New York, NY, June 22, 2009 --
Lawyers Alliance for New York congratulates the winners of the New York Times Third Annual Nonprofit Excellence Awards. The Nonprofit Coordinating Committee of New York and Philanthropy New York joined the Times Company in presenting the awards to four winners, including two organizations that have received Lawyers Alliance’s services, New York Cares and Groundwork, Inc. Winners also included Vera Institute of Justice and Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project.

Lawyers Alliance applauds its clients who received the Nonprofit Excellence Awards:

New York Cares: Winner for Overall Management Excellence. New York Cares meets pressing community needs by mobilizing caring New Yorkers in volunteer service. Each year, New York Cares brings vital volunteer support to more than 990 nonprofit agencies, public schools, and other deserving organizations throughout the five boroughs. Program staff works with each organization to identify their most pressing needs, create projects where volunteers can make a meaningful difference, and then recruit and deploy teams of volunteers to help meet those needs. The great majority of these projects typically would not exist if it were not for New York Cares. Lawyers Alliance has assisted New York Cares on employment law matters.

Groundwork, Inc.: Winner for Excellent Management. Groundwork supports young people living in high poverty urban communities as they develop their strengths, skills, talents and competencies through effective experiential learning and work programs. It offers programs targeting children of all ages, including academic enrichment, tutoring, high school and college preparation, pregnancy and STD prevention, mentoring, leadership programs, employment, afterschool activities, athletics, literacy programs, and field trips. Groundwork also helps build strong families through individual, family and group counseling, peer groups, play therapy, and crisis intervention as well as meeting legal, financial and other needs. It has experienced rapid growth over the past 7 years, going from serving 89 students in 2002 to serving 3,500 families in 2009. Lawyers Alliance has advised Groundwork, Inc. on state and local compliance matters.

Lawyers Alliance also congratulates two other current or recent clients who were finalists: Citizens Advice Bureau and Legal Information for Families Today.

New York, NY, May 19, 2009 --
On May 19, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., more than 400 guests helped Lawyers Alliance for New York celebrate its 40th Anniversary at Gotham Hall in Manhattan. The evening’s program included a historical retrospective and presentations of three public service awards to the following outstanding partners in public service:

Michael Helfer, on behalf of the Legal Department of Citigroup. The Legal Department of Citigroup has played a key role in Lawyers Alliance's Elder Services Initiative. Citigroup’s distinctive efforts included two Legal Assessment Days for elder-serving organizations to provide education and advice to benefit 40 member organizations of the Council of Senior Centers and Services network. Michael Helfer and the attorneys from Citigroup understand the importance of providing counsel to groups that could not otherwise afford it and the impact that their service can have on the quality of life in New York City neighborhoods.

Thomas C. Baxter, Jr. of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York has partnered with the City Bar Justice Center to launch the Lawyers’ Foreclosure Intervention Network, an initiative to marshal the resources of New York City’s legal community to help subprime borrowers in New York City avoid unnecessary foreclosure. The nonprofit organizations that are served by Lawyers Alliance include dozens of groups fighting the foreclosure crisis through debt counseling and financial literacy programs. Lawyers Alliance applauds the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for taking the lead in helping homeowners survive the worst economic crisis in generations.

Fatima Goldman and the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies. With its network of almost 300 human service agencies and affiliated churches, FPWA provides programs and services that help more than 1.5 million people each year. Services include assisting individuals in need, strengthening human service agencies and faith-based services, as well as leading the way on policy, advocacy, and research. As a partner in such efforts, Lawyers Alliance knows first-hand what FPWA brings to each nonprofit member and how it will help each of them to navigate the most tumultuous economic environment in decades.

Just as the 1960s were drawing to a close, the Council of New York Law Associates, later known as Lawyers Alliance for New York, was opening a new chapter in pro bono legal service. Founded on September 29, 1969, the organization leveraged the era's climate of social activism and change and mobilized a talented, dedicated corps of volunteer attorneys. Today, Lawyers Alliance is the oldest and largest provider of pro bono legal services to nonprofit organizations in the United States.

Says Edward F. Greene, Chair, Lawyers Alliance Board of Directors, “Those of us who created it when we first gathered in 1969 could never have imagined that Lawyers Alliance would have evolved and matured into such an instrument for positive change in New York City. I am privileged to be associated with Lawyers Alliance as we celebrate our 40th anniversary, and I look forward to many more years connecting lawyers, nonprofits, and communities.”

Click here for more information about Lawyers Alliance’s 40 years of history.

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Lawyers Alliance for New York is the leading provider of business and transactional legal services for nonprofit organizations that are improving the quality of life in New York City neighborhoods. Lawyers Alliance’s network of pro bono lawyers from law firms and corporations and staff of experienced attorneys work together, delivering expert corporate, tax, real estate, employment, and other legal services to community organizations. By connecting lawyers, nonprofits, and communities, Lawyers Alliance helps nonprofits to develop affordable housing, stimulate economic development, and operate vital programs for children and young people, the elderly, recent immigrants, and other low-income New Yorkers. During the past year, the 13 staff attorneys and a network of more than 900 volunteers represented 545 nonprofit clients on more than 900 matters.

New York, NY, December 23, 2008 --
In response to the changing economy, Lawyers Alliance has instituted an Economic Downturn initiative to bolster stability and support the resilience of nonprofits. This initiative consists of legal representation of organizations, monthly legal alerts, educational workshops, and resource calls that are focused on strategies for nonprofits to cope with the weakened economy.

During the coming year Lawyers Alliance expects that its staff and pro bono attorneys will advise dozens of nonprofit clients on legal matters with an aim to help preserve programs, including legal issues related to fundraising, personnel management, real property, mergers and strategic alliances, and debt restructuring.

Calendar of Legal Alerts

October 2008 - Board Asserts Fiscal Oversight Responsibility
November 2008 - Tapping Cash Reserves
December 2008 - Real Estate Tax Exemptions
January 2009 - Rollback Employee Benefits
February 2009 - Assigning or Subletting Your Organization's Space
March 2009 - Refinancing Property
April 2009 - Reductions in Workforce
May 2009 - Mergers and Strategic Alliances
June 2009 - Asset Transfers

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Lawyers Alliance for New York is the leading provider of business and transactional legal services for nonprofit organizations that are improving the quality of life in New York City neighborhoods. Lawyers Alliance’s network of pro bono lawyers from law firms and corporations and staff of experienced attorneys work together, delivering expert corporate, tax, real estate, employment, and other legal services to community organizations. By connecting lawyers, nonprofits, and communities, Lawyers Alliance helps nonprofits to develop affordable housing, stimulate economic development, and operate vital programs for children and young people, the elderly, recent immigrants, and other low-income New Yorkers. During the past year, the 13 staff attorneys and more than 1,000 active volunteers represented 545 nonprofit clients on more than 900 matters.

New York, NY, November 07, 2008 --
Dechert LLP, Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and nine individual attorneys are recipients of the 2008 Cornerstone Awards. Lawyers Alliance for New York (Lawyers Alliance) will present the awards at a ceremony on November 10 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Pfizer Inc, 150 East 42nd Street in New York City.

“This year’s honorees donated incredible time, energy and legal expertise to nonprofit organizations that are having a positive and profound impact throughout New York City. Their dedication strengthened the ability of these nonprofits to pursue their missions,” said Edward F. Greene, Chair of the Board of Directors of Lawyers Alliance and General Counsel, Institutional Client Group, Citi.

Lawyers Alliance is the leading provider of business and transactional legal services for nonprofit organizations that are improving the quality of life in low-income neighborhoods throughout New York City.

This year’s institutional Cornerstone awardees are:

Dechert LLP: For its impressive pro bono growth with a firm commitment and firm-wide effort. This law firm’s corporate, real estate, employment and intellectual property lawyers have handled 19 pro bono legal projects with Lawyers Alliance in the past year alone. Their quality and sophisticated lawyering is making a difference to economic development organizations, charter schools, immigrant-serving groups, community and senior centers, and other neighborhood organizations.

Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP: For continuing and building upon its predecessor law firms’ strong pro bono history, resulting in a pro bono program that is even stronger than its previous parts. Since the 2007 merger, the firm has handled 37 pro bono legal projects, sponsored a full-time transactional law externship, and represented 23 different nonprofits through Lawyers Alliance. This pro bono work helps to create opportunities and improve the lives of low-income residents in all the boroughs of New York City.

Special honoree, PricewaterhouseCoopers: For pro bono financial and accounting guidance to Head Start programs. In a first of its kind partnership, PricewaterhouseCoopers has joined with the law firm of DLA Piper LLP (US), the City’s Administration for Children's Services, and Lawyers Alliance to advise Head Start programs on sound governance and fiscal practices. The accounting firm’s professional staff offers practical and concrete information about financial and accounting matters, thereby making the legal advice more meaningful.

“This year’s institutional honorees demonstrate that, when law firms encourage and support business and transactional law pro bono, and when accountants provide related pro bono financial guidance, the potential for nonprofits to grow, thrive and serve New York neighborhoods is increased exponentially,” says Elizabeth M. Guggenheimer, Deputy Executive Director of Lawyers Alliance and an authority on pro bono issues.

This year’s individual Cornerstone awardees are:

Lester M. Bliwise, Sutherland: For his experienced real estate law guidance, enabling New Destiny Housing Corporation to provide additional affordable housing for domestic violence survivors and helping Community Access to purchase a property that will provide 64 affordable housing units in the Bronx.

James P. Breheny, Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP: For advising community development and disaster relief organizations about structuring and organizational matters, benefitting organizations such as the Fair Mortgage Collaborative, New York Disaster Interfaith Service, Bailey’s Café, and Interfaith Adopt-a-Building.

Warren T. Buhle, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP: For his longstanding pro bono commitment as volunteer general counsel to Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association of America (DebRA), which promotes research to find new treatments and a cure for the rare genetic skin disease.

Jessica A. Chiclacos, Nixon Peabody LLP: For her exceptional employment counsel to nonprofits that serve vulnerable populations, including FRIA (Friends and Relatives of Institutionalized Aged), Funders Concerned About AIDS, and The HOPE Program, enabling these organizations to implement strong personnel policies and procedures.

John Fouhey and Legal Team, Davis Polk & Wardwell: For providing substantial corporate, real estate and environmental law guidance to Citizens Advice Bureau, for its acquisition and financing of new headquarters and program space, enabling this nonprofit to continue its work to build sustainable communities in the Bronx.

Alison King, Kaye Scholer LLP: For leading her firm’s participation in a large-scale pro bono project to help New York City charter schools, as well as assisting individual charter school clients on legal matters including formation, tax-exemption applications, lease negotiations and management organization contracts.

Jay Larry, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP: For using his corporate law knowledge and keen insights to help organizations such as 142nd Block Association, Families, Fathers and Children, United Way of NYC, and Julian’s Light take the legal steps to launch programs and strengthen their operations.

Angel L. Ortiz, NBC Universal: For providing intricate employment and labor law guidance to housing organizations such as Housing Conservation Coordinators, which advocates for low-income New Yorkers, and Brooklyn Community Housing and Services, which offers supportive housing to the formerly homeless.

Damon G. Rowe, Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP: For sharing his legal and personal skills to help several newly forming organizations get a solid start, including Cathedral of Joy Community Development Corporation, Housing Here and Now, South Bronx Classical Charter School, and South Bronx Food Coop.

“Lawyers Alliance for New York applauds the individual recipients of the 2008 Cornerstone Awards for extending their talents and commitment to dynamic organizations that bring opportunities and services to New York neighborhoods and residents most in need,” said Sean Delany, Executive Director of Lawyers Alliance and a legal expert on nonprofits.

By connecting lawyers, nonprofits, and communities, Lawyers Alliance helps nonprofits to develop affordable housing, stimulate economic development, and operate vital programs for children and young people, the elderly, recent immigrants, and other low-income New Yorkers. This year, the 13 staff attorneys at Lawyers Alliance are working with more than 1,000 volunteer attorneys from more than 1000 law firms and corporate legal departments to represent 545 nonprofit clients on more than 900 matters.

