Our Lawyers Council

Leveraging the thought leadership and resources of the private bar to increase access to justice for New York families.

Who We Are

The Lawyers Council is a dynamic group of attorneys who provide strategic guidance and feedback on Family Legal Care’s pro bono program and policy initiatives, while serving as powerful ambassadors on issues of family court at their firms and companies. 

Make an Impact

  • Become an advocate for New York children and families.
  • Learn about the New York State Family Court system and opportunities for reform.
  • Make a positive impact on pro se litigants and help reform the system.
  • Network with other attorneys at top law firms and corporations.
  • Attend unique and exclusive speaker-series.

If you’re interested in becoming a member of our Lawyers Council, please contact Kristin Pulkkinen, at KPulkkinen@familylegalcare.org

I’ve always believed that the private sector needs to become more involved in Family Court.

At issue is the safety and security of families and children. At issue is equal access to justice for people of limited means and people of color. There is nothing more important. Yet Family Court does not have adequate resources and its antiquated structure makes it impossible for court administrators alone to fix things.

We must not tolerate two systems of justice. The private sector needs to wake up and start advocating for court reform.

Bill Silverman, Lawyers Council Chair and Partner, Proskauer

By bringing together pro bono professionals from different industries and practices, Family Legal Care has created a space for exchanging ideas about impactful pro bono projects and best practices, and for learning about the current state of the New York Family Court system.

I am grateful for all of the dedicated professionals that I have met and the valuable pro bono opportunities that I have picked up along the way.

Erica P. Blau, Pro Bono Director & Associate General Counsel, AIG

Lawyers Council Members

William Silverman, Chair
Partner, Proskauer

Erica P. Blau
Pro Bono Director & Associate, American International Group, Inc.

Tara Brailey
Associate, Proskauer

Elizabeth Carter
Special Counsel, Stroock & Stroock & Lavan

Kara Coggin
Head of Legal: Strategic Partnerships, Bloomberg

Robyn Downing
Associate, Alston & Bird

Kelly Earle
Associate, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

Amy Festante
Vice President and Senior Legal Counsel, Popular Bank

Alexander Fogg
Associate, Skadden

Shari Goodstein
Founding Partner, Goodstein Law Firm

Alycia Guichard
Product & Marketing Counsel, Verizon

Leslie Harris
Vice President & Assistant General Counsel, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

Michelle Honor
Associate Corporate Counsel, Competition Compliance, Google

Gina Kourtesis
Counsel, Travelers

Nonny Onyekweli
Trial Attorney, US Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division

Dara Sheinfeld
Pro Bono Counsel, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP

Laura Sinrod
Pro Bono Special Counsel, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP

Shauna Tesser-Friedman
Attorney, Miller Zeiderman LLP

David Venderbush
Counsel, Alston & Bird

Paul Winke
Managing Counsel and Director, The Bank of New York Mellon

System Reform & Advocacy