August 26, 2015 (New York) – Proskauer litigation partner Michael Cardozo has been named a 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award honoree by The American Lawyer. Mr. Cardozo is honored for his success as both a private and public sector litigator, his efforts to ignite change and promote diversity within the legal profession, and his commitment to public service.

In his Am Law profile, Mr. Cardozo is described by Chairman Joseph Leccese as “instrumental in the growth of our [sports] practice.” In addition to practicing law, Mr. Cardozo, who returned to the Proskauer in 2014, leads a number of diversity initiatives and helps coordinate the firm’s pro bono program. According to Am Law, his various roles give him a chance “to counsel younger lawyers,” including on the importance of being able to say no to an important client when necessary.

Mr. Cardozo is also recognized for his tenure as New York City corporation counsel under former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, in particular for cutting New York’s settlement and damages payouts by 14 percent and contributing to a significant increase in diversity among the city’s lawyers. Mayor Bloomberg says of Mr. Cardozo, “New York City is safer and stronger because of his work, and I'm sure he'd agree that his most lasting legacy will be hiring and mentoring so many talented lawyers.”

Speaking to the best legal career advice he has ever received, Mr. Cardozo says, “There is more to life in a big firm than practicing law and billing 2,500 hours a year. Be it typical pro bono cases or a bar association, you have to look for the opportunity to do something more, where you can make a difference.”

Am Law’s Lifetime Achievement Awards were created to recognize lawyers for accomplishments in both private practice and public service. Mr. Cardozo is one of only eight lawyers to receive the award this year. He is profiled in the September issue of the magazine and will be recognized at the 12th annual awards dinner in October.