The City Bar Justice Center (CBJC) is a division of the City Bar Fund, the New York city Bar Association’s charitable arm. CBJC’s mission is to advance justice by addressing the civil legal needs of New York residents from low-income households as well as those facing socioeconomic barriers to justice. It addresses their challenges by mobilizing law firms and legal institutions to offer pro bono legal services. Every year, its efforts benefit over 25,000 New Yorkers.
On April 4, 2023, CBJC held its 18th annual gala at the New York City Bar Association offices. The theme of the event was The Power of Pro Bono. CBJC placed pro bono services at the center of this year’s event to bring attention to their importance in making New York a vibrant and hopeful place for all residents.
The 2023 CBJC annual gala featured live music and Broadway performances, immersive art, and remarks by several honored guests who championed pro bono service. Some of the people who spoke at the gala included Susan Kohlmann, president of the New York City Bar Association, Kurt Denk, CBJC executive director, and Cassandra Celestin, CBJC pro bono director.
In addition, CBJC recognized organizations that promoted social and economic justice through pro bono work. The two honorees at this year’s event were BNY Mellon and Mayer Brown LLP. The annual gala was also an opportunity for CBJC to raise funds to facilitate more pro bono work in future. It raised $1.1 million toward this cause
