New York Legal Assistance Group Inc.
11/05/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/05/2025 11:20
Celebrating Justice in Action: Highlights from NYLAG’s 2025 Pro Bono Awards
Celebrating Justice in Action: Highlights from NYLAG's 2025 Pro Bono Awards
- November 5, 2025
- 12:16 pm
Each year during Pro Bono Week, NYLAG honors the legal partners and volunteers who expand our reach and strengthen our mission to advance racial, economic, and social justice. This year's celebration recognized advocates whose dedication helps New Yorkers navigate crisis and inequality.
In her opening remarks, Lisa Rivera, NYLAG's President & CEO, reflected on the power of partnership:
"NYLAG exists because wealth should not determine who has access to justice…No matter the urgency, no matter the scale, everyone in this room showed up alongside New Yorkers to be the legal advocates they deserve."
Lisa's message set the tone for the evening, highlighting our shared belief that justice should be accessible to all.
The Impact of Pro Bono Partnerships
In the past year, more than 2,000 attorneys and volunteers contributed over 74,000 hours of pro bono and volunteer work to NYLAG, providing life-changing legal assistance to thousands of New Yorkers.
Amira Samuel, Director of NYLAG's Pro Bono and Volunteer Unit, highlighted the essential role of these partnerships:
"Our pro bono community is the reason we can keep saying, 'Yes, we can help.' Because of our partners, more New Yorkers have safety, stability, and hope."
2025 Awardees
Champion of Justice Award: Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP
For advocacy protecting access to home care for over 11,000 Medicaid recipients statewide.
Legacy Award: Todd Schrager, NYLAG Pro Bono and Volunteer Department
For dedicated service sustaining NYLAG's volunteer operations.
Hero of Justice Award: Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
For empowering immigrant families to safeguard their children and futures.
Spirit of Hope Award: DLA Piper LLP
For nearly two decades of partnership expanding access to justice for low-income New Yorkers.
Spirit of Service Award: Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP
For high-impact advocacy protecting vulnerable communities and children's educational rights.
Partners in Justice Award for Corporate Legal Service: FanDuel
For transforming corporate engagement into meaningful partnership through NYLAG's Pro Se Plus Project.
As Lisa Rivera reflected, this work "reminds us that justice is not abstract; it's human. Each client's story reflects courage, compassion, and the power of community."
Amira Samuel, Director of NYLAG's Pro Bono & Volunteer Unit and Members of NYLAG's Pro Bono Associate Advisory Board (PBAAB)
Champion of Justice Award Recipient Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP
Legacy Award Recipient Todd Schrager
Hero of Justice Award Recipient Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe
Spirit of Hope Award Recipient DLA Piper
Richard Gruenberger, DLA Piper and NYLAG President & CEO Lisa Rivera
Spirit of Service Award Recipient Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP
Partners in Justice Award for Corporate Legal Service Recipient FanDuel
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Pro Bono Awards were more than a celebration. They reaffirmed that partnership, creativity, and compassion drive NYLAG's mission. Together with our pro bono community, we're expanding access to justice and building a more equitable New York.
Thank you to all our honorees, partners, and volunteers. Your commitment changes lives every day.
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