Lowenstein Celebrates 15 Years of Advocating for Marginalized Communities with Publication of Latest Pro Bono Report

Lowenstein Sandler is celebrating the 15^th anniversary of its Center for the Public Interest with the publication of its latest Pro Bono Report, detailing the firm's pro bono efforts throughout 2023, which included serving more than 700 pro bono clients and dedicating more than 30,000 hours to pro bono work. On average, each Lowenstein lawyer spent 83 hours on pro bono matters. Highlights of the firm's 2023 pro bono work include:

• Improving the terms of a settlement that will restrict forced family separation at the border for 8 years, and seeking compensation for formerly separated families;
• Challenging Florida's ban on gender-affirming health care for transgender youth and restrictions on such care for adults;
• Supporting innovators in Africa who leverage technology to promote food and water security, a healthy environment, education access, and workers' rights;
• Partnering with law schools at Howard University, Brigham Young University, University of Utah, Notre Dame, and NYU to prepare the next generation of lawyers to apply their skills to expanding access to justice for historically underserved groups; and
• Assisting the newly launched New Jersey Innocence Project at Rutgers University in identifying individuals who were wrongly convicted of crimes and may have strong claims for exoneration.
  
  

The Report celebrates the 15^th anniversary of the Center for the Public Interest by highlighting some of the center's work since its founding in 2009.

This year's Report also announces a leadership transition at the center, with Catherine Weiss retiring from her role as Chair at the end of May 2024. Alexander Shalom, Director of Supreme Court Advocacy at the ACLU of New Jersey, is joining the firm as partner in June and will succeed Weiss as Chair of the center; and Natalie J. Kraner has been elevated to partner and Legal Director of the center. Weiss will remain Of Counsel at Lowenstein and will continue to handle some pro bono matters and projects at the firm.

Gary M. Wingens, Chair and Managing Partner of the firm, says: "Catherine has earned national recognition for her tireless work over more than a decade on many significant issues of social justice. Her achievements have had an indelible, positive impact on hundreds of individuals, as well as the legal system itself." Wingens adds: "Alexander Shalom's reputation in social justice is similarly impressive; he is an ideal choice to continue the center's admirable legacy alongside the center's new Legal Director Natalie J. Kraner, while further expanding our pro bono initiatives."

Weiss says: "It has been an honor to lead the Lowenstein Center for the Public Interest in its ongoing commitment to serving underrepresented populations. We have made progress-but so much work remains to be done. These are struggles, not of lifetimes, but of generations. I have been lucky to work alongside Natalie, the amazing center staff, and scores of other Lowenstein colleagues. And our partners in the public interest legal community, including Alex, have made us better lawyers and advocates. I know they are all more than ready to move the center forward."

Former Attorney General Christopher Porrino, partner and Chair of Lowenstein Sandler's Litigation department, says: "Since my days in government, I've known Alex as a formidable advocate and a steadfast champion of civil rights. I am confident he and Natalie will forge ahead on the path that Catherine has blazed by fighting fearlessly for justice on behalf of our pro bono clients."

"The Lowenstein Center for Public Interest has been at the vanguard among law firms in protecting and expanding the rights and freedoms of some of the most vulnerable communities," said ACLU of New Jersey Executive Director Amol Sinha. "We are grateful for the dedicated and visionary leadership of Catherine Weiss, who has been a champion of justice in New Jersey and beyond. I have had the great privilege of working with Alexander Shalom and know him to be a brilliant litigator, substantive policy expert, and trusted leader who will bring many talents to the Center. With Alex as Chair and Natalie Kraner as Legal Director, I look forward to continuing fighting side-by-side with the Lowenstein Sandler team for equity and justice for all."

Shalom says: "Catherine has set an amazing example in giving voice to those who have been silenced, and representing those without the resources or ability to fight powerful interests. I am humbled to be asked to perpetuate and advance the mission she led for the last 14 years, and I look forward to working with Natalie Kraner, with whom I've collaborated on countless projects, as well as the many committed lawyers at the firm who contribute their time to people and communities in need."

"Catherine and I have made the best kind of trouble together over many years," says Kraner. "While she will be a hard act to follow, Alex and I are committed to sustaining her vision and continuing the fight for justice and equal opportunity on behalf of underrepresented populations throughout the region and the country."

Shalom joins the firm after over 13 years at the ACLU-NJ, where he focused on litigating cases on issues that disproportionately impact people of color. He has extensive experience in trial and appellate courts advancing accountability in police practices, improvements in the criminal justice and youth justice systems, better conditions for those in prisons and jails, expanded voting rights, and fairer treatment for immigrants.

Kraner has been practicing at Lowenstein for more than 17 years. Even before joining Weiss in running the pro bono program, she had extensive experience in complex and appellate litigation aimed at achieving widespread law reform for low-income and other marginalized persons by challenging unjust and unlawful practices. She focuses on juvenile and criminal justice reform through impact litigation and legislative and executive advocacy while also overseeing the firm's civil rights and asylum dockets.

Access a digital version of the 2023 Pro Bono Report at this link. A PDF version is available here.

About the Lowenstein Center for the Public Interest
From its founding, Lowenstein Sandler has been committed to advancing the public interest and serving communities in need. The Lowenstein Center for the Public Interest embodies this commitment, directing the firm's strong pro bono program and other forms of civic and philanthropic engagement. Through these efforts, the center addresses significant social problems and offers meaningful assistance to low-income and other marginalized people, along with the organizations that advocate for and support them. This work engages the full range of the firm's talents and reflects the core values that imbue all of the firm's efforts: to perform work of the highest quality in a manner that maximizes results for our clients and causes.

About Lowenstein Sandler LLP
Lowenstein Sandler LLP is a national law firm with over 350 lawyers based in New York, New Jersey, Palo Alto, Utah, and Washington, D.C. The firm represents leaders in virtually every sector of the global economy, with particular emphasis on investment funds, life sciences, and technology. Recognized for its entrepreneurial spirit and high standard of client service, the firm is committed to the interests of its clients, colleagues, and communities.

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