Jason T. Polevoy Recipient of Lawyers Alliance for New York’s 2009 Cornerstone Award
High Impact Pro Bono: Advancing Economic Development in Brooklyn
NEW YORK (October 16, 2009) — McDermott Will & Emery LLP is pleased to announce that partner Jason T. Polevoy is a recipient of Lawyers Alliance for New York’s 2009 Cornerstone Award honoring outstanding pro bono legal services to nonprofits, to be presented on Tuesday, October 27, 2009.
Mr. Polevoy is being honored for his work on an extensive real estate matter involving East Williamsburg Valley Industrial Development Corporation (EWVIDCO) and New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC). EWVIDCO, founded in 1981, is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt corporation whose mission is to improve the neighborhood in and around the East Williamsburg Park by providing programs and services that develop a positive climate to attract and retain businesses. Through EWVIDCO's efforts, over 9,000 jobs have been retained in North Brooklyn.
Mr. Polevoy represented EWVIDCO in the contract between EWVIDCO and NYCEDC, and assisted with structuring the acquisition from an unrelated private third-party seller and holding the title to the property, as well as reviewing documentation concerning bridge financing. Mr. Polevoy’s legal work also involved appropriate due diligence for this project.
As a result of EWVIDCO’s purchase of the building, the organization was able to offer industrial small manufacturers advantageous lease rates to secure a continuing diversified economic base in the area. Ultimately, as a result of Mr. Polevoy’s diligence and broad experience, there is the potential of a multiplier effect of new tenants, new jobs, and increased commercial activity. In effect, this preserves industrial real estate in a subsector of the community rife with illegal conversions to residential use.
Executive Director Leah Archibald described Mr. Polevoy as “super patient, super responsive, and extremely helpful, especially in this type of real estate transaction.”
Mr. Polevoy commented on his pro bono experience, “It has been a privilege to work with EWVIDCO and to have had the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of economic development in the East Williamsburg Park community.”
Lawyers Alliance for New York is the leading provider of business and transactional legal services for nonprofit organizations that are improving the quality of life in New York City neighborhoods. By connecting lawyers, nonprofits, and communities, Lawyers Alliance helps nonprofits to develop affordable housing, stimulate economic development, and operate vital programs for children and young people, the elderly, recent immigrants, and other low-income New Yorkers. During the past year, the 14 staff attorneys and more than 1,400 active volunteers represented 560 nonprofit clients on more than 970 matters.
McDermott Will & Emery LLP recognizes and appreciates the need to give back to the communities of which it is a part, assisting those who are unable to afford legal services. The Firm's Pro Bono & Community Services Committee seeks to ensure that the same Firm standards of quality, service and care that are given to its paying clients are also afforded to those it serves on a pro bono basis. The people of McDermott Will & Emery understand their unique obligations as lawyers to enhance the lives of those in need and are committed to ensuring that low-income and disadvantaged individuals have access to justice.
