Proskauer Celebrates Nearly 150 Years of Community Service

For 30 years, Youth INC has been dedicated to building strong and sustainable youth development organizations where young people thrive. Our recent milestone anniversary gala was not only a celebration of our work, but a testament to the power of collaboration. Thanks to generous sponsorships from firms like Proskauer, we are able to further our deep commitment to advancing social equity, educational opportunities and youth development.

As Proskauer nears a milestone celebration of its own – 150 years as a firm – it’s inspiring to witness its continued commitment to upholding its legacy of public service. This milestone year highlights how Proskauer’s dedication to pro bono and CSR isn’t just part of its history; it’s a central part of its future.

Proskauer’s distinguished pro bono program is a testament to the firm’s long-standing commitment to equal access to justice for all. Every first-year associate is given a pro bono project upon joining, and all attorneys are encouraged to perform at least 50 pro bono hours annually, with no cap on the number of hours they may contribute. From nonprofit advocacy to litigation, Proskauer’s pro bono efforts reflect the firm’s focus on supporting diverse and critical causes, including voting rights, criminal justice, racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, veterans’ assistance and more.

“We’re proud to stand alongside Youth INC and support their mission to help every young person unlock their full potential,” said Bill Silverman, Pro Bono Partner at Proskauer. “Pro bono work regularly makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives, whether by securing a favorable outcome for an individual or resolving a class action case affecting thousands. While it’s important to recognize and support pro bono efforts in and of themselves, we also need to be able to take a step back, look beyond the individual case, and acknowledge the root issues driving the explosive demand for free legal services.”

Proskauer’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives reach into every area that matters to New York’s young people, providing vital support to causes like educational enrichment, social justice and hunger and poverty. By supporting Youth INC, Proskauer not only invests in a single organization but in a network of grassroots groups working tirelessly to help NYC’s youth reach their full potential.

“Our community involvement is rooted in our enduring tradition of upholding legal justice, volunteering and charitable giving, responding to the unique challenges and immediate needs of our communities. We act on our sense of corporate social responsibility by creating and supporting programs that lead to lasting change. It’s inspiring to see the impact that Youth INC has made over the past 30 years, and we’re honored to be part of this milestone celebration,” said Wendy Dessy, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Proskauer.

At Youth INC, we thank Proskauer for their partnership this year and will continue empowering the nonprofits that change young lives, advancing our vision of a world where all youth can actualize their dreams. Together, we can continue to make a profound difference and enable New York’s youth to achieve their full potential.

Learn more about Proskauer’s pro bono and community efforts on their Proskauer For Good blog.