Contact: Sara Lizzo, Berry & Company Public Relations, mail to: slizzo@berrypr.com or call 212-253-8881.

New York, NY, July 22, 2008 --
Lawyers Alliance for New York congratulates the winners of the New York Times Second Annual Nonprofit Excellence Awards. The Nonprofit Coordinating Committee of New York and the New York Regional Association of Grant Makers joined the Times Company in presenting the awards to four winners, including three Lawyers Alliance clients, Community Health Action of Staten Island, Harlem RBI, and Ifetayo Cultural Arts.

Lawyers Alliance applauds its clients who received the Nonprofit Excellence Awards:

Community Health Action of Staten Island won for Overall Management Excellence because of their successful response to emerging communities by initiating new programs, modifying its mission and actively seeking feedback from clients. The organization improves the lives of those challenged by health disparities related to poverty, discrimination, and lack of access. Lawyers Alliance is assisting the organization with amending its certificate of incorporation.

Harlem RBI won for Excellent Communications and was praised for board governance and leadership, in particular its use of a Board Member Report Card that resulted in a 20 percent increase in board attendance. The organization uses the power of teams to help inspire city youth to recognize their potential and realize their dreams. Lawyers Alliance staff and volunteer attorneys have assisted Harlem RBI on employment, real estate, intellectual property, and contract negotiation matters.

Ifetayo Cultural Arts won for Excellent Culturally Based Management Strategies due to its strong focus on results and online date-driven tracking system, which allows parents, teachers, and community members to track student progress. The organization is dedicated to supporting the creative, educational and vocational development of youth and families of the Flatbush community in Brooklyn. Lawyers Alliance staff and volunteer attorneys have assisted Ifetayo Cultural Arts on commercial leases, intellectual property, by-laws, and employment matters.

Lawyers Alliance also congratulates The Institute for Family Health, winner for Excellent Use of Technology and Focus on Mission.

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Lawyers Alliance for New York is the leading provider of business and transactional legal services for nonprofit organizations that are improving the quality of life in New York City neighborhoods. Lawyers Alliance’s network of pro bono lawyers from law firms and corporations and staff of experienced attorneys work together, delivering expert corporate, tax, real estate, employment, and other legal services to community organizations. By connecting lawyers, nonprofits, and communities, Lawyers Alliance helps nonprofits to develop affordable housing, stimulate economic development, and operate vital programs for children and young people, the elderly, recent immigrants, and other low-income New Yorkers. During the past year, the 13 staff attorneys and more than 1,000 active volunteers represented 545 nonprofit clients on more than 900 matters.

New York, NY, June 04, 2008 --
Robert S. Whitman, Esq., a partner at Seyfarth Shaw LLP, has been named recipient of the 2008 Award for Pro Bono Leadership from Lawyers Alliance for New York, in recognition of his 11 years of outstanding service as a volunteer attorney. The award will be presented to Mr. Whitman at a special reception on June 5, 2008 at The Penn Club. Each year Lawyers Alliance presents the award to a law firm partner who has performed exemplary pro bono service for nonprofit organizations in New York City.

Mr. Whitman has advised numerous nonprofit organizations in the New York metro area over the years, including the New York Center for Interpersonal Development, South Asian Youth Action, African American Planning Commission, Bailey House, City Futures, Historic Districts Council, Ridgewood Older Adult Center & Services, Foundation for Research on Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Do Something, and Supportive Housing Network of New York. For these and other clients, Mr. Whitman has drafted and reviewed policies and procedures, advised on issues such as the proper categorization of employees and employer obligations with respect to overtime pay, and provided counsel on sensitive matters related to difficult employees and employee misconduct. These services strengthen the workforce that is so critical to the nonprofit sector and minimize employer risk.

Mr. Whitman was also one of the first attorneys to join Lawyers Alliance’s Nonprofit Employment Law Helpline panel. In recognition of his previous outstanding pro bono work, Mr. Whitman received a Cornerstone Award from Lawyers Alliance in 2006.

