News & Recognitions
2005
Paul, Weiss Lawyers Recognized by Sanctuary for Families for Pro Bono Efforts
On November 3 Sanctuary for Families' Associates Committee will honor partners Claudia Hammerman and Robyn Tarnofsky and former associate Adam Heilman at their awards reception for outstanding pro bono lawyers. Claudia, Robyn and Adam will be honored for their pro bono representation of an Israeli woman sued in federal court under the Hague Convention on Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. Our client, a victim of domestic violence, fled Israel with her three young children. Her husband petitioned for the return of the children to Israel under the Hague Convention. After a three-day bench trial, the court denied the petition, concluding that returning the children to Israel would expose the children to grave risk of severe psychological harm.
Sidney Rosdeitcher is Honored for Defending the Santa Fe Living Wage Ordinance
Of counsel Sidney Rosdeitcher's defense of the Santa Fe Living Wage Ordinance is highlighted in the Corporate Board Member's Special Legal Issue 2005 article, "Lives that Legal Angels Saved." The article honors lawyers who have fulfilled the American Bar Association's definition of pro bono service—work that has "enhanced the human dignity of others by improving or delivering volunteer legal services to our nation's poor and disadvantaged." The article notes that Sidney was recruited for the case by the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law because he had done earlier work with the center for a minimum-wage ordinance in Missouri.
Paul, Weiss Noted as a Member of the "Guantánamo Bay Bar Association"
The July 11, 2005 issue of The Lawyer noted Paul Weiss's efforts as one of the first members of the "Guantánamo Bay Bar Association," a coalition of firm lawyers, law professors, human rights lawyers and activists, who have filed petitions on behalf of some of the 500 detainees at Guantánamo Bay. 12 months ago, the U.S. Supreme Court held in Rasul v. Bush that federal courts had jurisdiction to hear habeas corpus petitions filed by detainees at Guantánamo Bay. Following that case, many petitions were filed on the detainees' behalf. In February, Paul, Weiss initiated two habeas proceedings in the United States District Court, District of Columbia, on behalf of ten Saudi detainees. The cases are currently stayed, pending the outcome of post-Rasul cases in the Court of Appeals.
Paul, Weiss Recognized for Pro Bono Work
Paul, Weiss was noted as one of the 36 New York City law firms meeting, or exceeding, the Volunteers of Legal Service Pro Bono Pledge in 2004 in the May 9, 2005 New York Law Journal "Pro Bono Digest" column. The column discusses the results of the VOLS 2004 survey of New York law firms taking the VOLS Pro Bono Pledge. Paul, Weiss is noted in particular for its work providing legal assistance to pediatric patients at Bellevue Hospital, providing legal assistance on business matters to microentrepreneurs in Harlem and counseling incarcerated mothers on custody and visitation issues.
Roberta Kaplan Named to the National Law Journal's "40 Under 40" Leading Lawyers List
Robbie Kaplan has been named one of the National Law Journal's "40 Under 40" leading lawyers across the country who are expected to continue to exert influence in the legal profession. The profile notes, among other things, Robbie's achievements as lead counsel in a pro bono case challenging New York state's ban on same-sex marriage that is currently on appeal and her victory in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Northern District of California as lead trial lawyer for the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) in litigation arising from the California energy crisis.
2004
Paul, Weiss Awarded Wien Prize for Social Responsibility from Columbia Law School
On November 22, 2004, Paul, Weiss was awarded the 2004 Lawrence A. Wien Prize for Social Responsibility by Columbia Law School in recognition of the firm's commitment to pro bono activities and community service. The prize has been awarded annually since 1982 to individual lawyers, law firms or corporations who put their resources and legal skills to work for the public good. Associate Julia Tarver accepted the award on behalf of the firm in recognition of her extraordinary efforts representing defendants in death penalty cases.
Paul, Weiss Honored by VOLS
On October 26, 2004, Paul, Weiss was honored by Volunteers of Legal Services (VOLS) at its 20th anniversary event "for the firm's commitment to pro bono work." The award was presented to partner Maria Vullo on behalf of the firm by Chief Judge Kaye. During the event, VOLS board member and partner Ted Maynard, spoke about the firm's work on the Business Resource and Investment Service Center (BRISC) projects coordinated through VOLS. The firm's work with the Incarcerated Mothers Project was also recognized by VOLS.
