On October 4, 2017, PLS hosted our 7th Annual Pro Bono Celebration at the First Congregational Church in Albany New York . The event also included a performance by Soul Rebel Performance Troupe entitled: “Letters from Home: Incarcerated New Yorkers Reflect on the Love of Their Families.”
Through the stories of incarcerated individuals, attendees heard about the importance of family and friends and the need for communication by letters, phone calls and visits. We also recognized the efforts of all of our volunteers, with awards presented to five spectacular pro bono partners:
- Jonathan Gradess, Esq. – John R. Dunne Champion of Justice Award
- Dechert LLP – Hon. Clarence J. Herlihy Award
- Julissa Saragoza-Arroyo, Shearman & Sterling – Pro Bono Service Award
- Dena DeFazio, Albany Law School – Robert F. Bensing Award
- Michelle Morris, Tompkins Cortland Community College/Cornell University – Robert F. Bensing Award
