Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – December 21, 2023 – Greenspoon Marder announces the successful realization of its firmwide commitment to achieve 100 percent employee participation in community service activities and contributions throughout the calendar year. The initiative, aptly named “Activate,” organized and fostered engagement across all office locations, involving every member of the firm.
This accomplishment is marked by the full participation of over 670 employees who dedicated their efforts to address unmet needs in their respective communities. Activities ranged from beach clean-ups to serving the homeless and volunteering at animal shelters to providing crucial monetary, food, and clothing contributions to charities. Furthermore, employees demonstrated a commitment to legal philanthropic efforts by participating in various pro bono services and workshops focused on expungement and record sealing services, extending assistance to individuals in underserved communities.
The firm also coordinated and organized volunteer opportunities to allow accessibility for employees to ‘Activate.’ These opportunities included packing food and toiletry bags that were donated to numerous charities operating near where staff live and work. Additionally, Greenspoon Marder hosted employee-crafting activities such as terrariums which were donated to local places of worship and non-profit organizations, card writing to veterans for the holiday season, and more.
“Learning more about all of the charitable activities our #GMFamily participates in was truly inspiring. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to volunteer alongside several of our employees, especially during my birthday earlier this year, which kicked off an entire weekend of volunteer activities! Achieving this firmwide goal reaffirms that our employees share a passion for making a positive impact, and I’m thrilled we have accomplished this mission together,” said Rebecca F. Bratter , managing partner at Greenspoon Marder.
Employees across the firm also provided accounts of their experience.
“Picking up trash can be a daunting task, especially in South Florida’s hot climate. However, for me, it was a rewarding experience as I knew it would make a difference in both the beauty of our shores and the environment. It gave me a sense of pride knowing we contributed to keeping our beaches safe as we all benefit from doing so,” commented Fort Lauderdale client services analyst, Annette Martin.
“It was a fulfilling experience to collaborate with the Broward Sherriff’s Department, state attorney’s office, and fellow colleagues as we partnered with Nova Southeastern University College of Law in assisting over 1,000 members of the public in need of services related to sealing and expungement of their prior criminal charges,” said Miami-based senior counsel, Joshua J. Remedios , in connection to his volunteer work with Greenspoon Marder’s Project New Leaf initiative.
“I am a big proponent of donating legal services to those in need. It is a commodity that is very valuable and can be very expensive. I look forward to helping increase the firm’s pro bono efforts and improving our platform as part of our Activate efforts for next year,” said New York-based partner Carolyn Austin .
“Working with Rutgers Law Center on Gender Justice and Rutgers Law School Study On Women In Legal Profession, particularly the grant programs, and supporting educational funding at St. Peter’s Prep are both important parts of my life outside of the courtroom. I received scholarships for undergraduate, graduate, and law school, without which my life would be drastically different. I give back in these areas because I know how it changes lives and families for generations. My service is my gratitude for this beautiful life I’ve been given and for all those people who believed in me,” said New Jersey-based partner Kelly Purcaro .
“Contributing to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is both personally fulfilling and is an awesome way to give back to our community as they raise awareness and funding for research development to cure all forms of dementia. The local chapter raised over $160,000 toward finding a cure for this devastating disease,” said Los Angeles-based partner Brian Koegle .
“I started out teaching Pilates, yoga, and meditation classes to the guests at the Shade Tree, an organization focused on supporting victims of domestic violence, and have continued to support the organization during my time on the Board over the last six years. I’m inspired by the strength of everyone I’ve encountered and grateful to be able to support this cause,” said Las Vegas-based partner Amy Sances .
“It is a great feeling to work towards protecting and ensuring that the local whitewater community maintains the attention and resources needed to protect and enjoy our local rivers and events,” said Denver-based associate Matthew Donovan , in relation to his volunteer work at the FIBArk Community Paddling Center in Colorado.
“It was a very rewarding and positive experience,” shared Orlando-based paralegal Sarah Hamilton after spending a few hours with a child with cancer and his family to help him prepare for Runway to Hope’s annual Fashion Show.
“Giving back is a big part of my life and I believe that everyone should give back in some capacity. It was a very fulfilling feeling to find loving homes for the animals at the Be Their Voice Animal Shelter,” said Atlanta-based legal assistant Veronica Wright.
