Capalino Supports CSR Awards for Law, Consulting and Business Services

April 24, 2015- Capalino is proud to support City&State’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) awards, which hosted its second ceremony to honor leaders in New York’s Law, Consulting and Business Services sector on April 22, 2015. The breakfast ceremony, which took place at Baruch College, included a “Thought Leadership” panel and an award ceremony emceed and moderated by Fox News correspondent Arthur Aidala.

This innovative breakfast series, which recognizes individuals for their outstanding commitment to CSR, was developed as an effort to promote CSR practices and encourage businesses and corporations to give back to their communities, because “doing good” is good for business.

Jack Rainey of TD Bank kicked off the program by presenting awards to the honorees. Judith Gallent, Partner at Bryan Cave LLP and Head of the Land Use Team, was recognized for her Distinguished Service in the Promotion of Educational & Non-Profit Institutions. Also honored was Peter Neger, Partner at Morgan Lewis, who received an award for Outstanding Leadership in the Promotion of Education and Public Service throughout the New York Region.

Judith Gallent from Bryan Cave LLP receives award from Jack Rainey of TD Bank

Arthur Aidala moderated a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring award winners from both large and small firms in a range of industries including law, education and public relations. Peppered with questions from Aidala, each panelist had a unique take on what is required to do CSR well, leveraging their knowledge of engagement strategies and community partnerships to make the case that we have a duty to give back to our community.

The panelists agreed that they have a responsibility and obligation to their employees, the community and to the general public to invest their time and resources to help others. They seek pro-bono cases that not only increase employee engagement and make a difference to that individual, but also produce a longer, more sustainable impact. After all, “pro-bono” means “for the public good.”

“I was pleased to hear from the panelists how embedded the pro bono concept is in the culture of law firms and business organizations. With countless unmet legal needs, professional legal advice and advocacy have never been needed more” said Jeanne Mullgrav, Executive Vice President at Capalino. “It makes me feel hopeful that there was widespread agreement that pro bono work is more than a feel-good activity—it is a key part of a lawyer’s professional responsibility and character.”  

Despite coming from both large and small firms, the panelists were in agreement that successful CSR efforts are not necessarily dependent on coming from a big firm with massive resources.

“It doesn’t really matter what size your company is. What matters is having engaged people who really want to drive that mantra of building a better working world,” said Angela Spencer-James, Tax Principal at Ernst & Young, speaking on behalf of Kate Barton, who received the Lifetime Achievement in Corporate Volunteerism, Philanthropy & Organizational Development.

Joining Angela on the panel were Marc Landis, Managing Partner at Phillips Nizer; Eric Mower, Chairman and CEO of Eric Mower + Associates; William Silverman, Shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, LLP; and David Birdsell, Dean of Baruch College’s School of Public Affairs.

“Attorneys have a particular advantage and particular responsibility [to CSR] because of our common law system, where the things we do set a precedent that benefits many other people in addition to the case you’re working on at that moment. That’s why it seems logical and sensible for attorneys to step up and take on that particular burden,” said Mark Landis, Managing Partner at Phillips Nizer.

This innovative breakfast was the second ceremony in a series to honor CSR efforts in a variety of sectors, including Technology, Banking, Hospitality, Sports and Retail. The first event, which took place on March 31st, honored leaders in Real Estate, Housing, and Construction. The winners were chosen by the public following a nomination process on City&State’s website. For detailed coverage of the first event, check out our blog post.

To see the full list of honorees and their awards, read our blog post CSR Award Ceremony Announced for Law, Consulting and Business Services.

You can watch the entire program by clicking here

Corporate Social Responsibility is now part of the DNA of many of the world’s leading companies. That’s why Capalino has added a CSR practice – to help New York firms develop programs to invest their time, talent and resources in the communities in which they operate. And that’s why we are so pleased to sponsor this important award series to recognize and showcase the individuals who are leading the way in this important field.

Capalino assists companies doing business in New York City in actively giving back their time, talent and resources to the communities in which they operate. Our team will help you create a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agenda aligned with your company’s strengths and mission that boosts visibility and improves employee morale while strengthening connections to consumers and clients. 

See how Capalino’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) team, led by Jeanne Mullgrav, can take your business to the next level.

Corporate Social Responsibility Group

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