- Equal Justice Under Law
National Pro bono Celebration
Keeping the Heat On During the Pandemic
October 30, 2020
Independent Consumer Advocacy Network
November 1, 2020
PRO BONO ATTORNEYS OF THE MONTH
Andrew Thaler, Adam D’Antonio, Harold Somer and Stuart Gelberg
Since its inception in 1981, Nassau Suffolk Law Services Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP), in cooperation with the Nassau County Bar Association (NCBA), has involved the most dedicated private attorneys as partners in its quest to meet the civil legal needs of our community’s most vulnerable citizens.
Approximately thirty years ago, the VLP collaborated with the NCBA to launch the Bankruptcy Project. This highly successful free bankruptcy clinic continues to serve hundreds of clients per year, with bi-monthly screenings usually held at the NCBA. These screenings are staffed by experienced volunteer bankruptcy attorneys. They assist clients seeking to relieve oppressive financial burdens and gain a fresh start.
This year, COVID-19 has wrought havoc upon our community and posed unprecedented challenges to the delivery of legal services to these low-income, disabled and disadvantaged individuals. Our in-person clinics could not be conducted. Nevertheless, four of our dedicated volunteer attorneys came forward immediately. They were able to quickly adapt their screenings to virtual mode, conducting most of their meetings by telephone or skype, and exchanging documents via email when necessary. During the most stressful and unnerving periods of the pandemic, these attorneys put aside their own personal challenges to ensure that no eligible client would be left adrift or feel abandoned.
Accordingly, we are privileged to recognize these attorneys: Andrew Thaler, Adam D’Antonio, Harold Somer and Stuart Gelberg as our most recent Attorneys of the Month. We would like to share some of these attorneys’ thoughts on what their pro bono service means to them. Click on the names below to read more.