Lauren E. O’ Donnell Robert M. Shinehouse Huaou Yan Naomi Zwillenberg Benjamin R. Reyes
INTERNAL AWARDS
Each year, Blank Rome proudly recognizes exceptional dedication to pro bono service through four distinct awards that celebrate the impact, leadership, and commitment of our attorneys and offices. The Edwin P. Rome Pro Bono Achievement Award, named in honor of one of the firm’ s founding partners and our highest honor, commemorates extraordinary efforts on life-changing matters. The Pro Bono Rising Star Award highlights the promise and passion of an associate making a significant difference early in their career. The Pro Bono Practice Group of the Year Award honors the practice group with the most outstanding pro bono performance across a range of critical issues. Finally, the Cominsky Cup, named for former partner Marvin Cominsky, a life-long supporter of pro bono work, is awarded to the office that demonstrates the strongest overall commitment to pro bono service. Together, these awards reflect the firm’ s deep-rooted values and ongoing commitment to justice and community service.
Edwin P. Rome Achievement Award Recipients – Lauren E. O’ Donnell, Robert M. Shinehouse, Huaou Yan, and Naomi Zwillenberg The Edwin P. Rome Pro Bono Achievement Award was presented to Lauren O’ Donnell, Robert Shinehouse, Huaou Yan, and Naomi Zwillenberg in recognition of their extraordinary dedication to pro bono work. In a historic first, the award honored a team rather than an individual, celebrating their tireless efforts in securing the release of William Bailey, a wrongfully convicted military veteran. Working alongside the Pennsylvania Innocence Project, Lauren, Robert, Huaou, and Naomi uncovered critical evidence that dismantled the original case and their commitment to justice brought Mr. Bailey home after 35 years. Learn more here.
EXTERNAL AWARDS
Houston Office Named an“ Equal Access Champion” by the Houston Bar Foundation. Read More >
Blank Rome Named Pro Bono Counsel Award Winner by National Homeless Law Center. Read More >
Matthew J. Treiber Named Christopher Slattery Young Professional Award Recipient. Read More >
Pro Bono Rising Star Award Recipient – Benjamin“ Ben” R. Reyes Ben Reyes was honored with the Pro Bono Rising Star Award for his exceptional leadership and commitment to pro bono work. Shortly after joining the firm, Ben led a team of associates in drafting a high-impact amicus brief for the U. S. Supreme Court in Johnson v. Grants Pass, a landmark case on the criminalization of homelessness. Working under a tight 10-day deadline, Ben’ s diligence and direction were instrumental in delivering a compelling brief focused on the disproportionate impact of homelessness on Indigenous communities. His work led to an exceptional outcome on a critical matter.
Pro Bono Practice Group of the Year – Business Litigation This past year, our Business Litigation attorneys demonstrated that they are committed to handling matters that represent some of the highest areas of need. And, just as you would expect from tenacious litigators, this group never backs down from a challenge. The group served as child advocates on behalf of abused and neglected children living in foster care, handled voter protection issues and asylum matters, worked with veterans and those experiencing homelessness, and much more.
Comisky Cup Winner – Washington, D. C. The Comisky Cup was earned by our Washington, D. C., colleagues based on their pro bono work in a wide variety of areas, including military discharge upgrades for veterans, asylum and immigration matters, drafting wills and powers of attorney for low-income senior citizens, eviction prevention matters, and representing small businesses and nonprofit organizations.
Krystal Kane Named Bar Star by the Public Interest Section. Read More >
54 Blank Rome Attorneys Named to 2024 Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll. Read More >
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