Gibbons Honored With CIANJ "Companies That Care" Award

The Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey (CIANJ) and COMMERCE Magazine recognized Gibbons P.C. at their 2024 “Companies that Care” Awards reception with the highest honor in the “Caring for Children” category. This year’s reception was held on May 2 at Nanina’s in the Park in Belleville, New Jersey. This is the second time in recent years that Gibbons was a “Companies that Care” category winner; the firm also was named a finalist in 2023. Mary Frances Palisano, a Director in Gibbons’s Business & Commercial Litigation Group and the firm’s Pro Bono Coordinator, accepted the award on the firm’s behalf.

In its nomination, Gibbons highlighted its longstanding pro bono work representing children with disabilities who have been denied certain special education services. Understanding and navigating the complexities of the special education system can be a confusing and overwhelming experience for parents of children with disabilities, and the system can be even more daunting for parents who cannot afford legal representation to assist them.

Through the Volunteer Lawyers for Justice’s Children’s Representation Program, Gibbons attorneys counsel parents and guardians in their efforts to secure the necessary educational services, support, and accommodations to which their children are entitled as a matter of New Jersey and federal law. One client shared, “I appreciate the time and effort put into my case. It did not matter that it was Pro Bono. My attorney assured me that she would put in as many hours as needed to bring my Due Process petition to a positive resolution. She put the best interests of my child first and foremost.”

“Congratulations to all our winners for going above and beyond in giving back to their communities and for the crucial work they do,” said Anthony Russo, President of CIANJ. “We are always happy to host this awards ceremony every year, acknowledging the good works of our companies and the real difference they make in New Jersey.”