WilmerHale was recently recognized by Brooklyn Defender Services' (BDS) Family Defense Practice, receiving the organization's highest honor at its annual benefit in New York. Through direct client representation and impact litigation, the firm has provided pro bono support to the Family Defense Practice in parents' rights cases since 2011, and several current and former WilmerHale lawyers have served on the organization's advisory board.

“We are committed to the relationship that WilmerHale has built with BDS over the years,” says Senior Associate Somil Trivedi, who serves as chair of the BDS advisory board. “We have been able to support the organization at both the trial and appellate levels, and have been a part of the strategic backbone of the Family Defense Practice for a long time.”

BDS provides high-quality legal representation and related services to 45,000 New Yorkers each year who cannot afford to retain an attorney. The staff consists of specialized attorneys, social workers, investigators, paralegals and administrative professionals.

Lauren Shapiro, director of BDS' Family Defense Practice, kicked off the June 15 award ceremony by detailing the firm's history with the organization and the impressive level of support it has provided through monetary contributions, strategic advice and counseling, and leadership on the advisory board.

Senior Associate Matthew Galeotti—accompanied by Partner Alan Schoenfeld and Counsel Jason Hirsch, a longtime advisory board member—then discussed a recent matter that he, Schoenfeld and Partner David Lesser led for a BDS client, and accepted the award on the firm's behalf. The event was also attended by Counsel Fiona Kaye; Senior Associates Michelle Diamond, David Stoopler, Caitlin McCusker and Adriel Cepeda Derieux; Associate Alyssa Budihas; and a number of the firm's summer associates.