CFJ Community Impact Reception
October 20, 6-8 pm 
The Jonathan Club, 545 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles

 

This month, CFJ celebrates the work of project volunteers during a cocktail reception and awards ceremony. On Oct. 20, attorneys and law firms will be honored for their pro bono work within CFJ’s four legal services projects, and two members will receive the CFJ President Award. 

Reserve your place at the event.  A $100 per person ticket covers the cocktail reception and awards ceremony.

Scroll down to read this year’s honoree statements about the work they do and what it means to make a difference in our L.A. communities.

 

Honorees answer the question,

“What does your work with Counsel for Justice mean to you?”

 

AIDS Project Honorees:

Greenberg Glusker 

“I have been privileged to have worked for the Counsel of Justice through the AIDS Legal Services Project and its predecessor for over 25 years. During that time I have seen at first hand the great work done by the AIDS Legal Services Project through the devoted leadership of Laurie Aronoff. The work that I have done in helping communities in the greatest need is some of the most satisfying work that I have had as a lawyer. I wish the AIDS Legal Service Project and the Counsel continued success in the future.”
– Timothy J. Toohey, Partner, Greenberg Glusker LLP

“The pro bono matters I’ve handled via the AIDS Legal Services Project are among the most rewarding of my career. Whether representing a gay, HIV-positive asylum applicant from Russia or a needle exchange program working to reduce disease incidence and improve life outcomes among people who use injection drugs in Northern California, these matters have allowed me to actualize my desire to make the world a better place – a little bit at a time. Working with Laurie Aronoff has also been a true joy. I look forward to continuing to partner with the AIDS Legal Services Project in the future.”
 – Brian E. Moskal, Partner, Greenberg Glusker LLP

Stephen Hicklin
I started law school in the early days of the AIDS epidemic.  It was a terrifying time.  The hateful AIDS Quarantine Initiative made the California ballot and I learned that my high school boyfriend, Kelly, had HIV; Kelly died in my second year of law school.  On graduation, I volunteered for the Hospice/AIDS Project at the L.A. County Bar and have volunteered ever since.  Courts are where people go to vindicate their rights and push back against discrimination and no one should be denied access to the courts because they can’t afford to hire a lawyer.  Counsel for Justice levels the playing field for people of modest means, allowing them the same access that wealthy people have.  The work I have done for Counsel for Justice on behalf of PWAs has been the single most satisfying thing I have done in my 34 years as a lawyer.  I could not be more grateful for my dear friend Laurie Aronoff and the others at the County Bar’s Counsel for Justice who work so hard to make projects like the AIDS Services Project so impactful. 

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Domestic Violence Project Honorees:

Latham & Watkins

“Pro bono is ingrained in our firm’s culture. Our lawyers feel privileged to be able to engage in what they do best to help those most in need. At Latham & Watkins, we believe that the practice of law includes the unique ability and responsibility to advocate for equal justice and provide needed representation to the underserved in the communities where we live and work.

We also strongly believe in treating our clients exactly the same, whether commercial or pro bono. In my practice, I focus on interpreting the law and developing strategies designed to ensure the best possible outcome for my clients. When I engage in pro bono work, my focus is precisely the same. 

How can I use my legal skills to ensure that the most vulnerable among us receive access to justice? How can I work with my colleagues in the private bar to strengthen the rule of law? How can I help create a more just city? Those are the questions that underpin my pro bono practice and underpin Latham’s work with Counsel for Justice.

On behalf of my Latham & Watkins colleagues in Los Angeles and Century City, particularly Kathryn Harrington, who’s been an active participant in LACBA’s Domestic Violence Legal Services Project and an all-around pro bono star, I am honored to accept the Community Impact Award.”
– Larry Seymour, Office Managing Partner of the Los Angeles and Century City offices

Leslie Petersil
“Several years ago, I was in search of a volunteer opportunity that would allow me the ability to utilize my background in Family Law to help others seeking legal assistance. I eventually found the Counsel for Justice, Domestic Violence Project.  I have been privileged to work with the Domestic Violence Project which provides essential legal services to victims who are in grave need protection by obtaining temporary restraining orders. The amazing team at the Domestic Violence Project provides top-notch legal services -- with the utmost compassion and care -- to each and every victim.  I am beyond honored to be part of such a wonderful team of staff and volunteers providing such vital services to the community. And each time I finish a shift working at the Project, I am amazed as to how grateful each and every victim is despite their incredibly dire situation and the mass of legal information they have to process in order to obtain their restraining orders. I am so thankful to the Counsel for Justice for providing a bridge for the legal community to assist our community at large in so many essential ways and, again, am so grateful to play a part.”

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Immigration Project Honorees:

Haven Law Group, APC

“I'm grateful to be participating in the Counsel for Justice because it gives me an opportunity to respond to the xenophobia that has paralyzed our immigration system for decades.
I became an immigration lawyer because I wanted to fight the injustice brought on by the harsh immigration laws enacted in 1996, the IIRAIRA. Sadly, this war against immigrants has only intensified.

We live in an age where many Americans believe that immigrants are invaders who deserve harsher treatment and stricter enforcement. The causes of rising anti-immigration sentiments are complex and cannot be condensed into simple terms. Nonetheless, it breaks my heart to witness the human consequences of a broken immigration system. 

I have practiced immigration law for 25 years. Throughout this time, it has become more challenging to cope with the negative energy from this toxic environment. Just this week, I watched in horror as Venezuelan asylum seekers, folks fleeing one of the worst Communist regimes in modern times, fell victim to the governor of Florida's machinations for political gain.

I don't have a solution to reverse the rising hostility against immigrants. But I know that by participating in the Counsel for Justice, I am improving the lives of my fellow human beings, one family at a time. My work with the Counsel for Justice reminds me of my core values and why I chose this career path in the first place.”
– Daniel Huang, Esq., Immigration Attorney, Haven Law Group, APC
 

Jolene Konnersman
“Working with LACBA’s immigration project has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my work life. Meeting clients from all over the world has exposed me to the hardships faced by those who have left their homes and families to make a life in the United States. It has helped me to appreciate the opportunities that those of us who do not have to worry about our immigration status (and therefore our ability to work, access medical care and other benefits, and live without fear of having to leave our life and loved ones) may otherwise take for granted. It allows me to advocate for immigration reform from a place of knowledge and not fear. Above all, it has meant that I get to listen to beautiful stories filled with love, family, courage and grit from around the world. I get to be a part of a family’s journey toward security, stability and hope. The legal help we provide at the immigration clinic has enormous impacts, affecting not only the clients in front of us each day, but future generations as well. I’m honored to be a part of that work.”

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Veterans Project Honorees:

Sheppard Mullin

“Sheppard Mullin is honored to work with veterans together with the Counsel for Justice (CFJ). Our attorneys come back again and again requesting to take on new veterans' matters with the CFJ, often citing the experience as the some of the most rewarding legal work that they get to do. Our firm's commitment to pro bono requires strong partnerships, and we plan to further develop our work with the LACBA and the Counsel for Justice for many years to come.”
– Abby Carrigan, Pro Bono Manager, New York Office
 

Robert Williams
“It is always meaningful to help people who need services, but do not have the means to purchase them.  My work on behalf of the people served by the Los Angeles County Bar Association’s Veterans Legal Services Project is especially meaningful to me.  I grew up in a family with a tradition of military service.  Both of my grandfathers served in the military during World War One.  During World War Two, my father served in the Army Air Corps; my mother’s brother left law school to enlist in the Marine Corps and was killed during the battle for Saipan.  While the Vietnam war raged, I was in college, protected from military service by a draft deferment.  I assumed that I would enter the military upon graduation.  However, the war “Vietnamized” during my senior year, and the draft ended.  I proceeded straight from college to law school, but I was mindful of the thousands of young men my age who were not so fortunate.  I always wanted to do something that would validate for military veterans the draft deferment that made it easy for me to enter the legal profession.  Through the Veterans Legal Service Project, I have been able to pay back some of the debt I owe to those who served.”

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CFJ President Award:

Brian Condon
“Working with Counsel for Justice means that thousands of people in Los Angeles who don’t have access to lawyers will get the legal help they need to deal with serious and life-changing problems they may face.  It also means that our dedicated staff of attorneys and volunteers in immigration, domestic violence, veterans rights, and the needs of people living with HIV and AIDS, will have the resources and facilities they need to provide critical legal services to all those clients who seek our help.”
---Brian K. Condon, Partner, Arnold & Porter

 

Mark Garscia
“My time with Counsel for Justice permitted me to see firsthand and close up the important work of each of its four Projects and the tremendous energy and dedication of the Project Directors and staff.  I was also wholly impressed by the many volunteers who worked at the Projects and the volunteer board members who spent so much time raising funds for these needed Projects.  My time with CFJ was meaningful knowing that the dollars raised and the volunteer hours worked brought essential services to a vulnerable community and helped thousands of clients every year in Los Angeles County.  I will never forget the wonderful people I met during my time with Counsel for Justice.”
---Mark Garscia, LACBA CFJ Board of Directors (2008-2019)