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2012

New Website Resource for Law Students to Address Mental Health Issues on Campus
August 27, 2012

New York, NY - The Dave Nee Foundation is proud to announce the launch of LawLifeline, a new online mental health resource designed specifically for law students, www.lawlifeline.org. LawLifeline is a joint project between the Dave Nee Foundation and The Jed Foundation and is based on The Jed Foundation’s highly successful mental health resource for college students, ULifeline.

Studies show that law students experience higher incidences of anxiety and depression than the general public and even other graduate students. The competitive environment, Socratic method of teaching, and lack of feedback throughout the school year act as a Petri dish for developing dilapidating periods of anxiety and depression for many students. These students, as well as their professors and administrators at law schools, are often unaware of the effect the demanding environment can have on their mental health and well-being.

LawLifeline will now address these issues by providing much-needed access to information and resources. The new website is an anonymous, confidential online resource available for every law student in the country. It provides detailed articles and information on emotional health issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and stress as well as specific resources and services available to students in their communities.

Additionally, LawLifeline offers an anonymous diagnostic screening tool created in collaboration with Duke University for students to use to determine whether they or their friends are experiencing symptoms of a mental health disease or disorder so that they may begin to work towards seeking help and treatment.

LawLifeline is available to any law school in the nation.

“We are incredibly honored to partner with The Jed Foundation to help bring LawLifeline to law schools across the country,” says Wynne Kelly, Esq., President of The Dave Nee Foundation. “Our hope is that it will serve as both an informational resource and useful tool for law students who think they might be experiencing mental health issues.”

“Law students can face significant academic and financial pressures, but they may also struggle, or know someone who is struggling, with emotional health issues,” says John MacPhee, Executive Director of The Jed Foundation. “We are proud to partner with The Dave Nee Foundation on LawLifeline and are committed to helping support the emotional well-being of law students by providing them with a confidential resource they can use to get the assistance they may need.”

The Dave Nee Foundation was created in the wake of the 2005 suicide of Dave Nee, a brilliant law student who struggled silently with depression for many years. The foundation exists to end the stigma that surrounds depression, raise awareness about signs and symptoms of the illness, and prevent suicide so that others do not have to suffer. The Dave Nee Foundation offers a number of programs to achieve its mission: the innovative and unique program, Uncommon Counsel, through which the foundation educates law students about depression, its prevalence in the legal profession, and the availability and effectiveness of treatment; LawLifeline, an online resource accessible to all law schools throughout the country through which students can learn about emotional health issues, identify the signs and symptoms, and engage in an anonymous health screening; and a grant-giving program that includes an annual grant awarded to a deserving organization whose mission is to support those with depression and/or prevent suicide.

The Jed Foundation is the nation’s leading organization working to promote emotional health and prevent suicide among college students. The Jed Foundation materials and tools are available to all colleges and universities throughout the United States. Founded in 2000 by parents who lost a son to suicide while he was attending college, the organization has developed numerous programs including ULifeline, an online resource that gives students access to campus-specific resources and allows them to take an anonymous emotional health screening; the Love is Louder, a movement online and in communities to build connectedness and increase resiliency; Transition Year, an online resource center to help parents and students focus on emotional health before, during and after the college transition; and a portfolio of nationally-recognized tools, resources and training programs that help campuses effectively promote mental health and protect at-risk students. Learn more by visiting www.jedfoundation.org.

Former Senator Gordon Smith to Accept Ray of Light Award at 2012 Gala
May 01, 2012

The Dave Nee Foundation is pleased to announce that former Senator Gordon Smith will receive the Foundation’s fourth annual Ray of Light Award to be presented at our Gala, “Night of the Imperial Dragon,” on Friday, November 2, 2012 at Capitale in New York City.

The Ray of Light Award recognizes outstanding contributors to the field of mental health, suicide prevention and depression awareness. Senator Smith's tireless leadership in improving access to quality mental health services and his deep-rooted commitment to developing and protecting suicide prevention and other mental health programs—born out of his own tragic experience of his beloved son’s suicide—mirror the goals and efforts of the Dave Nee Foundation and are thus richly deserving of this award.

