Trachtman Receives State Bar Pro Bono Award

Partner Jeffrey S. Trachtman has received the New York State Bar Association’s 2005 President’s Pro Bono Service Award, which is given to a single attorney in each of the State’s judicial districts to recognize outstanding pro bono service.  The award was presented by State Bar President Kenneth G. Standard at a May 2 luncheon ceremony in Albany.

Jeff was recognized for his decade-plus leadership of Kramer Levin’s pro bono program, including creating and coordinating the firm’s full-time housing court externship at South Brooklyn Legal Services and serving as a mentor and role model for junior attorneys in building pro bono service into their careers at the firm.  Jeff was also honored for his own pro bono work during 2004, which included serving as co-counsel with Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund in Hernandez v. Robles, a case seeking recognition of marriage rights for same-sex couples under the New York Constitution, and with the Center for Disability Advocacy Rights in a class action challenging the methodology for processing children’s Social Security disability claims.