Attorneys Honored for Participating In South Florida German Ghetto Work Payment Program

Miami, Florida Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrod LLP announced that several of its attorneys were recognized by The Put Something Back Pro Bono Project for their work with the German Ghetto Work Payment Program (GGWPP). Put Something Back, established in 1991 pursuant to the order of the Florida Supreme Court mandating pro bono programs for all circuits in Florida, it's a joint pro bono project of the 11th Judicial Circuit and the Dade County Bar Association. The following attorneys were awarded the Put Something Back Award at a recent Dade County Bar Association luncheon for their participation in the GGWPP:

• Marshall R. Pasternack, Partner, Corporate & Securities Group
• Jeremy C. Sahn, Associate, Litigation Group
• Lori Lustrin, Associate, Litigation Group
• Julia Y. Kim, Associate, Corporate & Securities Group
• Nikki J. Nedbor, Of Counsel, Real Estate Group
• Lindsey B. Zohn, Associate, Real Estate Group 

In December, the firm sponsored a day-long legal clinic for the GGWPP, at which the attorneys offered free legal services and resources to Holocaust survivors who worked in German-controlled ghettos during World War II and who are seeking reparations from the German government. Services included screening for eligibility and the completion of the required applications. Part of the experience involved the applicant recounting his or her survival story, making this an invaluable experience for both applicants and attorneys. Additionally, these first-hand narrations ensure the preservation of history and accuracy of historic accounts.

GGWPP, a nationwide initiative started in Los Angeles, California, is made possible by volunteer attorneys who prescreen interested survivors. Attorneys assist qualifying survivors in completing the GGWPP applications in order to receive reparations. Many cities across the country do not have the volunteers to provide the legal services necessary to navigate the bureaucratic channels and the complex application process, and many social work agencies are not able to meet the demand for assistance.

In response to the success of the first clinic, Bilzin Sumberg will be hosting another clinic on June 9, 2009, where attorneys will again assist Holocaust survivors complete the application process.