Mr. Whitman’s practice at Seyfarth focuses on employment litigation, arbitration and counseling. Mr. Whitman is a 1986 graduate of Cornell University and received his J.D. from the University of Michigan in 1989. ### Lawyers Alliance for New York is the leading provider of business and transactional legal services for nonprofit organizations that are improving the quality of life in New York City neighborhoods. By connecting lawyers, nonprofits, and communities, we help nonprofits to develop affordable housing, stimulate economic development, and operate vital programs for children and young people, the elderly, recent immigrants, and other low-income New Yorkers. Each year, Lawyers Alliance’s 14 staff attorneys and over 900 volunteers represent more than 500 clients on more than 900 legal matters. In addition, Lawyers Alliance assists hundreds of other organizations through its educational workshops and publications on nonprofit legal issues.

New York, NY, December 11, 2007 --
Citigroup Inc., Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP, and ten individual attorneys from law firms and corporations are recipients of the 2007 Cornerstone Awards, presented by Lawyers Alliance for New York. The Cornerstone Awards recognize outstanding pro bono legal services provided to nonprofit organizations by institutions and business lawyers. Lawyers Alliance will host an awards ceremony on December 13, 2007 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Pfizer Inc, 150 East 42nd Street in New York City.

“Lawyers Alliance’s programs are designed to have the maximum impact on our nonprofit clients and the neighborhoods that they serve. The institutions and individuals honored with the Cornerstone Award stand out for their deep commitment to the ideals of pro bono legal work,” said Edward F. Greene, Chair of the Board of Directors of Lawyers Alliance for New York.

Lawyers Alliance for New York is the leading provider of business and transactional legal services for nonprofit organizations that are improving the quality of life in low-income neighborhoods throughout New York City.

This year’s institutional Cornerstone awardees are:

Citigroup Inc.: For the corporate legal department's exemplary pro bono standards and commitment to pro bono through the CitiLegal Pro Bono Initiative. Citigroup Inc. is singled out for hosting innovative Legal Assessment Days and ongoing pro bono legal work to nonprofit organizations serving low-income seniors. With legal guidance, these organizations are better able to provide a wide range of social services to elderly New Yorkers, from food and shelter to information and supportive services.

Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP: For the substantial breadth, complexity, and significance of the law firm’s pro bono work on behalf of nonprofit clients. The firm’s business and transactional attorneys regularly use their skills and talents to help nonprofit organizations to foster economic development, provide affordable housing, and educate youth. The firm has handled 35 different pro bono matters through Lawyers Alliance, reflecting a large-scale institutional commitment to make a positive difference in New York neighborhoods.

This year’s individual Cornerstone awardees are:

Corey S. Biller, Davis & Gilbert LLP: For his trusted employment counsel to several nonprofit organizations that serve immigrant and other underserved communities, enabling these organizations to address both immediate and long-term human resources needs.

Steve Buffone, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP: For leading a team of lawyers who provide valuable corporate and intellectual property law guidance to Do Something, Inc., including his assistance with this year’s BRICK Awards, which celebrated the achievements of outstanding young people in front of a national primetime audience.

Ellen H. Clark, DLA Piper US LLP: For sharing her skills and expertise with several Head Start programs and other nonprofit organizations that appreciate her guidance on corporate governance and regulatory compliance issues.

Felicity Fridman, McDermott Will & Emery LLP: For assisting Concrete Safaris, an organization that helps to improve the health and fitness of inner-city youth in East Harlem, with formation issues and its expansion to a larger facility that will serve more children.

Herschel Goldfield, Proskauer Rose LLP: For using his corporate law and regulatory expertise to strengthen the capacity of several nonprofit organizations, including Campaign for Fiscal Equity and Go to Health!-Ambuslatory Care.

Dennis J. Henderson, Arent Fox LLP: For representing Upper Manhattan Council Assisting Neighbors, Inc. in the acquisition and financing of two low-income housing projects, creating more than 140 units of affordable housing in the Bronx.

Alan M. Klinger, Stroock Stroock & Lavan LLP: For his and the firm’s long-term pro bono commitment as volunteer general counsel to Partnership with Children, which provides early intervention, preventive services, and counseling to New York City’s children and youth.

Matthew W. Mamak, Alston & Bird LLP: For sharing his positive attitude and corporate legal skills to assist dynamic organizations, such as Sutphin Boulevard Business Improvement District and The New York City Mission Society.

