Simpson Thacher was honored with two awards by Sanctuary for Families, New York’s leading service provider and advocate for survivors of domestic violence, sex trafficking and related forms of gender violence, at the organization’s annual Above & Beyond Awards Ceremony held on October 25, 2023.
A team which included Partner Leanne Welds and Of Counsel Mark Stein won an “Above & Beyond” award for their multi-year pro bono representation of “Sylvia,” a labor trafficking survivor. In 2018, Sylvia was connected with Simpson Thacher after being referred to Sanctuary’s Human Trafficking Intervention Court Clinic, and the Firm assisted with her application for T Nonimmigrant Status. Ultimately, the team’s efforts were successful and Sylvia’s application was approved earlier this year. Leanne expressed gratitude for having the opportunity to represent and support Sylvia over the past few years, noting, “This experience truly highlights that our impact in the world should not always be measured by its breadth but also its depth.”
Susan Cordaro, the Firm’s Deputy Pro Bono Counsel, won an “Above & Beyond” award for her outstanding dedication to helping survivors of gender-based violence and her work with numerous pro bono clients within Sanctuary’s Family Law Project and Matrimonial/Economic Justice Project. Harlene Katzman, the Firm’s Pro Bono Counsel and Director, noted, “Susan’s contributions at Simpson Thacher extend far beyond her family law practice. She is a critical part of our pro bono team, sharing her wisdom, experience, strategic thinking and creative solutions to problems big and small.”
To read Leanne and Mark’s full award profile, please click here.
To read Susan’s full award profile, please click here.