MFY Legal Services recently named Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP lawyers Nancy Ludmerer and Laura-Lee Atkinson-Hope among the recipients of the 2010 Partner in Justice Award, in recognition of their pro bono service and commitment to ensuring equal access to justice. Ludmerer was recognized for her representation and preparation of a witness in connection with the adult homes litigation, which resulted in an order from Federal District Court Judge Nicholas Garaufis of the Eastern District of New York requiring the State to provide independent apartments and individualized mental health services for persons with mental illness warehoused in large institutional adult homes in New York City. Atkinson-Hope was recognized for her involvement in the Mental Health Law Project, which assists mentally disabled individuals living in apartments and in adult care facilities, providing advocacy services, consultation, advice, direct representation and trainings.

MFY provides low-income New Yorkers with advice, counsel and full representation on housing, public benefits, health care, civil and disability rights, employment, consumer, foreclosure prevention and family matters. Partners in Justice Award winners were recognized at MFY’s Pro Bono Recognition and Awards Breakfast on February 26.