Gordon H. Smith, is a former United States Senator and businessman from the state of Oregon. A Republican, he served two terms in the Senate. Born in Eastern Oregon, Smith was raised there and in Maryland before attending Brigham Young University and Southwestern University School of Law. Prior to election to the U.S. Senate, he served in the Oregon State Senate including one session as President of Oregon's State Senate in 1995. In 2009, he was named as President of the National Association of Broadcasters. Smith wrote a book entitled Remembering Garrett, One Family's Battle with a Child's Depression, based on the 1993 loss of his son Garrett, age 21, to suicide. In 2004, President George W. Bush signed the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act, authorizing $82 million for suicide-prevention and awareness programs at colleges.

The Dave Nee Foundation is grateful for Senator Smith's longstanding leadership in expanding youth suicide prevention efforts, legislating for mental health parity, and protecting access to mental health services for all those who need it. His ability to turn great personal tragedy into a source of hope for so many others inspires those of us at the Dave Nee Foundation every day, and we are honored to commend Senator Gordon Smith for the wonderful work he has done by accepting the Ray of Light Award on November 2, 2012.

The Dave Nee Foundation Honors Georgetown Law Deans for Mental Health Advocacy Among Law Students
April 24, 2012

New York, NY- The Dave Nee Foundation has selected William Treanor, Dean at Georgetown University Law Center and Mitchell Bailin, Dean of Students at Georgetown University Law Center as its 2012 David S. Stoner Uncommon Counselor Awardees. The Award is given annually to a member or members of the legal profession who exhibit extraordinary compassion and concern for their co-workers, family, friends, and community.

William Treanor is being honored for his leadership at both Fordham and Georgetown Law Schools in the area of mental health awareness. In the wake of Dave Nee’s suicide, Treanor not only was a source of great comfort and support to the Fordham Law community, he made mental health and suicide prevention programs a priority. In addition, Dean Treanor was an integral part of the Dave Nee Foundation’s inception and has been an advocate of the organization ever since. His support has been critical to the Foundation's success.

Mitchell Bailin has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of mental health issues at Georgetown Law by building a network of resources available to his students and using various methods to inform the student body of them. Most notably, Dean Bailin is praised for the personal relationships he has built with his students. A former student stated, “When my law professor scheduled a meeting for me with Dean Bailin, I thought getting through my depression was hopeless. Little did I know that Dean Bailin would be a source of hope throughout the hardest struggle of my life. . . . He is the one who I can’t thank enough. And I am just one of the many students he has helped.” Other law school administrators have similarly praised Bailin’s work, commenting that his department is the “gold standard” for mental health awareness.

The David S. Stoner Uncommon Counselor Awards will be presented at the Dave Nee Foundation’s Annual Gala on November 2, 2012 at Capitale in New York City.

The Dave Nee Foundation was created in the wake of the 2005 suicide of Dave Nee, a brilliant individual who struggled silently with depression for many years. The Dave Nee Foundation’s innovative and unique program, Uncommon Counsel, fights depression and works to prevent suicide by educating law students about depression, its prevalence in the legal profession, and the availability and effectiveness of treatment. The Dave Nee Foundation also administers a grant-giving program that includes an annual grant awarded to a deserving organization whose mission is to support those with depression and/or prevent suicide.

2011

Times Square PSA to Raise Awareness of Depression and Effectiveness of Treatment
October 21, 2011

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Dave Nee Foundation Public Service Announcement in Times Square, NYC

The Dave Nee Foundation was one of the lucky nonprofits selected to air a Public Service Announcement (PSA) from October 15, 2011 through November 30, 2011 on the CBS “Super Screen” positioned at 42nd Street between 7th and 8th Avenues. Through this PSA opportunity, the Dave Nee Foundation will focus attention on the serious issue of untreated depression for the many visitors to the New York City area during the holiday season and the tens of thousands of commuters who use the New York City subway systems and the Port Authority terminal every day.