Paul, Weiss Recognized for Pro Bono Work
Associate Anna-Lisa Corrales was honored in November by the Sanctuary for Families Center for Battered Women's Legal Services Associates Committee at the Committee's Benefit and Awards Reception, for her commitment to fighting domestic violence and pro bono work. Anna-Lisa was selected for her "outstanding legal work on a complex case involving a victim who was sexually abused and trafficked by her batterer." As a result of her dedication and commitment to the client's case, a settlement was reached and the client was ultimately granted custody of her child in New York, with any visitation taking place in New York State under strict supervision.
Paul, Weiss Honored in the American Lawyer's "A List"
In April 2004, The American Lawyer announced its "A List" of 2003, comprised of those law firms "whose economic, pro bono, workplace and diversity performance stand out among their peers." Paul, Weiss ranked third in The American Lawyer's 2003 "A-List" of U.S. law firms, in their first compilation of "The New Elite" firms. In previous surveys, Paul, Weiss was ranked second in 2001, and seventh in 2002.
Allan Arffa, Andrew Gordon and Jay Greenfield Praised for Their Pro Bono Efforts for 9/11 Fund Claimants
Kenneth Feinberg, the head of the Victims Compensation Fund, praised Paul, Weiss and partners Allan Arffa, Andrew Gordon and Jay Greenfield on their pro bono efforts for 9/11 Fund claimants. At a March 8th hearing, Feinberg stated, "I've said it before, and I'll say it again on the record, the enormous contribution of Messrs. Arffa, Greenfield, Gordon and Paul, Weiss, to not only this claim, but many, many other claims. It is very much appreciated by the 9/11 Fund." Feinberg added, "There are always lawyers who claim to be interested in serving the public interest, but these three lawyers and Paul, Weiss have done an extraordinary public service in representing so many claimants, and making my job so much easier, frankly, in their vigorous advocacy and their professionalism on behalf of their claimants and clients, and I thank them very much."
Sidney Rosdeitcher Receives the Marvin E. Frankel Pro Bono Award
Recognized for his "extraordinary commitment to helping refugees secure asylum," partner Sidney Rosdeitcher received the Marvin E. Frankel Pro Bono Award from Human Rights First (formerly known as the Lawyers Committee for Human Rights), in an awards ceremony held in March 2004. The award is given annually to a New York lawyer and a New York law firm for their continuing commitment to volunteer asylum work.
Paul, Weiss Lawyers Praised for Their Pro Bono Efforts by the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
The president of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) praised partner Joe Simons and associate Petra Vorwig for their pro bono advice regarding the legal parameters the association faces under the antitrust ruling in FTC v. SCTLA. As the president noted, "The memorandum was a first rate piece of work and evidenced the devotion and amount of time you and Petra spent. Your memorandum was invaluable in directing the NACDL Indigent Defense Committee and Board of Directors on how to appropriately proceed in advising our affiliate regarding the ongoing, recurring problems with indigent defense funding occurring in Massachusetts." The president concluded that, "With the guidance that you generously provided, we can now effectively support these attorneys in seeking justice."
Paul, Weiss Associate Receives Spirit of WPA Award
Associate Stacey Shortall received the Women's Prison Association's Volunteer Services Award, also known as the Spirit of WPA Award in February 2004. Each year this award is given to volunteers who have demonstrated excellence in their work in support of the Association's mission to create opportunities for change in the lives of women prisoners, ex-prisoners and their families.
Paul, Weiss Noted for Its Contributions to September 11th-Related Pro Bono Efforts
Paul, Weiss was noted for its contributions to September 11th-related pro bono efforts in a report titled, "Public Service in a Time of Crisis." The Association of the Bar of the City of New York Fund, Inc., The NALP Foundation for Law Career Research and Education and The Louis Stein Center for Law and Ethics at Fordham University School of Law issued the report to document the legal community’s response to the events of 9/11 and serve as a model in the event of future crises. The "Small Business Legal Relief Initiative" section discusses New York City’s rapid establishment of business relief centers to provide a central location for businesses in need of assistance to consult with representatives from the Small Business Administration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and a number of utilities. Partner Ted Maynard said, "We’re not doctors, and we’re not construction workers, but there are things that lawyers can do in this awful time."
