Sahn Ward 2025 Pro Bono Report
At Sahn Ward, our commitment to community service is more than a tradition, it is a core pillar of our identity. We believe the practice of law carries with it a responsibility to uplift others, strengthen our neighborhoods, and help create opportunities where they are needed most. Throughout the year, our attorneys and staff dedicate their time, talent, and energy to programs that inspire, educate, and support individuals and families across Long Island.
Whether mentoring students, preparing meals for families in crisis, supporting our troops, or championing critical health initiatives, we strive to make a meaningful and lasting impact. These efforts reflect not only our core values, but also our belief that strong communities are built through shared compassion, service, and leadership.
As we look back on another year of giving, we are proud to highlight the programs and partnerships that embody the heart of our Firm. We remain committed to expanding this impact in the year ahead.
Expanding the Future Advocates Mock Trial Program
Partners Joshua D. Brookstein and Erika Conti proudly continued the growth of the Nassau County Future Advocates Mock Trial Program for the 2025–26 school year — now serving 30 schools across Nassau County reaching students in grades 4 through 8.
This year’s expansion reflects the Firm’s commitment to fostering early civic engagement and helping young people understand the power of advocacy. Hundreds of students from districts including Baldwin, Brother Joseph C. Fox Latin School, East Meadow, Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway, Hempstead, Hewlett-Woodmere, Long Beach, New Hyde Park – Garden City Park, Roslyn, North Shore Hebrew Academy, North Shore Schools, Uniondale, and West Hempstead are participating in an immersive courtroom experience that brings the legal process to life.
Firm attorneys Joshua Brookstein, Erika Conti, Danny D. De Voe, Ralph Branciforte, Thomas McKevitt, Thomas Haberlack, Hillary Massey, Julianne Bonomo, Brandon Kemp, Samuel Epstein, coached teams across the county, helping prepare students for their day in court. Stephanie Goodwin, Assistant Office Manager and Marketing Director, once again provided invaluable support to all teachers and coaches.
Trials are scheduled for May and June 2026 at Nassau County Supreme Court. Students will have the opportunity to step into a real courtroom, think critically, speak confidently, and collaborate as a team.
We remain proud to support initiatives that inspire future leaders and strengthen civic understanding within our communities.
Third Annual Legal Shadow Day
On February 13, Sahn Ward welcomed students from Baldwin High School for our third annual Legal Shadow Day, an interactive, hands-on program introducing students to careers across the legal profession.
The day began with a guided visit to Nassau County Court, where students met District Attorney Anne Donnelly and spoke with professionals across the criminal justice system. Students later joined us at the Firm for a lively speed-networking session with attorneys and paralegals, gaining insight into diverse legal career paths, and perhaps discovering a few new ambitions along the way.
Sahn Ward is proud to provide mentorship opportunities that spark curiosity, build confidence, and encourage the next generation of legal professionals.
Cycle for Survival
Sahn Ward was honored to sponsor the Jack Ward Strong Team at this year’s Cycle for Survival event at Equinox Woodbury on Saturday, February 8, in support of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and its groundbreaking research into rare cancers. Jack Ward was a remarkable young man, a gifted athlete and a courageous fighter, who was diagnosed with a rare form of neuroblastoma at the age of 21. Throughout his journey, Jack was surrounded by the unwavering support of his family, the Sahn Ward community, and his M.S.K. care team.
We ride in Jack’s memory, and in honor of all those battling rare cancers, to help advance life-saving research and bring greater awareness to the fight against rare pediatric cancers. Supporting this cause is one of the many ways Sahn Ward remains committed to making a meaningful difference in the community.
Supporting Our Troops During the Holidays
This past holiday season, Sahn Ward proudly organized a firm-wide donation drive to support actively deployed military personnel overseas. The initiative collected care-package items for 1LT Zachary Cannon of the Tennessee Army National Guard and his company — many of whom were spending their first holidays away from home.
Led by Partner Erika Conti, the effort provided service members with essential supplies and festive decorations to brighten their living quarters. Ms. Conti’s personal connection to this work continues to inspire our team; last year she received a folded American flag from a soldier who had received one of the Firm’s care packages — a gesture that underscores the profound impact of these efforts.
We remain deeply grateful to the brave men and women who serve our country and are committed to supporting them whenever possible.
Ronald McDonald House
On October 30, 2025, members of the Firm volunteered at Ronald McDonald House Charities in New Hyde Park, preparing and packaging home-cooked dinners for more than 60 children and families.
This meaningful service project allowed us to support families facing serious medical challenges while contributing to a mission that brings comfort, care, and hope to our neighbors. We look forward to continuing this partnership in the year ahead. |
