T HE B R I E F
The Penn Law Oscars And the winner is … Six alumni and one beloved administrator received Law Alumni Society awards last fall for their professional contributions to society and dedication to Penn Law School. Here they thank the academy for the honor.
Young Alumni Award Honoring the professional achievement of an alumnus/a who has graduated within the past 10 years
Nicole Isaac L’04, Special Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs “It was an absolute honor to have been selected as the Young Alumni Recipient of this award. Given that I transitioned immediately to Capitol Hill after Law School and have experienced a non-traditional legal career in politics, I am grateful for the recognition and achievement in this sector. Our laws are strengthened as individuals with various backgrounds and experiences are able to perfect our union and impact its implementation. I
The 2014 LAS Awards yielded an eclectic group of winners. Back row left to right are Sandra Strokoff CW’71, L’75, Louis H. Pollak Award; The Hon. Harvey Bartle III L’65, Alumni Award of Merit; Nicole Issac L’04, Young Alumni Award; and Gary Clinton, Penn Law Dean of Students, Distinguished Service Award. Front row left to right are Charles I. ‘Casey’ Cogut L'73, Alumni Award of Merit; Larry Fox C’65, L’68, Howard Lesnick Award; Laura Christa L’80, president of the Law Alumni Society’s Board of Managers; Penn Law Dean Michael A. Fitts; and The Honorable Frederick ‘Freddie’ Massiah-Jackson L’74.
have been fortunate to play a small role in impacting policy and contributing to our democratic framework.”
Louis H. Pollak Public Service Award
Howard Lesnick Pro Bono Award Honoring an alumnus/a who has embodied the spirit of the Public Service Program through a sustained commitment to pro bono
Honoring justice through service to others
and/or public service throughout a private sector career
Sandra Strokoff CW’71, L’75,
Lawrence J. Fox C’65, L’68,
Legislative Counsel, U.S. House of Representatives
Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
“It has been such an honor to receive the Louis H. Pollak pub-
“I owe my entire career pursuing pro bono opportunities to
lic service award for my work in the Office of the Legislative
Penn Law School. It was the faculty at Penn Law School that ran
Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Working entirely
the training for the Regional Hebert Smith Community Law-
behind the scenes, together with a group of bright, dedicated,
yer Fellows at Haverford College, training us “Reggies” to go
supportive colleagues, I have had the extraordinary privilege of
into the field to bring test cases, lobby, and pursue community
drafting the country’s laws, and, with that, witnessing historic
organizing. I was sent to Community Action for Legal Services
changes in our country’s legal system over the past 38 years. I
in New York City for three years. It is my guilt at leaving that
have thoroughly enjoyed my years of government service. I only
full-time public service position that has animated everything I
hope to be worthy of this award that bears the name of the
have undertaken on a pro bono basis ever since.”
distinguished Louis B. Pollak.”
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