On Thursday, October 30, 2025, the New York County Lawyers Association (NYCLA) recognized three firm attorneys for achievements in connection with their pro bono work.

Shelley Attadgie was recognized for her work related to the Administration for Children’s Services. Ms. Attadgie represented the client in connection with her petition to amend and seal two unsubstantiated indicated reports entered against her in the State Central Registry by the Administration for Children’s Services. These highly flawed reports affected the client’s ability to work in her desired field and to see her family. Ms. Attadgie assisted the client in preparing for her hearing before the Administrative Law Judge, including by collecting evidence and advising on hearing strategy. Ultimately, Ms. Attadgie was able to negotiate a favorable settlement with ACS prior to the hearing, which resulted in the Judge’s granting of the greatest relief available to the client and the amending and sealing of both indicated reports.

Charles Tso was recognized for his work on the Access-A-Ride program, New York City’s paratransit service. Despite a significant disability making it extremely dangerous for him to use public transit, the client was denied AAR benefits and was becoming increasingly homebound. Mr. Tso had many conversations with the client and reviewed his medical records to understand his medical history and the serious risks posed by public transit. Mr. Tso then prepared a brief to the Eligibility Appeals Board explaining how the client’s disability prevents him from using the transit system and providing several letters from his doctors describing his circumstances. Mr. Tso appeared before the Appeals Board and conducted a direct examination of the client. One day later, the Appeals Board found the client eligible for AAR Services for one year.

Matthew Weiss was recognized for his work with the Veteran Advocacy Project, helping a veteran client obtain an upgrade in his discharge characterization. The client, who served fifteen months in Baghdad as a member of one of the hardest hit units since the Vietnam War, was discharged for substance use shortly after returning from deployment with PTSD symptoms. After submitting detailed briefing describing the client’s traumatic experiences and presenting the client’s case before the Army Discharge Review Board, the Board voted 5-0 to upgrade the client’s discharge characterization from “General (Under Honorable Conditions)” to “Honorable.” The upgrade will allow the client to access additional benefits related to his service, including educational opportunities.

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