In the aftermath of the terrible events of September 11th, almost one quarter of the Firm’s lawyers signed up to participate in the largest coordinated pro bono effort in the New York Bar’s history, staffing intake tables and counseling businesses and individuals affected by the disaster.  A few of those matters continued in 2004.  In addition to the case discussed above involving the rights of a surviving domestic partner, William Quintavalle, Howard Neuthaler , and paralegal Kui Shen continued the administration of the estate of a firefighter who lost his life at the World Trade Center and prepared and filed the federal September 11th Victim Compensation Fund claim on behalf of the firefighter’s minor children.  The award was in line with expectations and not contested.

Thomas Moreland, Ilyssa Sena, and Jennifer Despins represent nine family members of victims of September 11th in an Article 78 proceeding against the City of New York Fire Department seeking disclosure under the Freedom of Information Law (“FOIL”) of materials evidencing the tragic events of September 11th.  The family members, each of who lost either a son or a husband on September 11th, intervened in this action, initially brought by the New York Times and one of its reporters, challenging the Fire Department’s denial of a FOIL request for access to the Fire Department’s records chronicling the events of September 11th.  The New York Supreme Court ordered release of some of the materials sought by both the New York Times and the family members.  All of the parties appealed the decision, and the Appellate Division ordered the release of additional materials.  On further appeal, the New York Court of Appeals ordered the release of additional materials and also remanded two issues back to the Supreme Court for further review.  Currently, all the parties are trying to work together to implement the Court of Appeals’ decision in a fair and equitable manner.  The family members brought this action not only to uncover information about the last moments of their loved ones lives, but also to provide the public with vital information regarding the management and effectiveness of rescue operations and safety in high-rise buildings to minimize the loss of life in the event of a future similar catastrophic event or terrorist attack.

We also participated in the nonprofit world’s response to the disaster.  Charlotte Fischman was appointed to serve on the Board of Directors of the September 11th Fund, an organization created by The New York Community Trust and United Way of New York City, which distributed more than $490 million in cash and services to individuals and businesses affected by the terrorist attacks.  Mary Aversano and Helayne Stoopack assisted in the creation of Windows of Hope, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing aid and future scholarships for survivors of food service workers who died on September 11.  Helayne continues to provide ongoing advice to this organization.

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