NEW YORK – The Legal Aid Society honored Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP and its longtime Director of Public Service, partner Joseph Genova, at its 2017 Pro Bono Publico Awards. The Honorable Janet DiFiore, the Chief Judge of the State of New York, presented the awards on October 25 at The Prince George Ballroom in Manhattan.
Mr. Genova, the first partner ever appointed to lead a major law firm’s pro bono program 25 years ago, was honored with the Public Interest Law Leadership Award in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the field. Noting that he has led the way in fostering the private bar’s partnership with legal services organizations, Legal Aid saluted Mr. Genova for helping to narrow the justice gap for low-income New Yorkers. While building Milbank’s acclaimed pro bono program, Legal Aid added, Mr. Genova has aided numerous clients and shared his knowledge and experience as a leader in bar and other organizations at the city, state and national levels.
Kenneth Stephens, Supervising Attorney at Legal Aid, presented the award to Mr. Genova. “Joe’s career has exemplified the qualities of leadership, commitment and persistence essential to our work providing legal services to those who need them most,” he said. “Joe has made a positive difference in the lives of countless New Yorkers, and we are thankful for his many contributions.”
Milbank was also recognized for its assistance with matters involving immigrants’ rights, and the following lawyers were recognized for their outstanding efforts on behalf of Legal Aid clients: partner Sean Murphy; special counsel Andrea Hood; and associates Sarah Rothenberg, Alexis Kim, Christopher Almon, Geoff Butterworth, Thomas Quinn, Samantha Kwartler, Nikki Nielson, Katherine Rookard and Joseph Kammerman.
Milbank has worked with The Legal Aid Society for several decades, representing New York City’s most vulnerable populations, including homeless and imminently homeless children and adults, senior citizens, unemployed and low-wage workers, children and adults with chronic illnesses and disabilities, survivors of domestic violence, immigrants, neglected or abused children, persons living with HIV/AIDS, and inmates in the jails on Rikers Island and in other correctional facilities throughout the State of New York. Dedicated to the legal needs of low-income New Yorkers, The Legal Aid Society is the oldest and largest nonprofit legal services provider in the US.
