Recognizing Our Pro Bono Partners
Recognizing Our Pro Bono Partners
On October 9, Lawyers For Children (LFC) proudly hosted its 2nd Annual Pro Bono Awards Breakfast at the New York City Bar Association, celebrating the extraordinary attorneys who have dedicated their time and talent in service to LFC’s clients. The event was generously sponsored by Loeb & Loeb LLP, whose New York City Office Managing Partner, Laurie Ruckel, was among last year’s honorees.
This year, LFC was honored to recognize three outstanding attorneys for their exemplary pro bono service:
Arlene Chow, Partner at Latham & Watkins LLP, for her leadership on an amicus brief in a critical New York Court of Appeals case that successfully defended key aspects of how court hearings are conducted and the rights of children in foster care proceedings across the state.
Greg Schwed, Of Counsel at Loeb & Loeb LLP, received the inaugural Seth Gelblum Honorary Award, created in memory of former LFC Board Chair and Loeb & Loeb partner Seth Gelblum. Greg was recognized for eight years of dedicated collaboration with LFC’s appellate counsel on numerous cases—all resulting in favorable outcomes for our clients.
Chloe Gordils, Associate at Loeb & Loeb LLP, for her work alongside Greg Schwed in affirming the lower court’s stay-away order on behalf of a client who had been kidnapped and abused by a family member.
During his remarks, LFC Executive Director Glenn Metsch-Ampel expressed deep gratitude to the organization’s pro bono partners:
“We know that pro bono work takes valuable time on top of your already demanding responsibilities—yet you continue to show up, case after case, child after child. Thanks to your talent and compassion, every child you represent knows that they matter—that we are standing together beside them, fighting for them, and that some of the most powerful firms in the city have their backs.”
In accepting her award, Arlene Chow reflected on the broader impact of her work:
“People have a right to attend court hearings in which they’re involved. This right doesn’t discriminate—whether the person is an adult or a minor, or based on the type of proceedings. I’m grateful for this award and for the work Lawyers For Children does to support young people.”
The breakfast also featured an engaging panel discussion with LFC Board Member Jacob Buchdahl (Susman Godfrey LLP), Sean Hecker (Hecker Fink LLP), and Jamie Levitt (Morrison Foerster LLP), moderated by Betsy Kramer, LFC’s Director of Policy & Special Litigation. The conversation explored the opportunities and challenges of pro bono representation in today’s political climate, emphasizing the vital role of attorneys in protecting the rule of law and defending due process. As Buchdahl noted, it is “more important than ever for attorneys to give back—by committing to pro bono work and supporting organizations that protect the rights of vulnerable communities.”
Since 2009, the American Bar Association has celebrated National Pro Bono Week each October to honor attorneys who contribute their services to those in need and to highlight the ongoing importance of pro bono participation.
LFC looks forward to continuing this tradition at the 3rd Annual Pro Bono Awards Breakfast on October 13, 2026. For more information about attending or getting involved, please contact Dyane McMahon at dmcmahon@lawyersforchildren.org.
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