TLC-HEART Attorney Volunteer Michael Aronowsky to Receive NYSBA 2013 Presidents’ Pro Bono Service Award
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TLC-HEART Attorney Volunteer Michael Aronowsky to Receive NYSBA 2013 Presidents’ Pro Bono Service Award
April 30, 2013Touro Law Center is pleased to announce that volunteer attorney Michael Aronowsky has been selected to receive the prestigious 2013 President’s Pro Bono Service Award from the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) for his work with TLC-HEART, Touro Law’s pro bono outreach effort to help victims of Superstorm Sandy. NYSBA presents the President’s Pro Bono Service Awards annually to recognize those who have made an outstanding contribution ensuring low-income New Yorkers have equal access to justice.
“Mike is a seasoned attorney who has brought keen instincts, strong interpersonal client skills and a wealth of experience to help victims of Superstorm Sandy while serving as a mentor to law students and lawyer volunteers,” said Touro Law Dean Patricia Salkin. “His good work has furthered Touro Law’s public service mission by providing direct legal assistance and practical advice to hundreds of Long Islanders in critical need of assistance.”
TLC-HEART was formed by Touro Law administrators, faculty, staff and student leaders just days following the storm. Disaster relief trained students and volunteer attorneys consult with victims and when needed match them with federal, state and local government agencies, non profits and provide referrals to pro bono attorneys. To date, TLC-HEART has provided consultations and referrals for more than 850 individuals facing a range of legal issues in the wake of Sandy including insurance claims, FEMA benefits, landlord-tenant disputes, environmental concerns and contractor disputes. Michael has been volunteering in the capacity of a senior attorney, mentoring students, personally handling high call volumes and conducting individual consultations with residents in need. He has trained Touro Law students, advised fellow volunteer attorneys, conducted research and advised callers.
Michael is a retired criminal defense attorney who has been committed to public service since he graduated from law school. He began his career with the Legal Aid Society upon his graduation from Brooklyn Law School in 1971. Throughout his career at Legal Aid, and later in private practice, Mike tried hundreds of felony matters, including several homicides. He joined TLC-HEART after little more than a year in retirement from his position as Managing Attorney at Staten Island Legal Defense Services.
“Mike is a seasoned attorney who has brought keen instincts, strong interpersonal client skills and a wealth of experience to help victims of Superstorm Sandy while serving as a mentor to law students and lawyer volunteers,” said Touro Law Dean Patricia Salkin. “His good work has furthered Touro Law’s public service mission by providing direct legal assistance and practical advice to hundreds of Long Islanders in critical need of assistance.”
TLC-HEART was formed by Touro Law administrators, faculty, staff and student leaders just days following the storm. Disaster relief trained students and volunteer attorneys consult with victims and when needed match them with federal, state and local government agencies, non profits and provide referrals to pro bono attorneys. To date, TLC-HEART has provided consultations and referrals for more than 850 individuals facing a range of legal issues in the wake of Sandy including insurance claims, FEMA benefits, landlord-tenant disputes, environmental concerns and contractor disputes. Michael has been volunteering in the capacity of a senior attorney, mentoring students, personally handling high call volumes and conducting individual consultations with residents in need. He has trained Touro Law students, advised fellow volunteer attorneys, conducted research and advised callers.
Michael is a retired criminal defense attorney who has been committed to public service since he graduated from law school. He began his career with the Legal Aid Society upon his graduation from Brooklyn Law School in 1971. Throughout his career at Legal Aid, and later in private practice, Mike tried hundreds of felony matters, including several homicides. He joined TLC-HEART after little more than a year in retirement from his position as Managing Attorney at Staten Island Legal Defense Services.
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About the Touro College and University System
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Patti Desrochers
Director of Communications
pattid@tourolaw.edu
(631) 761-7062