Firm Attorneys Honored by New York County Lawyers Association (NYCLA)
On Tuesday October 25, 2022, the New York County Lawyers Association (NYCLA) recognized four Patterson Belknap attorneys for their achievements in connection with their pro bono representations.
Rhick Bose was recognized for his significant contribution to NYCLA's Parole Prep Pilot project, which offers pro bono legal assistance to currently incarcerated individuals to prepare for their parole hearings, and to appeal if their parole is denied. Mr. Bose successfully appealed his clients' denial of parole, and filed an Article 78 proceeding on behalf of his client, which was granted. The trial court found that the parole board reached its determination to deny parole on erroneous and incomplete information and that the parole board’s failure to consider Mr. R.’s corrected COMPAS report, corrected release plan, and birth certificate warranted vacatur of the parole board’s decision and a de novo parole release interview. This opinion provided helpful precedent with respect to the parole board’s departure from COMPAS assessments, and furthers useful precedent for issues of parolee waiver, holding as it did that issues raised on administrative appeal are not waived and are reviewable by the court.
Michael Fisher was recognized for his outstanding pro bono work for NYCLA's Access-A-Ride Project, which provides representation to individuals with disabilities who are denied the use of the Access-A-Ride Paratransit Services that enable people to get around in New York City when they're unable to use public transportation. Mr. Fisher successfully filed an appeal with the Access-A-Ride Appeal Board and obtained our client’s renewal of her Access-A-Ride service benefits she relies upon to travel around New York City.
Scott Kim was recognized for his substantial contributions to NYCLA's Veterans Discharge Upgrade Project. Mr. Kim secured a victory for his client in upgrading his Army discharge characterization from "Under Honorable Conditions" to "Honorable", which resulted in our client obtaining significant additional benefits from Veteran’s Affairs.
Alvin Li was recognized for his impressive work on behalf of a client as part of NYCLA's State Central Registry Project, which represents individuals who have been wrongfully or unfairly reported to the New York State Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment. Mr. Li successfully obtained a decision that prevents the disclosure of his client's negative report to current and future employers, thus ensuring that she can continue to work as a caretaker.
Patterson Belknap has a long and proud history of public service, with 100% of Firm attorneys participating in pro bono projects for the past 18 consecutive years. For more information on our pro bono practice, please click here.