The “ Paying it Forward to Make a Difference ” panel featured moderators Hon . Michelle Harner and Kim Hooks , and panelists Hon . Christopher M . Lopez , Travis Torrence , Charles A . Beckham , Jr ., Re ’ Necia Sherald , Professor Melissa B . Jacoby and Nisha Patel .
On April 1 , 2022 , the College ’ s Board of Directors approved the recommendation of the DEI Commission for the establishment of a Diversity , Equity and Inclusion Annual Award to one or more individuals or an organization , as selected by the standing DEI Committee and approved by the Board , that has demonstrated extraordinary commitment and achievement in DEI initiatives . After considering several candidates , the Committee voted to recommend the City Bar Justice Center ( the Justice Center ) as recipient of the award for 2024 .
The Justice Center , a pro bono legal services adjunct of the Bar Association of the City of New York , was a 2023 grantee of the College ’ s Foundation , which recently began awarding grants specifically in support of the College ’ s DEI mission . The Justice Center provides pro bono legal services to a number of diverse constituencies participating in the bankruptcy system , as well as a major new DEI educational program for bankruptcy professionals practicing at New York-area firms . The DEI Committee was impressed in particular by the multidimensional nature of the Justice Center ’ s efforts and its DEI advocacy in our industry . Likewise , the DEI Committee observed that the Justice Center ’ s leadership , which includes representatives from virtually every major law firm in New York , has consistently broadened its legal services and program offerings to reach new and underserved consituencies .
Ramona Morel , Director of its Consumer Bankruptcy Project , accepted the award on behalf of the Justice Center in person at the All Fellows Luncheon .
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