Each year, the firm’s Pro Bono Committee recognizes attorneys who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to pro bono service and a commitment to expanding access to justice. Nominated by their colleagues, the 2026 recipients have made a meaningful impact on individuals, families, and communities through their advocacy, leadership, and service. Highlights from the nominations for this year’s honorees include:
Sarah Smith
Sarah Smith received this award in recognition of her extraordinary dedication to our pro bono clients. Following the untimely passing of our much-loved partner, David Himelfarb, Sarah took on the responsibility of completing the representation of a child client David had undertaken years before. Years after David had first taken on the case, and despite several extraordinarily challenging appearances in immigration court, Sarah had the privilege of seeing the successful outcome when the client’s green card was awarded. Sarah’s leadership in our pro bono practice also includes her work with Greater Boston Legal Services to organize and lead two clinics in our Boston office to help tenants apply for relief under Massachusetts’ 2025 eviction record sealing law. Sarah’s tenacity and fierce dedication to her pro bono clients is in the best traditions of the profession.
Alex Hornat
Alex Hornat was selected for this recognition in honor of his longstanding commitment to representing survivors of intimate partner violence. His compassion, dedication, and willingness to serve those in need have made a meaningful impact over many years. Time and again, he has stepped forward to advocate for clients facing difficult circumstances, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to pro bono service. In addition to his direct client work, Alex is helping to cultivate the next generation of pro bono advocates by providing mentorship, guidance, and supervision to attorneys developing their practice in this important area.
Basam Nabulsi
The Stamford Pardons Project is a testament to Basam Nabulsi’s vision, leadership, and commitment to pro bono service. After identifying a critical unmet need for assistance with pardon applications through Connecticut Legal Services, Basam took the initiative to build a program to address it. He organized volunteer training, recruited attorneys, and helped transform the effort from a monthly clinic into the comprehensive representation project it is today. Through his leadership, mentorship, and advocacy, he has expanded access to justice and made a meaningful difference in the lives of countless Connecticut residents.
Matthew Rifino
Matthew Rifino has long been a dedicated champion of pro bono service, but his contributions this past year were especially impactful. He took over the representation of a client who had spent decades incarcerated and had previously been denied a pardon despite being eligible for relief. Through determined advocacy and a steadfast commitment to justice, Matt ultimately secured the pardon and has continued to support his client as he navigates the challenges of reentering society. In addition, Matt led two highly contested custody trials on behalf of survivors of domestic violence, while mentoring and training associates throughout the process. His advocacy, leadership, and commitment have made a lasting difference for both clients and colleagues alike.
Scott Weingart
Scott Weingart has been instrumental in the development and success of the firm’s habeas project. From the project’s first case, he demonstrated exceptional dedication, leading complex advocacy efforts, including representation in highly contested immigration court proceedings. He has also authored or co-authored multiple Supreme Court amicus briefs on significant constitutional issues, most recently in Montoya Palacios v. Liggins. Beyond his appellate work, Scott has represented survivors of domestic violence and served as amicus counsel for several key institutional partners. His outstanding legal work and unwavering commitment to pro bono service exemplify the highest standards of the profession.
Chad Williams, Arlisa Brown, and Frankie Evans
Chad Williams, Arlisa Brown, and Frankie Evans nominated each other in recognition of the work they have done with the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation, primarily at the Housing Court Assistance Center. Through their work, this team has helped individuals and families with legal aid, preventing immediate crises and allowing tenants to fight illegal evictions, negotiate settlements to stay in their homes, hold landlords accountable for unsafe living conditions. Working with the AVLF has proved extremely rewarding for all of them, as they witnessed first-hand how much legal assistance can mean to someone facing the loss of their home.
Each award winner had the opportunity to donate $5,000 to a 501(c)(3) of their choosing. They selected the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation Housing Court Assistance Center, Action Against Hunger, Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), Swarthmore Public Library, and the Ali Forney Center.