Access Justice Brooklyn honors leaders in law at annual gala

December 3, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Thomas Griffin (left) and Michael de Leeuw (right) were honored at Access Justice Brooklyn’s annual gala at the Brooklyn Museum on Nov. 19. De Leeuw, a litigation partner at Cozen O’Connor, received the Dedication to Justice Award for his work on civil rights and constitutional cases, as well as his pro bono leadership. Griffin, associate General counsel at Ares Management, was presented with the Tradition of Excellence Award for his dedication to pro bono work in family stabilization and economic justice. Photo courtesy of Access Justice Brooklyn

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Access Justice Brooklyn celebrated its annual awards gala on Nov. 19 at the Brooklyn Museum, spotlighting honorees who have made remarkable contributions to equal justice. The event brought together members of the legal and civic communities to honor Michael de Leeuw of Cozen O’Connor, Thomas Griffin of Ares Management LLC, and Goodwin, a law firm recognized for its extensive pro bono work.

From left: Access Justice Brooklyn CEO Heidi Henderson, Honoree Tom Griffin, AJB board member and gala co-chair Adam Shepherd, Honoree Michael de Leeuw, and AJB board chair and gala host committee member Lynn Judell. Photo courtesy of Access Justice Brooklyn

The evening also included a heartfelt remembrance of longtime board member Lawrence F. DiGiovanna, who passed away in October.

Access Justice Brooklyn, established in 1990, provides free civil legal services and education to Brooklyn residents facing systemic barriers to justice. In the past year, the organization partnered with 205 volunteers who donated more than 5,600 hours of service, benefiting more than 15,000 people. Their work saved or recovered $2.8 million in debt for clients, with 82% of cases addressing debt collection and financial instability. Altogether, the services provided were valued at $2.9 million.

AJB pro bono director Anne O'Grady and Director of Legal Services Sidney Cherubin. Photo courtesy of Access Justice Brooklyn — AJB pro bono director Anne O’Grady and Director of Legal Services Sidney Cherubin. Photo courtesy of Access Justice Brooklyn

Gala Co-Chair Janice Mac Avoy addresses the audience at Access Justice Brooklyn’s annual gala, held at the Brooklyn Museum. Photo courtesy of Access Justice Brooklyn

Michael de Leeuw received the Dedication to Justice Award because of

his work on civil rights, voting rights and constitutional issues, as well as his pro bono efforts to help underserved communities. The award also acknowledges his leadership on important legal cases and his role in building a strong partnership between Cozen O’Connor and Access Justice Brooklyn.

From left: AJB President & CEO Heidi Henderson, Champion of Justice Award Recipients, Goodwin (Carolyn Rosenthal, Becca Broches and Maddie Zakin). Photo courtesy of Access Justice Brooklyn

Thomas Griffin was given the Tradition of Excellence Award because he has successfully combined a corporate legal career with a commitment to helping others through pro bono work. He has focused on family stabilization issues and encourages others to volunteer, making a meaningful impact in supporting Access Justice Brooklyn’s mission of promoting fairness and access to justice.

From left: Jessie Carnevale, Peter White II, Teresa Daly and Jackson Bicknell. Photo courtesy of Access Justice Brooklyn

From left: AJB Pro Bono Director Anne O'Grady, AJB Board Member, Lauren Zimmerman, Mark Dolgonos, Sarah Chase, and Zachary Smith. Photo courtesy of Access Justice Brooklyn — From left: AJB Pro Bono Director Anne O’Grady, AJB Board Member, Lauren Zimmerman, Mark Dolgonos, Sarah Chase, and Zachary Smith. Photo courtesy of Access Justice Brooklyn

Goodwin received the Champion of Justice Award because of its Pro Bono Initiative, which has provided critical legal support to those in need. Goodwin’s attorneys have volunteered more than 600 hours to help Access Justice Brooklyn clients with issues like guardianships and uncontested divorces. The award recognizes the firm’s commitment to removing barriers to justice and improving lives in Brooklyn.

Kenneth Fisher (left) and Matt Elkin. Photo courtesy of Access Justice Brooklyn

From left: AJB board members Will Zichawo and Steve Williamson, Daniel Angel and advisory board member Jim Hallowell. Photo courtesy of Access Justice Brooklyn

DiGiovanna, a longtime board member and former vice chair of Access Justice Brooklyn, was recognized posthumously for his decades of service. DiGiovanna joined the board in 1999 and played a key role in advancing the organization’s mission. He chaired the Audit Committee and helped guide Access Justice Brooklyn to its current stature as a leading provider of volunteer legal services.

The gala was co-chaired by legal and business leaders, including Caroline Conway of Stonepeak, Adam Gilbert of Nixon Peabody, Janice Mac Avoy of Fried Frank, and Adam Shepherd of Macquarie Group.