Alston & Bird has been honored as the 2020 “Volunteer of the Year” by Public Counsel, the country’s largest pro bono law firm.
Singled out by the award, which is given by Public Counsel’s Community Development Project (CDP), was Ed Casey, partner in Alston & Bird’s Environment, Land Use & Natural Resources Group, who was recognized for his efforts to ensure that supportive housing developments are built to alleviate homelessness in Los Angeles , as well as for supporting CDP’s mission to build healthy, vibrant communities across the city.
Public Counsel also noted that Casey has taken on a number of important matters for the organization over the years, representing nonprofits that serve vulnerable populations and striving to change lives and alleviate the region’s housing and homelessness crises. In one matter, Casey helped defend against a meritless California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) challenge to a supportive housing project. With Casey’s assistance, the nonprofit succeeded in obtaining the denial of the CEQA challenge in superior court.
Also recognized for their pro bono work on behalf of CDP were Alston & Bird partner Nicki Carlsen, co-leader of the firm’s Environment, Land Use & Natural Resources Group, along with senior associates Maya Grasse and Lisa Garcia, associate Gina Angiolillo, and planning director Kathleen Hill. All were highlighted for their contributions to Public Counsel’s work supporting neighborhood-based nonprofits and small businesses and helping nonprofits and childcare providers understand the land use and permitting issues for their child care operations.
Singled out by the award, which is given by Public Counsel’s Community Development Project (CDP), was Ed Casey, partner in Alston & Bird’s Environment, Land Use & Natural Resources Group, who was recognized for his efforts to ensure that supportive housing developments are built to alleviate homelessness in Los Angeles , as well as for supporting CDP’s mission to build healthy, vibrant communities across the city.
Public Counsel also noted that Casey has taken on a number of important matters for the organization over the years, representing nonprofits that serve vulnerable populations and striving to change lives and alleviate the region’s housing and homelessness crises. In one matter, Casey helped defend against a meritless California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) challenge to a supportive housing project. With Casey’s assistance, the nonprofit succeeded in obtaining the denial of the CEQA challenge in superior court.
Also recognized for their pro bono work on behalf of CDP were Alston & Bird partner Nicki Carlsen, co-leader of the firm’s Environment, Land Use & Natural Resources Group, along with senior associates Maya Grasse and Lisa Garcia, associate Gina Angiolillo, and planning director Kathleen Hill. All were highlighted for their contributions to Public Counsel’s work supporting neighborhood-based nonprofits and small businesses and helping nonprofits and childcare providers understand the land use and permitting issues for their child care operations.