State Bar Pro Bono Awards Come Full Circle for Kramer Levin

Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP intellectual property associate Aaron M. Frankel was honored by the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) with the President’s Pro Bono Service Award for 2008 – and the award ceremony became an inter-generational affair highlighting the firm’s longstanding pro bono commitment.

Frankel was recognized for his extraordinary pro bono service to poor and disadvantaged New Yorkers on behalf of the First Judicial District. Kathryn Madigan, President of the association presented the award on May 1 in Albany. One recipient was selected from each Judicial District in New York.

“We are extremely proud of Aaron’s dedication and accomplishments,” said Jeffrey S. Trachtman, Kramer Levin’s Pro Bono Chair. “He has provided the New York community with excellent pro bono representation on asylum, LGBT rights and housing matters, including as a Kramer Levin extern at South Brooklyn Legal Services. He has shown extraordinary leadership in co-organizing and co-supervising the firm’s overall asylum program and encouraging pro bono involvement by other associates throughout the firm.”

“Once attorneys take on their first pro bono case, they realize how rewarding pro bono can be, and that it really is manageable to balance pro bono commitments with billable work. The work for which I was recognized would not have been possible without the supportive policies and culture of my firm,” stated Frankel.

The May 1 ceremony came full circle for the firm when Frankel met another honoree, being presented with the award for the Tenth Judicial District. The recipient, Rudolph de Winter, was a much-respected real estate partner and counsel with Kramer Levin for 31 years. After he retired from the firm, de Winter became active in Landlord/Tenant law in Nassau County, representing indigent clients on a pro bono basis to try to prevent evictions and foreclosures. His continuing involvement reflects the community commitment that has long been an important feature of the firm’s culture.

Indeed, the firm has been the recipient of numerous pro bono awards including: the 2007 John Minor Wisdom Public Service and Professionalism Award, the 2006 National Law Journal Pro Bono Award, and the Legal Aid Society's Exceptional Pro Bono Publico and Public Service Law Firm Award for 2000. The firm also previously received an NYSBA President's Pro Bono Service Award in 2005. On May 8th, the firm was honored by Northside Center for Child Development for its pro bono work on behalf of the center.