|
|
|
|
|
 |
                  |
|
The Pro Bono Institute's 2008 Annual Gala was an inspiring event for the legal community. Held at The Plaza in New York City on November 13th, the Gala assembled law firm, corporate, and public interest leaders to celebrate the power of pro bono service to inspire, innovate, and impact justice. Despite threatening weather and challenging economic news, the event was well-attended, upbeat, and greatly enjoyable. 
Following a welcoming reception, the attendees enjoyed an exciting dinner program, comprised of notable speakers and the presentation of two prestigious pro bono awards. The evening's speakers included, among others, several of the Gala Co-Chairs – John J. Conroy, Jr., of Baker & McKenzie; Anastasia D. Kelly, of American International Group, Inc.; and Bradford L. Smith, of Microsoft Corporation – as well as James W. Jones of Hildebrandt International, Chair of the PBI Board of Directors. A key theme addressed by many of the speakers was the importance of a commitment to pro bono in economic hard times, when the need for such service is greatest. In her role as emcee, Ms. Kelly expertly guided the audience through the program while displaying a sharp sense of wit from the podium. 
The evening's program included the fourth annual presentation of the prestigious John H. Pickering Award for outstanding pro bono service to Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, which was accepted by the firm's Chairman, Stephen J. Dannhauser, and presented by A. Stephen Hut, Jr., Partner of the firm that Mr. Pickering founded, now known as Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP. 
Thomas J. Sabatino Jr., Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Schering-Plough Corporation, presented the sixth annual CPBO Pro Bono Partner Award to James J. Bender, Senior Vice President and General Counsel of The Williams Companies, Inc. – who accepted the award on behalf of the partnership among The Williams Companies, Inc.; Hall, Estill, Hardwick, Gable, Golden & Nelson, P.C.; and Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc. Mr. Bender noted that “even small-to-medium size departments – like Williams’ – can make a pro bono difference in your community.” 
During the presentation of the Pickering Award, attendees had an opportunity to share the perspective of an organization that has benefited from pro bono support. In a moving and uplifting speech, Linda Giammona, from the New York Police & Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund, spoke about her organization's work and the vital pro bono support that they have received from Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP to help families of firefighters and police officers (including Port Authority and EMS) killed in the line of duty. As Ms. Giammona pointed out, “It is empowering for these families to know they have the unyielding support and endless expertise of Weil Gotshal. But there is no billable hourly rate that can capture the value of feeling secure, protected and cared for as the Benefit Fund families do because of Weil Gotshal’s leadership in our cause.” 
Another highlight of the evening was the celebration of those law firms that have participated in the Law Firm Pro Bono Challenge consistently since its creation fifteen years ago. Mr. Smith highlighted the incredible work these firms have done throughout their sustained commitment, as he commended their extraordinary vision and courage. He especially noted that, through good economic times and bad, these firms have stayed with the Challenge, cementing their pro bono commitment and serving as exemplars in the legal and corporate communities. 
The Gala was an important opportunity to celebrate the many law firms and corporations that have displayed an unyielding commitment to pro bono, even amidst the current economic climate. One of the evening’s notable speakers, James W. Jones, stated that “the commitments we are seeing, even during this period of deep economic distress, bespeaks more than just practical considerations. I believe it reflects the deep sense that all of us have as lawyers that justice matters, that the law can and should be a tool for good in our society, that the role of law is more important than ever during periods of serious national distress, and that we as lawyers have a vital role to play in helping our country and our fellow citizens weather the current storm.” 
Video highlights of the evening will also be added to this website in the near future.
|
|
|
 |
|