Our December Pro Bono Attorney Spotlight is New York health care associate Jena Grady. For her impactful work with Lawyers Alliance for New York, Jena has been recognized by the organization with a 2020 Cornerstone Award. She is one of 10 individual honorees (from among the organization’s network of more than 2,000 volunteers) selected for their exceptional pro bono legal contributions to and for nonprofits.
Through her work with the Lawyers Alliance over the past three years—totaling more than 40 hours each year—Jena has advised nine clients on HIPAA compliance and other health care issues.
“One of my most memorable client contributions came about earlier this year,” said Jena. “I was matched by Lawyers Alliance with a children and families' advocacy organization to help advise on a contract the organization received from the Department of Health. The organization had a 30-day deadline to sign. The quick timeframe and the complexities of the process presented by COVID-19 slowdowns were a truly unique challenge. However, it was extremely rewarding in the end to have been able to help this valuable nonprofit through the contract process, including establishing subcontractor arrangements and creating HIPAA compliance policies that they can use moving forward.”
Lawyers Alliance for New York connects pro bono attorneys with nonprofits and communities to help improve the quality of life in New York City neighborhoods through providing housing, stimulating economic opportunity, improving urban health and education, promoting community arts, and advocating for New Yorkers in need.
Jena’s relationship with Lawyers Alliance for New York began three years ago when she reached out to the organization to find pro bono opportunities that gave her a chance to contribute to her community by utilizing her health care practice area expertise. “My pro bono work with the nonprofits in Lawyers Alliance’s network has given back to me just as much as I’ve helped them. I’ve learned a lot through this legal work that I’ve been able to apply for other clients.”
Congratulations to Jena!