NJBIZ has named the Lowenstein Center for the Public Interest a ‘Leaders in Law’ Pro Bono Honoree for 2026. The program honors legal professionals whose dedication to their occupation and to their communities is outstanding.
“This honor reminds us why our work with the center is so vital and how imperative it is to use the law to support communities. Pro bono is and will always be at the heart of Lowenstein,” says Alexander Shalom, Chair of the Lowenstein Center for the Public Interest.
Lowenstein’s consistent recognition for its pro bono innovation reflects the firm’s core values and underscores its long-standing commitment to advancing the public interest and serving communities in need. The center offers meaningful assistance to low-income and other marginalized people, along with the organizations that advocate for and support them, by engaging the full range of the firm’s talents to perform work of the highest quality in a manner that maximizes results for both clients and causes.
Notable pro bono matters handled by Lowenstein lawyers in 2025 included:
- Successfully challenged unlawful federal court policy change, restoring protections for tens of thousands of abused, neglected, or abandoned immigrant youth
- Received second chance with Grant of Clemency by N.J. Governor Phil Murphy for pro bono client
- Celebrated Major Milestone in Decades-Long Fight for Youth Justice Reform
- Represented Asbury Park residents in suit over mismanagement of affordable housing funds
- Represented Garden State Equality and ACLU-NJ as Amici in successful challenge to school policies that forcibly out transgender students
- Helped secure Preliminary Injunction against federal government, requiring immediate suspension of policy denying detained noncitizens access to NJ courts
- Represented advocacy groups on Amicus Brief in support of New Jersey Attorney General’s supersession of Paterson Police Department
In 2025, the firm was recognized by Bloomberg Law as a 2025 Pro Bono Innovator for the third consecutive year; the honor highlighted the leadership and impact of partner Jeffrey J. Wild for his work safeguarding the rights of unhoused individuals; and of partner and practice Chair Jonathan C. Wishnia and associate Yelky Perez of the Mortgage & Structured Finance group for their advocacy and complex deal structuring in the area of equitable housing.
Other 2025 recognitions include:
- Ranked among top 25 firms on The American Lawyer’s 2025 Pro Bono Scorecard
- Ranked by Vault in multiple categories, including Best Law Firms for Pro Bono, Technology & Innovation, Inclusion, and Summer Associate Program
- Lowenstein Center for the Public Interest’s Guide to Workers’ Rights in Nigeria nominated for Thomson Reuters TrustLaw Impact Award
- Recognized by the National Legal Aid & Defender Association as a Beacon of Justice
About the Lowenstein Center for the Public Interest
From its founding, Lowenstein Sandler has been committed to advancing the public interest and serving communities in need. The Lowenstein Center for the Public Interest embodies this commitment, directing the firm’s strong pro bono program and other forms of civic and philanthropic engagement. Through these efforts, the center addresses significant social problems and offers meaningful assistance to low-income and other marginalized people, along with the organizations that advocate for and support them. This work engages the full range of the firm’s talents and reflects the core values that imbue all of the firm’s efforts: to perform work of the highest quality in a manner that maximizes results for our clients and causes.
About Lowenstein Sandler LLP
Lowenstein Sandler LLP is a national law firm with over 400 lawyers based in New York, Palo Alto, New Jersey, Utah, and Washington, D.C. The firm represents leaders in virtually every sector of the global economy, with particular emphasis on investment funds, life sciences, and technology. Recognized for its entrepreneurial spirit and high standard of client service, the firm is committed to the interests of its clients, colleagues, and communities.
