This law firm’s deep New York roots gave them the will to honour September 11’s heroes. Their resources – individually and as a firm – gave them the means to do so.
Almost as soon as the World Trade Center was attacked, the firm’s lawyers and staff mobilised to assist victims and survivors. They were privileged to actively participate in New York’s relief efforts. As President of the New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund, executive partner Stephen J Dannhauser marshalled the firm’s resources, and with his tireless work, as well as that of the Fund’s other board members and numerous corporate and individual volunteers, the Fund raised $115 million for the families of New York’s finest and bravest. As part of the effort, volunteers from the firm were part of a group who processed more than 100,000 letters to the Fund and responded to donors ranging from Russian schoolchildren to multinational corporations.
Individual support for the victims and families took many forms. Worldwide, the firm’s lawyers and staff donated more than $1.3 million to relief efforts. More than 150 volunteers from the firm provided assistance to grieving families, obtained death certificates, gave trusts and estates advice, prepared a small-business bankruptcy brochure and even assisted at Ground Zero. The firm’s administrative staff spent hours helping the Fire Commissioner’s office answer phones and clear mountains of paperwork. They welcomed a number of clients into their offices, doubling and tripling up space to provide 200 seats to those displaced from Downtown.
No one can replace the lives lost on September 11. But this firm made an incredible effort to improve the lives of those who were left behind. The MPF are therefore delighted that Steve Jacobs, senior partner in the London office, and Peter Columbus from the New York office, are here to receive an MPF Award for Exceptional Achievement on behalf of law firm Weil Gotshal.