Victoria Manthas, Clifford Chance US LLP: For advancing economic development in Brooklyn by advising East Williamsburg Valley Industrial Development Corporation on a project that will create and retain manufacturing and industrial jobs in the East Williamsburg.

Terri J. Seligman, Loeb & Loeb LLP: For ten years of dedicated pro bono legal service to Dress for Success, beginning with its founding in New York and remaining active through its development of affiliate programs that now annually reach more than 40,000 women in four countries.

“Lawyers Alliance for New York applauds all of the 2007 Cornerstone Award recipients for contributing their time and for bringing their outstanding skills and commitment to community organizations that are creating new opportunities for thousands of low-income New Yorkers,” said Sean Delany, Executive Director of Lawyers Alliance for New York.

Working together, Lawyers Alliance’s staff attorneys and a city-wide network of pro bono lawyers from law firms and corporations deliver expert corporate, tax, real estate, employment, and other legal services to community organizations. By connecting lawyers, nonprofits, and communities, Lawyers Alliance helps nonprofits to develop affordable housing, stimulate economic development, and operate vital programs for children and young people, the elderly, recent immigrants, and other low-income New Yorkers. Each year, Lawyers Alliance’s 14 staff attorneys and 900 volunteers represent more than 500 clients on more than 800 legal matters. In addition, Lawyers Alliance assists hundreds of other organizations through its educational workshops and publications on nonprofit legal issues.

Click here for a complete list of current and past Cornerstone Award recipients.

Contact: Sara Lizzo or Kim Angelastro Berry & Company Public Relations, mail to: slizzo@berrypr.com or call 212-253-8881.

New York, NY, July 10, 2007 --
Lawyers Alliance for New York today appointed a new chair and new vice chair to the organization’s board of directors. Edward F. Greene, general counsel of Citigroup Inc.’s Global Corporate & Investment Banking Group, will take over as chair, replacing Christine D. Rogers of Arnold & Porter. Mr. Greene had previously served as vice chair. Jill L. Rosenberg, partner, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP will succeed Mr. Greene as the board’s vice chair.

Mr. Greene was a founder of Lawyers Alliance in 1969, then known as the Council of New York Law Associates. He has served on the Lawyers Alliance board of directors since 2004. He graduated from Harvard Law School with an undergraduate degree from Amherst College.

“It is an honor to be elected chairman of the board, and I am proud to be associated with Lawyers Alliance,” said Mr. Greene. “This is an important and exciting time to be chair of an organization that is having such a major impact on nonprofits that are serving low-income communities.”

Ms. Rosenberg has served on the board since 2003. In addition to advising a range of clients and being a frequent speaker on employment law issues, Ms. Rosenberg serves as the firm’s Partner in Charge of Pro Bono Programs. Ms. Rosenberg graduated from University of Chicago Law School with an undergraduate degree from Princeton University.

Mr. Greene and Ms. Rosenberg will join board treasurer Nicolas A. Kronfeld from Davis Polk & Wardwell and board secretary Samir A. Gandhi from Sidley Austin LLP.

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Lawyers Alliance for New York is the leading provider of business and transactional legal services for nonprofit organizations that are improving the quality of life in New York City neighborhoods. Lawyers Alliance’s network of pro bono lawyers from law firms and corporations and staff of experienced attorneys work together, delivering expert corporate, tax, real estate, employment, and other legal services to community organizations. By connecting lawyers, nonprofits, and communities, Lawyers Alliance helps nonprofits to develop affordable housing, stimulate economic development, and operate vital programs for children and young people, the elderly, recent immigrants, and other low-income New Yorkers. Each year, the 13 staff attorneys at Lawyers Alliance and more than 700 volunteers serve 500 clients on more than 800 legal matters.

New York, NY, June 21, 2007 --
Michael Feinman, partner at Blank Rome LLP, was awarded the 2007 Lawyers Alliance Award for Pro Bono Leadership at Lawyers Alliance’s annual theater benefit reception held at the Penn Club. The award is presented each year to a law firm partner who has performed exemplary pro bono service to the nonprofit organizations served by Lawyers Alliance for New York. Michael Feinman’s award is in recognition of his record of 14 years of service as a volunteer attorney.

