New York Partner Named ‘Attorney of the Year’

The New York Law Journal has recognized Kevin McDonough, a partner in Latham’s Securities Litigation & Professional Liability Practice Group, with its 2017 Attorney of the Year award. McDonough was commended for his tremendous pro bono practice, particularly his role as chief legal counsel to the Independent Commission on New York City Criminal Justice & Incarceration Reform, charged with reimaging New York’s approach to incarceration and retooling its criminal justice system.

In his role as chief counsel to the Rikers Commission, McDonough oversees the largest pro bono matter currently open in Latham’s New York office. He supervises more than 30 lawyers and professional staff, who have collectively donated more than 3,000 hours of pro bono service to the commission. For more over a year, the team has advised on nearly every aspect of the commission’s work, from its formation to negotiations with City Hall and other government agencies for the release of sensitive data to drafting the commission's 148-page report, released in spring 2017.

Judge Jonathan Lippman, Latham of counsel and chair of the Rikers Commission, noted that McDonough’s efforts have been “absolutely integral to the success of the commission. His leadership, intellect, and dedication to pro bono are truly inspiring, and we’re so grateful to count him as a colleague and for his commitment to the values of the firm and the idea that lawyers, above all else, help people and serve others.”