On Thursday, May 8, The Legal Aid Society community came together to celebrate our shared commitment to justice at the 47th Annual Servant of Justice Awards.

The evening began with Chairman of the Board, Zachary Carter, welcoming lawmakers and members of the City administration, and thanking our sponsors and our sustaining law firm partners.

The Legal Aid Society’s President, Alan Levine, then introduced Chief Judge Wilson, the evenings key notes speaker. The room then watched a video highlighting the work of Legal Aid’s Juvenile Rights Practice. Stacey Kushlevsky, Pro Bono Counsel at Willkie Farr and Gallagher LLP, introduced the first honoree, Bart Schwartz, Senior Counsel, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP for his commitment to Legal Aid’s mission and pro bono work.

Following dinner, Attorney-in-Chief and CEO Twyla Carter addressed the room, providing updates on the organization’s recent victories, adding that for nearly 150 years, we have met the challenges thrown at us, and this moment is no different. Special guests Jason Flom and Khaliah Ali joined Twyla on stage for an exciting call for the cause moment with a goal of raising $149,000 from the room in honor of the organization’s 149-year history. In that exciting moment, Flom and Ali urged everyone to get involved, smashing the goal and raising over $190,000.

Next, guests learned more about Legal Aid’s Civil Practice and specifically the Economic Equities Unit. The video focused on areas of Legal Aid’s work supported by the evening’s second honoree, The Federal Home Loan Bank of New York. Michael Volpe, Chief Bank Operations Officer, accepted the award on behalf of the bank and spoke of FHLBNY and Legal Aid’s shared focus of strengthening the communities we serve, and supporting innovative solutions to New York’s housing challenges.

Twyla Carter closed the evening by thanking our supporters, who together raised an incredible $2.6M in support of The Legal Aid Society. We are deeply thankful to all those who make this event possible, especially our committed law firm and corporate partners, and our staff, whose tireless dedication to those we serve continues to be an inspiration to so many.

Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors