Day Pitney LLP has announced that George Metcalfe, Palak Sharma and Michael Schoeneberger are recipients of the firm's 2021 Coleman Awards, which recognizes recipients for their dedication to pro bono service.

The Coleman Awards are given by Day Pitney annually to legal professionals whose commitment to pro bono and public service exemplify the highest ideals of the legal profession and preserve the legacy of Cyril Coleman, a former Day Pitney partner who served many public institutions and causes, and was known for his dignity, sound judgment and integrity.

"This past year's challenges of the pandemic did not lessen Day Pitney's commitment to pro bono work," said Theresa Kelly, chair of Day Pitney's Pro Bono Committee. "In fact, our pro bono hours remained extremely strong. We initiated many new pro bono service projects, with a particular focus on assisting those who have been hurt by the pandemic. The firm also expanded our pro bono service to focus on matters of racial justice and equity."

2021 Coleman Award Recipients

George Metcalfe, an associate in the firm's Miami office, performed excellent work on a complicated probate administration, a guardianship administration and litigation matter that came to the firm from the Legal Aid Society of Miami/Dade. Metcalfe's dedication and enthusiasm for pro bono work is inspiring to all his colleagues.

Palak Sharma, an associate in the firm's Parsippany office, has consistently demonstrated her willingness to step in on short notice and work diligently on multiple pro bono matters. In addition, Sharma is a lead contributor to the firm's efforts related to a Jim Crow juries project through the Promise of Justice Initiative. Whatever a case requires, she is ready to go the extra mile, with a conscientious and eager approach to pro bono service.

Michael Schoeneberger, an associate in the firm's Stamford office, has skillfully litigated several protracted and difficult civil rights cases. Schoeneberger acted as chief architect of case strategy, devoted hundreds of hours, and has been tireless in his efforts to protect the civil rights of incarcerated persons.