The Time Square PSA raises awareness of the prevalence of depression: currently 1 in 10 Americans suffers from depression. It also instills hope in those suffering from depression by informing viewers of the effectiveness of treatment.

Eva Wong, Dave Nee Foundation volunteer and cousin of the Foundation’s namesake, Dave Nee, produced the PSA. Ms. Wong is a Senior Producer at CollegeHumor.com and a longtime supporter of the Foundation. Ms. Wong shared, “The message of the Foundation and the PSA in Times Square is critical – there is hope and help for those who suffer from depression. I am always happy to help the Foundation get this message across through its media work. The more people we reach, the more we make a difference and save lives.”

The Dave Nee Foundation was created in the wake of the 2005 suicide of Dave Nee, a brilliant law student at Fordham University who struggled silently with depression for many years. The Dave Nee Foundation’s innovative and unique program, Uncommon Counsel, fights depression and works to prevent suicide among law students. Uncommon Counsel educates law students about depression, its prevalence in the legal profession, and the availability and effectiveness of treatment. The Dave Nee Foundation also administers a grant giving program that provides an annual award to a deserving organization whose mission is to support those with depression and/or prevent suicide.

The Law Firm Challenge Trivia Night a Great Success
July 20, 2011

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The Dave Nee Foundation’s Annual Law Firm Challenge Trivia Night was held July 19th at Black Finn in Manhattan. With Trivia Tryst dishing out some tough law questions (e.g. Name the five current Supreme Court Justices who were appointed by Republican Presidents [answer below]), those in attendance -- from Partners to Summer Law Associates -- all enjoyed an exciting and fun evening while benefitting a great cause. In addition to fiercely competing for bragging rights, the participants also learned about the prevalence of depression among law students and lawyers and the resources available to those in need. The roster of participants was a “Who’s Who” of the nation's top law firms: Latham & Watkins, Katten Muchin Rosenman, O’Melveny & Myers, Cravath, Swaine & Moore, Anderson Kill, Quinn Emmanuel, and a team of Fordham Law alumni joined in the fun and a good time was had by all.

The “Let's Get Quizzical” Team from Latham & Watkins were the winners of the event and took home the Grand Prize of a one-hour complimentary happy hour for fifty people at Black Finn, as well as a $100 gift certificate to McFadden’s. Not wanting anyone to go home empty handed, prizes were also given to the team with the best name (The "NeeJerks" Team also from Latham & Watkins) and a couple of door prizes.

The Dave Nee Foundation would like to thank all firms and individuals who sponsored a team. We would also like to thank Lauren Predmore at Black Finn and Rachel Arbeit and Bryce Galen from Trivia Tryst. Special thanks go to those bars and restaurants who donated prizes, including Black Finn, Traffic NYC, Turtle Bay NYC and McFadden’s. The event would not have been as successful without your help and support! Given the success of this summer’s Trivia Night, there’s already talk of a Trivia Night Re-Match, so stay tuned!

Trivia Answer: Kennedy (appointed by Reagan), Alito (appointed by Bush II), Roberts (appointed by Bush II), Scalia (appointed by Reagan), and Thomas (appointed by Bush I)

Stephanie Arcella Joins Dave Nee Foundation as Development Consultant
July 15, 2011

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From left: Anne Buckman (Board of Directors and Trivia Night Co-Host), Stephanie Arcella (Development Consultant), Amy Marisa Balducci (Board of Directors), Andrew Sparkler (President), Annie Farrenkopf (Trivia Night Co-Host), and Alexandra Nee (Board of Directors)

The Board of Directors of The Dave Nee Foundation is pleased to announce that Stephanie Arcella has joined the organization as its Development Consultant. With Stephanie’s guidance, the Foundation plans to grow its supporter and partnership base to deepen the impact of its programming, Uncommon Counsel, which works to raise awareness about depression and prevent suicide in the legal community, and is the only program of its type in the nation. Stephanie will also oversee the Foundation’s grant administration, which supports organizations devoted to preventing suicide amongst adolescents and young adults.

