Brooklyn Volunteer Lawyers Project

On June 17th, the Brooklyn Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project celebrated its 19th anniversary at a gala reception in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden Palm House. As many of the guests commented, it was a perfect Brooklyn setting to honor two highly respected Brooklyn attorneys who represent the very best the legal profession has to offer: Mark A. Longo and Gregory T. Cerchione. Adding even more resonance to the evening was the presence of many members of the judiciary, including the Honorable Theodore T. Jones, Associate Judge of the New York Court of Appeals. Judge Jones presented the VLP’s 2009 Leadership Award, a stunning rendition of the Brooklyn Bridge in crystal and mahogany, to Messrs. Longo and Cerchione. Dr. William F. Kuntz, II, recipient of the 2008 VLP Leadership Award, introduced Judge Jones, offering congratulations to all assembled to honor the work of the VLP and to celebrate the achievements and dedication of the honorees.

In his presentation, Judge Jones recognized Mr. Longo and Mr. Cerchione as invaluable members of the Brooklyn legal community, honored on the occasion of the VLP’s 19th Anniversary for their legal insight, leadership and active support of the VLP’s pro bono services for disadvantaged Brooklyn residents.

Both Mr. Longo and Mr. Cerchione are Past Presidents of the BBA and the BBA Foundation, Mr. Cerchione in 2003-2004 and Mr. Longo in 1996-1997. Mr. Cerchione, Chair of the BBA Grievance Committee, has been with the firm of Subin Associates, LLP for 23 years; currently he serves as managing partner. As he himself noted, “aware of his obligation to the next generation of practitioners,” Mr. Cerchione is most proud of his appointment to the Committee on Character and Fitness for the Appellate Division, Second Department, on which he has served since 2002.

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Longo noted with great pride that he has been a Brooklyn attorney for 32 years. Mr. Longo also noted that, in celebrating the VLP’s 19 years of service, the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens “serve as a perfect metaphor for the Project because both the Gardens and the Project require the constant care and attention that only expert and passionate gardeners can give,” commending founding members Terri and Nick Letica and longtime VLP Board President James Slattery and Vice President Lawrence DiGiovanna on their leadership and dedication to the VLP’s mission of equal access to justice.

Both honorees have been recognized throughout the years for their service and commitment. Mr. Longo was awarded the BBA’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000; also in 2000, Mr. Longo was honored by the New York State Bar Association with the Pro Bono Service Award for the Second Judicial District for his work as an officer and trustee of the VLP. Mr. Cerchione has twice been awarded the BBA’s Distinguished Service Award and in December 2007 received the BBA’s prestigious Annual Award.

The June 17th program also included welcoming remarks from VLP Board President James P. Slattery. Borough President Marty Markowitz made a spirited presentation of proclamations to Mr. Longo, Mr. Cerchione and to the VLP. Jeannie Costello, Executive Director of the VLP, noted the many significant achievements of the VLP over the last 12 months, including the formation of the VLP’s Foreclosure Intervention Program, the addition of daytime hours for the VLP’s weekly CLARO clinic in Civil Court, and the creation of a new pro bono program to assist petitioners in Article 17A Guardianship proceedings.

Music was provided by the excellent Dennis Bram Quartet. The gala event brought together all of the essential components of a successful pro bono effort and raised over $75,000 in ticket sales, sponsorships and through the silent auction organized by event planners Empire Events Group. The proceeds from the event will support the growth of existing VLP programs and allow the VLP to continue developing new initiatives that address the critical civil legal needs of Brooklyn’s most vulnerable residents.