Lowenstein Sandler is proud to announce that Pro Bono Partnership (PBP) has recognized the firm with a Pandemic Response Award for its support of PBP nonprofit clients applying for government relief through the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). In addition, Manali Joglekar, counsel in the firm’s Tech Group and its Privacy & Cybersecurity and Technology & Media Transactions practices, has been selected as one of the organization’s 2020 Volunteers of the Year. PBP will recognize honorees at a Virtual Gala in October.
Lowenstein: The Pandemic Response Award
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the sharp economic downturn it caused, Lowenstein redoubled its efforts on behalf of nonprofit organizations and under-resourced microbusinesses (i.e., businesses with 10 or fewer employees). When Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and federal stimulus relief became available, nonprofits and microbusinesses needed help navigating the financial options that could help save their organizations. In collaboration with PBP and other organizations, the firm launched an initiative to assist these entities in applying for federal relief.
“COVID-19 severely tested the abilities of our pro bono partners to provide much-needed support to their clients, given the remote environment, high demand, and limited resources,” says Catherine Weiss, partner and Chair of the firm’s Lowenstein Center for the Public Interest. “Our partnership with PBP enabled us to assist nonprofit organizations with their questions about and applications for federal government relief. We are grateful to be acknowledged for our efforts, and we look forward to continuing to work together toward a successful and equitable post-COVID recovery.”
By the end of 2020, Lowenstein volunteers had provided guidance to 59 nonprofits and 173 microbusinesses on their questions and applications for the PPP and other federal and state relief programs. The firm helped them assess their eligibility for loans, fill out applications, understand the restrictions that applied to spending the funds they received, and apply to have their loans forgiven. Lowenstein also created and regularly updated FAQs about how nonprofits and microbusinesses could benefit from the PPP and advocated with Congress to propose amendments, many of which were eventually adopted, that made stimulus funding more accessible to these entities.
“Like so many nonprofits, we could not do our important work in tristate-area communities without the help of our amazing and dedicated volunteer attorneys. And, in a year filled with extraordinary uncertainty, our volunteers did not hesitate to jump in and assist with the increasing legal needs of our nonprofit clients. We are fortunate to have a longstanding partnership with Lowenstein Sandler, and we are grateful for the firm’s support of our programs and mission,” says Nancy Eberhardt, PBP’s Executive Director.
Manali Joglekar: Volunteer of the Year
PBP’s Volunteers of the Year are recognized for the number of pro bono projects they undertake, their willingness to accept new projects, their enthusiasm for the program, and their commitment to pro bono service. Joglekar volunteered her knowledge of intellectual property and privacy law issues, such as privacy policies and terms of use statements for websites and mobile apps, technology development, and licensing, to help numerous nonprofits with their digital outreach and collaboration efforts. She assisted such organizations as United Youth of New Jersey, Partners for Women and Justice, Inc., JerseySTEM, Inc., Morris County Prevention Is Key, Inc., Women's Center for Entrepreneurship, United Way of Northern New Jersey, Community Action Service Center, Inc., Philips Education Partners, Inc., and The O League of New Jersey with structuring online programs, developing effective terms of use and privacy policies for their websites, and negotiating licensing agreements and other contracts.
Pro Bono Partnership is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works with corporate and law firm attorneys to provide free legal services to other nonprofits in Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York.
About Lowenstein Sandler LLP
Lowenstein Sandler is a national law firm with over 350 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.
Contact(s):
Stephen J. Kimmerling
Director, Marketing Communications
Lowenstein Sandler LLP
T: +1 973.597.6176
E: skimmerling@lowenstein.com