Andrew Sparkler, the President of the Dave Nee Foundation said that “the addition of Stephanie is, without a doubt, one of the proudest moments in the history of our organization. Her passion, experience and demeanor are an ideal fit for us and we are truly honored to have her on board.”

Stephanie brings 10 years of fundraising and social service experience to the position, including counseling within a mental health agency in the Bronx, Morris Heights Health Center, and fundraising and development work within Sakhi for South Asian Women, the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience, and the professional fundraising groups, Lawson Associates and Wolfe Consulting. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Pennsylvania State University and a Master in Social Work degree from Fordham University at Lincoln Center.

Wynne Kelly, Vice President of the Dave Nee Foundation, stated, “Stephanie’s extensive work in the not-for-profit community, her professional and academic experience with mental health issues, and her charisma make her perfectly-suited for the Dave Nee Foundation. We are truly blessed to have a professional of Stephanie’s caliber lead us into the next stage of development of the organization.”

For additional information, contact: Wynne Kelly - [email protected]

2011 David S. Stoner Uncommon Counselor Award to go to Michael J. Lane, Esq.
July 01, 2011

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The Dave Nee Foundation will proudly bestow the 2011 David S. Stoner Uncommon Counselor Award on Michael J. Lane, Esq., at the 2011 Gala for his commitment to the betterment of the legal profession and his compassion and concern for his fellow attorneys and for law students. Mr. Lane is a Shareholder with the law firm of Anderson Kill & Olick, P.C. and an Adjunct Professor at Fordham University School of Law. Mr. Lane has over twenty-five years of experience as a civil litigator and has taught Legal Research and Writing to first-year students at Fordham Law School since 1993. Mr. Lane is known at his firm as a zealous advocate for his clients who genuinely cares for his co-workers. At Fordham, Professor Lane is held in the highest esteem and beloved by his students who, in addition to receiving a practical and wide-ranging education in the art of legal research and writing, know that Professor Lane cares about them as people and serves as a mentor and confidant. Since the Foundation’s inception, Mr. Lane has been a passionate supporter of the activities of the Dave Nee Foundation. It is his unwavering commitment to the well-being of his fellow members of the bar and law students, however, that have earned him this honor.

The David S. Stoner Uncommon Counselor Award is given to a member of the legal profession who exhibits extraordinary compassion and concern for his co-workers, family, friends, and community. The Award is named in memory of David S. Stoner, a founding Director and Vice President of the Dave Nee Foundation from 2006 to 2010. David Stoner, a close friend of Dave Nee, valued family and friendship above all else, and his devotion to those he loved was unparalleled. David's respect and compassion for others was unmatched and his life was a shining example of many of the Foundation’s most fundamental beliefs: that no one needs to feel alone, that we must care for one another, and that through true friendship and stewardship we can overcome anything, even the disease of depression.

The Law Firm Challenge Trivia Night is Just Weeks Away!
May 20, 2011

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The Dave Nee Foundation proudly announces the Annual Law Firm Challenge Trivia Night taking place on Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at Black Finn Bar in Midtown Manhattan located at 218 East 53rd Street from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The Trivia night is a fun way for lawyers and law students to compete for bragging rights and cool prizes while learning about the Foundation's unique program, Uncommon Counsel, which seeks to raise awareness of depression and the risk of suicide among lawyers and law students and the effectiveness of treatment.

The Foundation's Trivia Night is open to teams of summer associates, partners, and practicing lawyers from law firms and other companies throughout the New York City area. Each team may consist of as many players as you choose (though 4-5 persons per team is recommended) and each firm or company can sponsor as many players as it would like.

We have partnered with Trivia Tryst, Manhattan’s leading live trivia entertainment and team building company, to run the trivia contest. The evening will include an open bar for 3 hours and heavy appetizers. In return, we ask for a donation of $65 for each player entering the competition ($48 is tax deductible). This event promises to be one of the highlights of the summer and a worthwhile annual tradition among New York law firms and anyone in the field of law, in the service of a great cause.

