Money Raised to Benefit the Community FoodBank of New Jersey and CABA Pro Bono Legal Services
McCarter & English’s in-house band, Amperband, will hit the stage twice this November as part of the 2025 Law Rocks charity concert series, first in New York City on November 12 at the Bowery Ballroom, and again in Miami on November 20 at Gramps.
As part of the firm’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and philanthropy, Amperband will raise funds for two nonprofit partners: the Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ), a longtime partner of the firm, and CABA Pro Bono Legal Services, a Miami-based nonprofit that provides free legal representation to low-income Floridians through its staff of nearly 30 legal professionals and network of volunteer attorneys.
Law Rocks raises money for selected charities through event ticket sales and individual donations. For the New York event, Amperband committed to raising $5,000 for CFBNJ and has already exceeded that goal, collecting more than $12,500 to date. For the Miami event, the band is working toward its $5,000 goal for CABA Pro Bono Legal Services and has raised nearly $2,900, with fundraising efforts continuing through the November 20 performance.
“We’re excited to take the stage again this year and support two incredible organizations,” said Alex Macdonald, McCarter & English Chief Strategy Officer and Amperband vocalist. “Every performance is a chance to make a difference, whether it’s fighting hunger through CFBNJ or ensuring access to justice through CABA Pro Bono. We play for fun, but we mostly play for impact.”
Law Rocks is an international nonprofit that produces battle-of-the-bands concerts in cities around the world, starring legal professionals who raise funds for local charities. Since its founding in London in 2009, Law Rocks has raised more than $9 million for nonprofits and music education programs in over 30 cities worldwide.
Amperband—whose name nods to the ampersand in the firm’s logo and the collaborative spirit it represents—features musicians from across McCarter & English’s offices and departments. The lineup includes Vadim Cherkasov (guitar, Philadelphia, PA), Thomas Doherty (guitar, Newark, NJ), John Isacson (guitar, Washington, DC), Alex Macdonald (vocals, Newark, NJ), Alyse Pashman (vocals, Newark, NJ), Joseph Scholz (drums, New York, NY), and Steven Wood (bass guitar, retired partner, Wilmington, DE). The band performs crowd favorites from the ’80s and ’90s, including hits from Green Day, Blink 182, and Pat Benatar.
“It is such an honor for Amperband to continue supporting the Community FoodBank of New Jersey,” said Renee Helfenstein, Associate Vice President Events, Marketing, and Communications, CFBNJ. “Every dollar donated provides three meals to neighbors in need. We’re grateful to McCarter & English for helping fight hunger with heart and music.”
Lesley Mendoza, Executive Director of CABA Pro Bono Legal Services, added, “We are grateful to Amperband and McCarter & English for supporting our legal advocacy mission. With help from our legal community, we continue to serve underrepresented Floridians. Their support, especially during Miami’s largest philanthropic day, Give Miami Day, helps us expand access to justice for those who need it most.”
Law Rocks NYC tickets are available at https://lawrocks.org/nyc, and Law Rocks Miami tickets can be purchased at https://lawrocks.org/miami. Supporters can also donate directly to Amperband’s fundraising pages, selecting “Amperband for Community FoodBank of New Jersey” for the NYC show or “Amperband for CABA Pro Bono Legal Services” for the Miami event.
The Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) is the largest anti-hunger, anti-poverty organization in the state, where nearly 1.1 million neighbors, including 1 in 7 children, struggle with the emptiness caused by hunger. We are the lead source of nourishing food for 800 pantries serving everyone from infants to college students to families and seniors. Our comprehensive approach addresses the root causes of hunger through food benefits and social services, job training and certification, and food policies that nurture all New Jerseyans. By providing food, help, and hope, we are building a food secure future for New Jersey. CFBNJ is a proud member of Feeding America®.
CABA Pro Bono Legal Services (CABA Pro Bono) is a nonprofit organization committed to effecting positive change in the lives of children, individuals and families in need through legal advocacy. Its team achieves this by offering free, direct legal assistance for civil legal matters to low-income Florida residents.