Sidney Rosdeitcher Recognized for Pro Bono Work with the Brennan Center for Justice
Partner Sidney Rosdeitcher was recognized for his pro bono work with the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University in the January 5, 2004 National Law Journal cover story "Pro Bono Mini-Boom." The article discussed The Journal's Pro Bono Awards and highlights major projects handled by firms and individual lawyers. Within a discussion of those lawyers and firms that have exceeded both the American Bar Association's pro bono standards, and the Pro Bono Institute's "pro bono challenge," the article notes that Rosdeitcher has been working with the Brennan Center in defending a "living wage" initiative in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
2003
Paul, Weiss Received Pro Bono Advocacy Award
In November 2003, The Sanctuary for Families’ Center for Battered Women Legal Services presented several Paul, Weiss associates with an award for excellence in pro bono advocacy on behalf of battered women and children.
John Breglio Honored for Contributions to the Arts
In July 2003, the Joseph Papp Public Theatre/New York Shakespeare Festival, one of partner John Breglio's oldest clients, honored him at its annual gala benefit at the Delacorte Theatre in Central Park. Noted as the eminent entertainment lawyer and head of Paul Weiss's entertainment department, John was recognized for this long-time commitment to the organization and assisting the Public Theatre in ferrying hit productions such as Topdog/Underdog, Elaine Stritch at Liberty and Take Me Out, from the not-for-profit world to the commercial arena.
Meredith Kane Assists the Legal Aid Society in their Hunt for Workspace
In July 2003, partner Meredith Kane, as pro bono counsel to the Legal Aid Society, negotiated the transaction behind the move of the Society's main offices from 90 Church Street to 199 Water Street. The 90 Church Street offices, where administrative and other units had been consolidated since 1997, were destroyed by the September 11 tragedy. After months of negotiating with landlords, Legal Aid’s Board of Directors voted to approve a 20-year lease at 199 Water Street that allowed the Society to reunite the units by the spring of 2004.
Paul, Weiss Honored by the U.S. Small Business Administration
In May 2003, Paul, Weiss was selected as the recipient of the "Minority Small Business Advocate Award" by the U.S. Small Business Administration, and was included among the attorneys and firms recognized for its efforts to assist small business owners who were affected by September 11 by the National Law Journal's "Pro Bono Award" in January 2002.
Paul, Weiss Honored by ACORN
In April 2003, Paul, Weiss was honored at the 21st Birthday Celebration of the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN). Paul Weiss was presented with a "Community Champion" award for its pro bono achievements. A team of Paul, Weiss litigators represented ACORN in a federal Fair Housing Act case brought against the largest landlord in the South Bronx on the grounds that the landlord engaged in racial steering. In late 2002, Paul, Weiss secured a sizeable settlement for ACORN in that case, and continues to advise the organization in impact housing litigation matters in the New York area. In conferring the award, ACORN cited Paul, Weiss for its long tradition of pro bono work and the firm's commitment to social justice in many different forms.
2002
Paul, Weiss Recognized at The Legal Aid Society's 2002 Pro Bono Awards Ceremony
Paul, Weiss was among a group of law firms, corporations and other organizations recognized for its "Assistance to Victims of the WTC Tragedy" at The Legal Aid Society's 2002 Pro Bono Awards Ceremony. The awards were presented by Chief Judge Judith Kaye, Legal Aid Society's President & Attorney-in-Chief, Daniel L. Greenberg, and David Weschler, Attorney-in-Charge of the Volunteer Division. The awards are given every year in recognition of the outstanding contributions of lawyers, paralegals, law firms and community advocates to the cause of equal justice.
Paul, Weiss Exceeds ABA's Suggested Billable Hours Goal
Paul, Weiss was included in the National Law Journal’s list of “Pro Bono Achievers,” its annual review of pro bono work. The list includes firms that have met or exceeded the American Bar Association's suggested three percent of billable hours goal. While the 106 firms surveyed averaged three percent of billable hours, Paul, Weiss exceeded the average at four percent. A related article titled, "After Attacks, a Need to Help," mentions the firm's efforts in hosting an organizational meeting at Paul, Weiss with other New York City law firms for a major pro bono effort to assist small businesses affected by the events of September 11.