The Law Firm Challenge Trivia Night will help educate lawyers on the importance of making sure they and their peers stay mentally healthy in a fun and enjoyable manner. If you have any questions, or your law firm or company would like to participate, please contact Annie Farrenkopf at [email protected] or by phone at 914-329-5397. As a courtesy, please confirm your participation by June 20th.

Dave Nee Foundation’s Uncommon Counsel Program Reaches Hundreds of Law Students this Semester
March 07, 2011

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Uncommon Counsel is the Dave Nee Foundation’s unique programming that seeks to educate law students about the prevalence of depression among law students, raise awareness of the effectiveness of treatment and the various options available specifically to law students on their respective campuses, and encourage development of symbiotic, nurturing relationships among law students to reduce the stigma of depression and prevent suicide. So far, in 2011, the program has reached hundreds of students at Fordham University School of Law and Touro Law and Dave Nee Foundation Board Members are scheduled to present the program later this Spring at CUNY.

The Dave Nee Foundation Congratulates the Friends Helping Friends Program
January 02, 2011

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The Dave Nee Foundation is proud to support Manasquan High School’s Friends Helping Friends program.

Click here to see the Friends Helping Friends video.

2010

The Dave Nee Foundation Mourns the Loss of Its Vice President and Dear Friend David Stoner
December 07, 2010

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We wish to express our profound sadness at the loss of our Vice President, Board Member, founder, and friend David Stoner, who passed away suddenly while out with friends on Saturday, December 4. David valued family and friendship above all else, and his devotion to those he loved exemplified many of the Foundation’s most fundamental beliefs: that no one needs to feel alone, that we must care for one another, and that through true friendship and stewardship we can overcome anything, even the disease of depression.

The Dave Nee Foundation was started by close friends, including David, who came together hoping to fill a void in our community. Thus, our Board Members are not strangers who converse only at Board meetings; most of us see and talk to each other many times a week on issues wholly unrelated to this organization. David was not just the Foundation’s Vice-President, but also our head chef, master party planner, leading authority on everything from sports trivia to how to tie a bow tie, and — most importantly — our dear friend.

In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest donations to one of the two charities that David was passionate about:

The David Nee Foundation and the HHT cause that the family has supported.

Thank you for Your Support at the 2010 Great Gatsby Gala
November 10, 2010

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Thank you to our donors and corporate sponsors for your generous contributions to the Dave Nee Foundation’s Fifth Annual Fundraiser: The Great Gatsby Gala. A great time was had by all and we appreciate all the support which helped make this year’s event a tremendous success. To date, we have collected over $100,000 to raise awareness of depression, eliminate the stigma associated with mental health issues, and prevent suicide. We have almost achieved our fundraising goal for the year – it’s not too late to make a donation to help our cause.

[insert video: GREAT GATSBY GALA_FINAL CUT 2010 video file]

Uncommon Counsel Reaches All First Year Students at Local Law School
June 16, 2010

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The Dave Nee Foundation’s Uncommon Counsel Program achieved its primary goal for 2010 this spring by speaking to each first year student at Fordham Law School about law students’ susceptibility to depression, available assistance in the Fordham Law community, and the effectiveness of treatment. Board Members Andrew Sparkler, David Stoner, Wynne Kelly, Erica Sparkler, Anne Buckman, and former Board Member Mike Stanitski all shared Dave Nee’s story, explained the statistics and research regarding law school and depression, and distributed brochures outlining specific resources available on campus and in the New York legal community. The feedback received from students, faculty, and administration has been incredible and we look forward to continuing this program and expanding it to additional law schools immediately.

Additionally, Andrew Sparkler, President of the Foundation, spoke to the Queens County Bar Association. The New York Lawyers’ Assistance Trust invited Andrew to serve on a panel that led a discussion regarding various issues facing lawyers. Andrew addressed the high rates of depression in the legal community and the need for vigilance, effective treatment, and elimination of the stigma associated with depression, particularly among lawyers.

