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For Release: Immediate
September 14, 2012
Contact: Lise Bang-Jensen
Director, Media Services and Public Affairs
Lbang-jensen@nysba.org
518-487-5530
NEW YORK STATE BAR ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES
DENISON RAY AWARD WINNERS
ALBANY—For their dedication in assisting low-income New Yorkers
to gain access to quality legal services, four attorneys and a nonprofit
organization have been recognized with the Denison Ray Awards, given by
the Department of Pro Bono Affairs of the New York State Bar
Association.
“Each of the Denison Ray Award recipients has had a positive
impact on the most vulnerable citizens in our society,” said State
Bar President James (The Legal Aid Society in New York City). “I
congratulate all of this year’s honorees. They have done a
remarkable job upholding the proudest traditions of our
profession.”
The awards were presented September 13 during the 2012 Legal
Assistance Partnership Conference.
At the same event, Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman and State Bar
President James were recognized for their significant contributions in
promoting access to justice for low-income New Yorkers.
Recipients of this year’s Denison Ray Awards are:
Ian Feldman of New York City, Civil Legal Services Individual
Attorney Award: Feldman (director of Legal Services, Mental Health
Project, Urban Justice Center), was cited for more than 40 years of
excellence in civil legal services advocacy, including his extensive
knowledge of Social Security law and leadership in New York
State’s Disability Advocacy Program.
Michael Hanley of Rochester, Civil Legal Services Individual Attorney
Award: Hanley (senior staff attorney, Empire Justice Center) has
practiced civil rights and housing law since 1975. He was a key figure
in the federal lawsuit, Comer v. Kemp, which successfully challenged
racial segregation in federal housing programs in Buffalo.
Richard S. Hobish of White Plains, Pro Bono Program Director Award:
Hobish is the founding executive director of the Pro Bono Partnership
and is responsible for oversight and management of the Partnership. He
transformed it from a single-staff lawyer service to a regional agency
that has assisted nearly 2,000 organizations in three states and
recruited nearly 3,000 attorneys to provide pro bono services.
Michael Rothenberg of New York City, Legal Services Director Award
(posthumous): Rothenberg was a founder of New York Lawyers for the
Public Interest (NYLPI) and served as its executive director from 2001
until his death in February 2012. Under his leadership, the
organization’s funding increased 400 percent and its staff more
than doubled to 35 members. The New York Times awarded the NYLPI the
Nonprofit Excellence Award in 2010.
New York Legal Assistance Group of New York City, Nonprofit
Organization Award: Since 1990, the New York Law Assistance Group
(NYLAG) has provided high quality, free civil legal services to
low-income New Yorkers who cannot afford attorneys. The organization,
with seven core legal divisions, is staffed by more than 100 full-time
legal professionals and 800 volunteers. The NYLAG served more than
56,000 low-income individuals in 2011.
The Denison Ray Awards were named for the late Denison Ray, the
former executive director of the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New
York.
A highlight of the evening was the Committee on Legal Aid’s
surprise recognition of Chief Judge Lippman and Bar President James. The
two men were cited for their advocacy on behalf of providing quality
legal services for the poor.
“Chief Judge Lippman has set a national standard by recognizing
the importance of civil legal services in bringing fairness to the civil
justice system. Seymour James has devoted his career to protecting the
rights of those accused of crimes. They are two magnificent
leaders of the legal and social justice worlds,” said Edwina
Frances Martin of Staten Island, who co-chairs the Committee on Legal
Aid with Lewis Creekmore of White Plains.
“New York is the birthplace of the concept of legal aid. With
the advocacy of Chief Judge Lippman and President James, New York
continues to be a trailblazer in ensuring access to justice for
all,” Creekmore said.
As State Bar president, James offered his own appreciation of his
fellow honoree.
“Our justice system works best when all parties in an action
have legal representation. Chief Judge Lippman’s leadership shines
a light on the critical need for civil legal services funding to help
provide such representation,” James said. “He is a true
champion of the underserved.”
The 77,000-member New York State Bar Association is the largest
voluntary state bar association in the nation. It was founded in
1876.
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