro bono work by joining AEP herself and actively participating in clinics, including bilingual wills clinics, and accepting clients directly, accumulating over 40 pro bono hours in less than two years. Her dedication and service have had a lasting impact, and she is highly recommended for recognition for her past and ongoing contributions.
Jonathan Zich
Mobilization for Justice (MFJ) Housing Project
Jonathan Zich has been a dedicated volunteer with MFJ's Housing Project since 2019, and he played a crucial role in adapting to new technology when the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated changes in how organizations operated. Mr. Zich effectively utilized this technology to continue representing MFJ clients in housing litigation cases. He is known for his unwavering commitment to MFJ's eviction prevention efforts, willingly taking on challenging cases to prevent tenants from being evicted. Mr. Zich is recognized for his patience, good judgment, and strong advocacy skills in Housing Court, making him a valuable asset to the Housing Project at MFJ.
We also thank and recognize the attorneys who have provided at least 60 hours of pro bono legal services with host organizations within the past year. Their outstanding contributions have expanded access to justice for New Yorkers across the state. Thank you!
Dennis Buchanan, C. Patrick Castellan, Peter Dellinger, Curtis DeVito, Sheila S. Dickinson, Lewis Finkleman, Christine Galvin, Simeon Goldman, Dorit Heimer, Eileen Katz, Laurie Kramer, Ronald Mayer, Ronnie Ringel, Meredith Savitt, Ellen Schell, Sydney R. Smith, Lewis Steele, Martin Webb, Barbara Weiner, and Andrea Weiss