2009

Thank you for your Support at "A Magical Affair: An Evening of Illusions and Revelry," the Fourth Annual Dave Nee Foundation Benefit
November 20, 2009

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The Dave Nee Foundation's Fourth Annual Benefit Gala was held on Friday, November 13th at the elegant Edison Ballroom in Midtown Manhattan. Guests enjoyed the close-up magic of the Artifice Group and designer cocktails along with stations of delectable sushi, sliders and ceviche prepared by the venue's gourmet chef. It truly was a night of enjoyable illusions and grand revelry and we hope to see you all again next year.

Thank you for making our 2009 Benefit Gala an unparalleled success! Thanks to your generosity, we raised over $90,000 to prevent suicide among adolescents and young adults and raise awareness of depression and the effectiveness of treatment.

We again congratulate the Foundation's 2009 Ray of Light Award winners, Dana and Hart Perry. The Perrys received the award in recognition of their groundbreaking documentary ‘Boy Interrupted,’ about their son Evan's death by suicide at age 15. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Perry Family for their enthusiastic participation and thoughtful remarks. Congratulations also go to Lizzie Dix Brenkus (a Princeton classmate of Dave Nee's) for winning our Raffle Grand Prize: A Brand New Sony Bravia 46″ Flat Screen HDTV.

It's not too late! Visit our encore Online Auction for great gift ideas - a few days only! There is still time to support the Dave Nee Foundation this year through our encore online auction made possible through eBay Giving Works. Bid on a weekend at the Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa Barbara, an evening with the Artifice Group (the world-class magicians who entertained at the Gala), Rangers Hockey Tickets, a house in Maine, a Gourmet Catered Dinner Party and much more! One hundred percent of your bids will go to the Foundation.

Dave Nee Foundation Announces Dana and Hart Perry as 2009 Ray of Light Award Recipients
September 23, 2009

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The Dave Nee Foundation has announced that its Ray of Light Award for 2009 will go to Dana and Hart Perry. The Award recognizes the Perrys’ efforts in promoting mental health and preventing suicide, particularly through their recent documentary, Boy Interrupted, about the death of the Perrys’ son, Evan, by suicide. The Perrys will accept the Award at the Foundation’s Benefit Gala on November 13, 2009, at Edison Ballroom in Midtown Manhattan.

Boy Interrupted has aired on HBO and has been screened at numerous film festivals. The film, directed by Dana Perry with Hart Perry serving as cinematographer, tells the story of Evan’s struggle with bipolar disorder and his family’s response, while asking difficult questions about suicide and mental health issues.

“The Dave Nee Foundation is proud to honor the Perrys, the life of their son Evan, and their remarkable film,” said Wynne Kelly, Secretary of the Foundation. “Making and releasing Boy Interrupted was an extraordinary act of courage by the Perrys. Not only does the film recount the heartbreaking loss of their child, but it challenges preconceptions about bipolar disorder and suicide, while dramatically raising public awareness of these important issues.”

The Dave Nee Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that seeks to support and encourage organizations devoted to preventing suicide among adolescents and young adults through diagnosis, treatment, education, and research. The Foundation’s unique program, Uncommon Counsel, educates law students about depression, its prevalence in the legal profession, and the availability and effectiveness of treatment. For more information, please visit www.daveneefoundation.org.

Dan Lukasik, Esq., Writes About Life of Dave Nee and Important Work of Foundation
August 10, 2009

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Dan Lukasik, Esq., the founder of lawyerswithdepression.com, recently wrote a piece discussing the life and brilliance of Dave Nee after Mr. Lukasik interviewed Andrew Sparkler, President of the Foundation. Mr. Lukasik’s posting is available here.

Article Noting an Uptick in Lawyers with Depression Features Foundation’s Uncommon Counsel Program
July 21, 2009

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The New York Law Journal, New York’s most prestigious legal publication, recently ran an article detailing depression among lawyers prominently featured the Dave Nee Foundation and its unique program, Uncommon Counsel, that seeks to raise awareness of depression in law students and the effectiveness of treatment. The article is currently available here for free or you may download the PDF be clicking here.

