SANTA MONICA, CALIF., August 29, 2023 — Thomas Casparian and Brett Watson, members of the firm’s Commercial Litigation Department, have been named Inland Counties Legal Services (ICLS) Pro Bono Volunteers of the Year. This award will be presented at the Advocates for Justice celebration on October 12 in Riverside, California.

“As Volunteer Attorneys of the Year, Brett and Tom exemplify ICLS’ mission to deliver high-quality legal services to those in the greatest social and economic need,” said Matthew Kugizaki, Pro Bono Director at ICLS.  “Their efforts have been truly life changing for our clients, and we thank both them and Cozen O’Connor for their commitment to helping close the justice gap.”

Tom volunteers with ICLS’ Systemic & Impact Litigation team, which challenges unlawful policies, procedures, and practices that prevent people of limited financial means from improving their lives.  Over the course of several months, Tom provided strategic litigation guidance in a systemic housing case. His litigation experience and his commitment to the team were critical in helping ICLS achieve excellent client results.

Brett volunteers with ICLS’ guardianship program, which helps caregivers navigate complex court proceedings and establish stability for children who have been subjected to trauma, neglect, domestic violence, and child abuse. This year, Brett helped an ICLS client secure permanent guardianship status over her grandchild, who is now in a much more stable, safer environment. 

About Cozen O’Connor

Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 925 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle-market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 33 offices across two continents.