New York, June 21, 2021 – Proskauer, a leading international law firm, announced that William C. Silverman, the firm’s Pro Bono Partner, has accepted an award at the Legal Information for Families Today (LIFT) 25th Anniversary Gala.
Bill has served on LIFT’s board of directors for more than a decade, including five years as chairman. Throughout his career, Bill has been dedicated to public service, particularly in Family Court, and was integral to the creation of LIFT’s Family Legal Connection virtual platform, which utilizes technology to help litigants from every corner of the state. Bill is currently the chair of the Fund for Modern Courts, a statewide court reform organization. He is also the chair of the new LIFT Lawyers Council, a select group of attorneys who advise the organization on its pro bono program and policy initiatives, with the goal of leveraging the thought leadership and resources of the private bar to increase access to justice for New York families.
“It is an honor to be recognized by LIFT,” said Silverman. “At issue in Family Court is the safety and security of families and children but the Court does not have enough resources. In all my years working with the organization and serving on its board, LIFT hasn’t turned down a single person seeking help in Family Court.”
LIFT helps 25,000 unrepresented (pro se) litigants each year with free information and legal advice, resources and support to navigate the Family Court system. LIFT is the only organization in New York State that works exclusively with pro se litigants in Family Court, providing tools to be their own advocates and, as such, working to create equity and access to justice.
Bill, a litigator and trial lawyer, brings significant private and public sector experience to his role as Pro Bono Partner. Proskauer is one of a few firms that has designated a Partner to be responsible for leading its global pro bono efforts on a full-time basis. For more than 140 years, the Firm has had an unwavering commitment to our communities through our support of public service initiatives that enable its lawyers, and staff, to make a broad impact through a variety of community oriented projects.
About Proskauer for Good
At Proskauer, "for good" means giving of ourselves and making a positive impact on the lives of those less fortunate.
Our pro bono work breaks boundaries. From high-impact litigation and complex transactions for nonprofit organizations, to matters for low-income individuals seeking equal access to justice – we are committed to driving businesses as well as society, forward.