In summer 2015, Proskauer volunteers traded in their suits and pens for aprons and spoons to serve meals to New Yorkers in need. On July 29 and August 17, two groups of partners and associates from the firm’s Mentoring Circle Program (MCP), and members of our Corporate Social Responsibility and Diversity & Inclusion teams, volunteered with The Bowery Mission, an organization that provides food, shelter, clothing and medical care to homeless and needy New Yorkers. On each of those evenings, the Proskauer volunteers served dinner to nearly 250 homeless men and women.

“I live in the Bowery neighborhood, so I felt like I was giving back to my community,” said associate Hank Zhou. “Sometimes, even if you want to volunteer, it gets lost in the shuffle of big law life. I am grateful that Proskauer provides these opportunities to get involved.”

The Proskauer team, ready to serve meals to those in need.

Rolled out earlier this year, the MCP aims to develop diverse junior-level associates by assigning them a designated partner mentor. Four to five mentor-mentee pairs then form a “circle,” allowing mentees to gain exposure to different working approaches and insights. Each circle has a captain who spearheads the circle’s activity and engagement.

“The people we served were appreciative beyond what I ever would have imagined,” says associate Erin Harper, who participated in the event, adding, “Not only was it a meaningful day of service, but it was also a great way to meet people from around the firm.”

The Bowery Mission has served homeless and hungry New Yorkers since 1879. Proskauer will continue its work with The Bowery Mission through the firm’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative.