Hon. Judy Harris Kluger 
Chief Executive Officer
Sanctuary for Families

The Above & Beyond Pro Bono Achievement Awards
took place on October 8th 2024
at the trendy place City Winery on the Westside by the Hudson River in New York City
Lawyers from different backgrounds and from a large number of law firms gathered to celebrate this important night together. The celebration start
with a cocktail hour and mingling to say hi to old colleagues and meet new ones. Attendees enjoyed drinks, pizza, and tapas along with great music from the 80's. The venue has a large stage and even larger seating area which was
perfect for the occasion
Above & Beyond Achievement Awards
was created to honor accomplished pro bono lawyers who dedicated hundreds of hours working on all kinds of cases from Sanctuary for Families' clients. Their work involved
research, writing, trial preparation, and in-court representation. They work on domestic violence, immigration, and sex slave cases for the most part. Their
contribution is simple outstanding and generous taking in consideration that Sanctuary for Families' clients are women who are not able to afford an attorney. These women are, for the most part, victims of domestic violence fearing for their own lives escaping from an abusive husband or boyfriend not to mention those who are victims of sex-traffic also known as sex slaves. It is very clear that those ladies have no financial resources or any kind of income. Pro bono lawyers are needed practically in every corner of this planet to help
those who are helpless and the voice of those who are voiceless.
This year 10 law firms were recognized for their remarkable work helping women from all ages and all backgrounds. These lawyers have dedicated hundreds of hours helping Sanctuary for Families' clients making a huge impact on improving women's lives and changing them for good and forever. Their generosity has made the difference on victims of domestic violence or young ladies who have escaped sex traffic in the USA and abroad. Ten of the most
prestigious law firms in New York were awarded for their noble contribution to SFF's clients. It is important to mention that besides the straight forward
commitment of these attorneys, there is an aspect that is worth it to underline here. Many of those difficult cases are highly depressing and heart braking which made them even more complex to work on and resolve. The amazing pro
bono attorneys are prepare for all kind of situations that may come out while are working on the case and being ready to deal with events not so easy to digest. These
cases are not a traffic ticket dispute, they can be dark, depressing, and incredible inhumane. And for those reasons Above & Beyond Awards
are even more important and special. Achieving justice is not an easy task; it takes countless of research, a vast knowledge on international laws, and deep study of all the possible solutions to accomplish a successful defense in-court. The gender based violence generated complex cases, and many of them are involving children unfortunately those kind are growing in this society making lawyers to be more
involved and continually making a contribution to the cause. Basically they donated their time, effort, expertise, knowledge, and dedication to help individuals that otherwise may never get the legal aid they need.
The Pro Bono Council (PBC) is dedicated to involve attorneys and other professionals to provide service to SFF's mission which is not only legal help, but also value information and education.
The awards program started with welcome remarks from Hon.  Judy Harris Kluger, Chief Executive Officer Sanctuary for Families, followed by  short speech from Dorchen a. Leidholdt, The Theresa A. Havell Senior Director, Legal Center, CBWLS Sanctuary for Families.
Lindsey Song, Associate Program Director Family Project, Sanctuary for Families, addressed the audience via video sharing stories of survivors of sex traffic and domestic violence, and how with the help of Pro Bono attorneys those women were able to overcome their ordeal.
Attendees were informed by narrative videos about the most
outstanding cases from the past several years, stories that can break your heart in
million pieces, however, the cases had a happy ending. Some of the victims of domestic violence were included in those videos giving the opportunity to thank the attorneys, once again, for the help and orientation they provided to them.

Here is the list of the law firms and the attorneys who were recognized at the ceremony ( click on the firm's name to get more information):

ALSTON & BIRD
Elizabeth A. Buckel, Partner
Ashton Andrews, Associate
Morgan Meyer, Associate
Christopher Williams, Associate

CHARLES RIVER ASSOCIATES
Lisa Dane, Vice President
Alexandra Knatchbull, Vice President
Niall Murphy, Principal
Victor Epstein, Associate Principal
Brenden Ebertz, Associate
Trishla Jain, Associate
Noah Genovesi, Consulting Associate

KASOWITZ, BENSON, AND TORRES LLP
Teresa Matushaj, Counsel
Yeilee Woo, Associate
Karina C. Aiello Rocha, Staff Attorney
Marilyn Vaccaro, Law Clerk
Blanquita Gomezcoello, Paralegal

LATHAM & WATKINS LLP
Lilia B. Vazova, Partner
Emma Green, Associate
Daniel Grill, Associate
Abhinaya Swaminathan, Senior Associate*
Jaclyn Newman, Litigation Associate*
* formely of

MCDERMOTT, WILL & EMERY
John J. Song, Partner
Chenjia Zhu, Associate

MILBANK LLP
Stacey J. Rappaport, Partner
Alisha Gupta, Associate
Elizabeth Hamilton, Associate
Leslie Irwin, Associate
Ashley Satterlee, Associate
Morgan Williams, Associate

MINTZ, LEVIN, COHN, FERRIS,
GLOVSKY & POPEO P.C.
​for more information click HERE
Nicholas A. Butto, Litigation Associate

SKADDEN ARPS SLATE
MEAGHER & FLOM
Betsy A. Hellmann, Counsel
Yunyi Chen, Associate
Joseph L. Choe, Associate
Matthew M. Jang, Associate
Spurthi Jonnalagadda, Associate
Sonia Qin, Associate

WEIL, GOTSHAL & MANGES LLP
Richard A. Rothman, Special Pro Bono Counsel
Alexandra Jung, Senior Counsel*
Nicole E. Prunetti, Counsel*
Artem Khrapko, Associate*
Megan McKinley, Associate*

WILMERHALE
Susan Schroeder, Partner
Kyrie Graziosi, Counsel
Meghan G. Wingert, Associate

The evening was not just about recognition and justice, but it was also about inspiring other attorneys to follow their colleague's footsteps. Inspiration to do some good to the world, to heal the pain, to fill the emptiness, to brighten
someone's life, to encourage moving on, and more important to show that
​
JUSTICE IS FOR ALL