Michelle Pallak, director of McCarter & English’s award-winning pro bono program, has been elevated to partner.
In announcing the promotion, managing partner Joseph Boccassini noted Michelle’s oversight of the program and her zealous advocacy on behalf of the firm’s pro bono clients.
“Michelle’s work as a leader and an advocate reflects the dedication, compassion, excellence and integrity that define the character of this firm,” he said. “She has transformed the firm’s pro bono efforts, expanding our opportunities to engage in meaningful service to communities and individuals in need. She works tirelessly to ensure that our pro bono resources are dedicated to their highest and best use.”
As an example of her work as an advocate for those who would otherwise be without legal representation, Michelle was recently part of a five-person McCarter team that spent a week in rural Ocilla, GA, where they worked alongside the Southern Poverty Law Center to assist and defend immigrants who are being held at the Irwin County Detention Center.
Michelle and Joe joined with partner Amy Haberman and pro bono paralegal Ana Caquias in working on behalf of immigrant asylum-seekers.