15 October 2025 • 3 minute read

Individual Awards

The 2025 Pro Bono Bulletin highlights the extraordinary commitment of DLA Piper attorneys and staff whose dedication to pro bono work has transformed lives and strengthened communities. This year’s Individual Awards celebrate colleagues across the firm who have secured life-changing victories for vulnerable clients, from protecting immigrant children and survivors of domestic violence to advancing women’s rights globally. Their efforts exemplify the firm’s enduring commitment to access to justice and meaningful service.

Associate Minal Patel, Case Manager M. Judy Calderon, Associate Kara Thomas Beck (all Short Hills), and Verizon Associate General Counsel Jennifer E. Constantinou were recognized as the KIND Pro Bono Team of the Year following their dismissal of a client’s removal proceedings in immigration court and their work in securing the client’s approval for SIJS.

Together, KIND’s Northern Virginia office named Associate Ankur Desai, Partner David Stier (both Washington, DC), and Associate Sarah Walsh (New York) its Pro Bono Team of the Month. The team had helped an unaccompanied child who fled Afghanistan obtain asylum.

Lianna Bash

Of Counsel Lianna Bash (Seattle) received the 2024 King County Bar Association Pro Bono Award, which recognized the many hours she had devoted to assisting survivors of domestic violence. Lianna began that work during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Seattle saw a substantial rise in domestic violence cases. Since then, she has continued to represent survivors, including in numerous appeals to the Washington Court of Appeals on a range of constitutional and other legal issues.

Doug Lavey

Legal Aid Chicago named Associate Doug Lavey (Washington, DC) its 2024 Volunteer of the Year as part of its Advance Directives and Property Transfers (ADAPT) Project award. Doug began volunteering with the ADAPT Project in early 2023 and has contributed more than 220 hours assisting clients in the preparation of Transfer on Death Instruments, living wills, and powers of attorney documents.

Kristin Franceschi

Partner Kristin Franceschi (Baltimore) received the 2024 Judge Robert M. Bell Maryland Pro Bono Service Award, which recognizes individuals who exemplify outstanding pro bono service for at least five years. Kristin’s work includes supporting individuals fleeing persecution and projects aimed at advancing women around the world.

Cara Edwards

Partner Cara Edwards (New York) was shortlisted in the Chambers USA Awards Pro Bono: Lawyer of the Year category.

Regine Lewis

Associate Regine Lewis (Atlanta) received the Rising Star Award from Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta (PBPA), which recognizes exceptional law firm associates who volunteer with PBPA. In the past year, Regine completed nine projects as part of her work with the organization.

Kira Mineroff

Partner Kira Mineroff (Short Hills) was honored at the National Pro Bono Celebration Week Awards Ceremony, hosted by the New York County Lawyers Association, New York State Bar Association, and New York State Unified Court System’s Office for Justice Initiatives. The ceremony recognized her many years of service and dedication to the program.

Carson Wheet

Attorney Carson Wheet (Boston) received the Casa Cornelia Law Center’s Wiley Award for his work helping a client pursue a U visa. After enduring abuse for nearly two decades, the visa allowed the client to launch her own business in California.