Goods and Services Auction Raises More Than $55,000 for Public Interest Fellowships, Honors Eight Public Interest Attorneys

Central Islip, NY – Touro Law Center’s 16th Annual Goods and Services auction, held on March 24 at the law school, raised more than $55,000. All proceeds from the auction benefit Touro Law’s Public Interest Law Fellowship Program, awarding stipends to students who are dedicated to helping others through public service work during the summer. In addition, eight attorneys from local law firms were honored for their dedication to public interest and pro bono work through the Public Interest Attorney of the Year Recognition Program, led by auction co-chair Lois Schlissel, Esq., managing partner of Meyer, Suozzi, English, Klein, P.C.

“This auction is a great example of Touro Law’s commitment to public service,” said Professor Lewis Silverman, Co-Chair of the Auction Committee. “This auction helps us to provide funds for students who spend their summers doing incredible work for which they otherwise wouldn’t get paid. In addition, it gives us the opportunity to honor those attorneys in the community who have made a commitment to public service and serve as excellent role models for law students.”

Through this year’s auction, Touro Law was able to award more than 14 Summer Public Interest Law Fellowships. And, due to the generosity of additional foundation and individual supporters, an additional 20 students will receive fellowships. The auction includes both a silent and a live auction. Items for the auction are generously donated by local businesses, organizations, individuals, alumni and committee members. Prizes for this year’s auction included sports packages, vacations, jewelry, computers, and so much more.

The public interest attorneys of the year honored at this year’s auction were:

Gregory Calliste, Law Offices of Frederick Brewington
Laura Granelli, Jaspan Schlesinger, LLP
Saundra Gumerove, AHRC, Inc.
Christine Hogan, Farrell Fritz, P.C.
Maria John, Rivkin Radler LLP
Joni Kletter, Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P.C.
Jim Montes, Nixon Peabody LLP
Elke Stoiber ’02, Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman, LLP

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