The Lowenstein Center for the Public Interest has been named an honoree by the New Jersey State Governor’s Jefferson Awards for Public Service.

“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by the New Jersey State Governor’s Jefferson Awards, especially in the tenth anniversary year of the Lowenstein Center for the Public Interest,” said Gary M. Wingens, Lowenstein Sandler’s Chair and Managing Partner. “Social justice and volunteerism are founding principles of our firm, and the Center is the embodiment of those values.”

In 2009, to expand and formalize its commitment to the community, the firm launched the Center to reaffirm its dedication to social justice, broaden the scope of its pro bono efforts, and maximize positive impact on communities in need.

During the 22 years the firm has tracked data, Lowenstein lawyers have donated 418,158 hours of free legal services to the community. In 2018 alone, our lawyers invested 19,287 hours in pro bono legal services, assisting 600 clients.

The Center’s Chair, partner Catherine Weiss, said, “We are grateful to our long-time collaborator, the Pro Bono Partnership, for nominating us for this honor and for its continued support which enables us to provide legal services to the nonprofits that enrich communities throughout New Jersey and the region.”

In addition to working with the Partnership, the Center collaborates with a wide array of other organizations in providing pro bono legal services. In association with these partners, the Center has, among other populations, represented:

  • Immigrant children
  • Asylum seekers
  • Tenants fighting eviction
  • Survivors of domestic violence
  • Veterans
  • Nonprofits
  • Low-income entrepreneurs
  • Low-income inventors
  • Individuals in bankruptcy
  • Transgender people


Beyond legal services, Lowenstein employees support their communities by serving on nonprofit boards; volunteering at food banks; planting crops; collecting clothing, books, and personal items for people in need; and contributing to numerous charitable causes.

For information on the Center’s most recent efforts, please see the 2018 Pro Bono Report.