New York Law Journal Publishes Article by Andrew Sparkler, President of the Dave Nee Foundation, on Recent Attorney Suicides and Depression in Legal Profession
June 10, 2009

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The New York legal community’s most trusted and well-read periodical, the New York Law Journal, today published an article by the Foundation’s president, Andrew Sparkler, highlighting the prevalence of depression among attorneys and depression as the primary cause of most suicides. Andrew writes in response to media coverage of recent attorney suicides that seems to pin the cause of the attorney’s death on a single setback or traumatic event, but fails to discuss the epidemic of depression among attorneys.

The article is currently available here for free or you may download the PDF be clicking here.

Dave Nee Foundation Cited in Law.com Article on Economic Downturn and Suicide Risk Factors
May 10, 2009

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In a May 11, 2009, piece entitled “Economic Downturn Raising Suicide Risk Factors Among Attorneys” by Lynne Marek of the National Law Journal, the Dave Nee Foundation was mentioned as an organization striving to educate law students about depression and prevent suicide among law students. The article also features Dan Lukasik, the founder of Lawyers with Depression and a friend of the Foundation, who has tirelessly worked to raise awareness of depression in the legal community while reducing the stigma of depression among lawyers. The article is available here.

Andrew P. Sparkler Receives 2009 Outstanding Young Lawyer Award
January 28, 2009

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ANDREW P. SPARKLER RECEIVES 2009 OUTSTANDING YOUNG LAWYER AWARD – New York attorney is the founding director of suicide prevention non-profit organization

NEW YORK—The New York State Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section will present its Outstanding Young Lawyer Award to Andrew P. Sparkler of New York (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) Thursday, January 29 at the 9th floor, Marquis C/Upper Terrace Promenade of the Marriott Marquis. The award is presented annually to a young lawyer who has rendered outstanding service to both the community and the legal profession and has a distinguished record of commitment to the finest traditions of the Bar through public service and professional activities.

After losing a close friend to suicide in 2005, Sparkler founded the David Dawes Nee II Foundation in 2006, where he is currently President of the Board of Directors. The foundation is dedicated to eliminating the stigma associated with depression and suicide by promoting and encouraging diagnosis and treatment of depression among adolescents and young adults. The foundation is currently developing the Law School Initiative that seeks to address the epidemic of depression in law students in New York.

“Of the many exceptional nominees we received this year, Andrew Sparkler proved to be an exemplary candidate for this prestigious award. He is an inspiring role model for young lawyers in his commitment to the law and his community,” said Young Lawyers Section Chair Sherry Levin Wallach of Mt. Kisco (Wallach & Rendo LLP). “More than 40 percent of third-year law students and 24 percent of lawyers in New York suffer with depression and I commend Andrew for raising awareness about the severity of this issue as he continues what is sure to be a distinguished career.”

A graduate of Brown University and Fordham University School of Law, he is currently the Legal Corporate Associate Director of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. He began his career as an Employment and Employee Benefits Associate at Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP before switching to entertainment law at Beldock Levine & Hoffman LLP. Sparkler served as editor-in-chief of the Fordham Intellectual Property, Media & Entertainment Law Journal.

Previous winners include David A. Kochman of New York (Reed Smith), Laurie A. Giordano of Rochester (Leclair Korona Giordano Cole LLP), Michael C. Rakower of New York (Law Office of Michael C. Rakower), Elissa D. Hecker of Irvington (Law Office of Elissa D. Hecker), and Immediate Past Association President Kathryn Grant Madigan of Binghamton (Levene Gouldin & Thompson LLP).

The 76,000-member New York State Bar Association is the official statewide organization of lawyers in New York and the largest voluntary state bar association in the nation. Founded in 1876, State Bar programs and activities have continuously served the public and improved the justice system for more than 130 years.