“Real estate issues are among the most common legal needs that nonprofit organizations must address in order to provide services in New York neighborhoods. Numerous nonprofit organizations have benefited from Michael's expert real estate and financing guidance over the years, and – we trust – many more will benefit from his counsel in the years to come. Michael sets an example for all of the lawyers in his firm and around the city, partners and associates, and we salute his good work,” said Sean Delany, executive director of Lawyers Alliance for New York.

Mr. Feinman is currently providing pro bono legal services to the Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation, including advising on all legal and transactional matters related to the renovation of a former federal building to serve as a multi-use nonprofit center. He also recently helped to obtain a $500,000 payment for a share in the sale of a real estate project for another client, the Hollis Local Development Corporation.

Michael Feinman’s practice at Blank Rome focuses on real estate, with particular experience in the area of financing, where he represents both lenders and borrowers. Mr. Feinman represents financial institutions, funds, developers, investors, and individual entrepreneurs in a broad range of sophisticated transactions in the areas of securitized and portfolio mortgage lending, acquisitions and sales, leasing and lease-based financing, development and workouts.

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Lawyers Alliance for New York is the leading provider of business and transactional legal services for nonprofit organizations that are improving the quality of life in New York City neighborhoods. By connecting lawyers, nonprofits, and communities, we help nonprofits to develop affordable housing, stimulate economic development, and operate vital programs for children and young people, the elderly, recent immigrants, and other low-income New Yorkers.

New York, NY, June 12, 2006 --
Lawyers Alliance for New York announces that Mark E. Brossman, a partner at Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP, will receive the organization’s first annual Award for Pro Bono Leadership for his outstanding pro bono legal services to nonprofit organizations by a law firm partner. Lawyers Alliance will present the award at a reception at T New York, 240 West 52nd Street in New York City on June 13, 2006, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

"Mark personifies what this award is all about. He understands that partners play a critical role in communicating the importance of pro bono service through action and words," said Sean Delany, executive director of Lawyers Alliance. "Over the years Mark has been an eloquent voice for pro bono service. More importantly, he walks the walk -- the number of nonprofit organizations that Mark has assisted represents a truly remarkable record of service for community organizations all over New York City."

Mark E. Brossman is a partner and co-head of the employment and employee benefits practice at Schulte Roth & Zabel. He represents clients in all aspects of employment and employee benefits law, including employment discrimination, ERISA, labor relations, education law and related litigation. Mr. Brossman serves as chair of the Committee on Employee Benefits of the New York State Bar Association and was inducted into the Academy of Employee Benefit Authors.

As a pro bono attorney for Lawyers Alliance, Mr. Brossman has represented more than 12 nonprofit organizations on employment and other nonprofit business law matters. These include Asian Americans for Equality, Council of Senior Centers & Services of New York City, The East Harlem School at Exodus House, East Harlem Tutorial Program, Flatbush Haitian Center, Friends of the Family Academy, Hearts and Minds Network, HIV Law Project, Kingsbridge Heights Community Center, Manhattan Neighborhood Renaissance LDC, Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City, Northern Manhattan Collaborates, and Ossining Open Door.

"It is an honor to receive this award from Lawyers Alliance for New York," said Mr. Brossman. "I’m grateful for the many opportunities they’ve given me to help all kinds of organizations doing great work. My pro bono experiences with clients of Lawyers Alliance have been immensely rewarding, both personally and professionally. I look forward to continuing to support of Lawyers Alliance and the important services it provides."

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Lawyers Alliance staff and volunteers provide high quality and affordable business law services to nonprofit organizations throughout New York City that are dedicated to improving our communities in several critical areas, including affordable housing and homeless services, economic development, children and youth services, immigrant communities and elder services. Each year, the 12 staff attorneys at Lawyers Alliance work with more than 700 volunteer attorneys to serve more than 450 clients on more than 700 legal matters. In addition, Lawyers Alliance sponsors educational workshops and distributes publications on nonprofit legal issues.