At this year’s Above & Beyond Awards, Sanctuary for Families is thrilled to honor a team from Kasowitz LLP for their tremendous work and dedication in representing “Ms. T” in a set of Family Court, Matrimonial, and Civil cases. The outstanding team included Partner Cindy Caranella Kelly, and Associates Dexin Deng and Emily A. Lowe.
For over two decades, Ms. T was the victim of extensive economic, emotional and physical abuse by her husband. Despite these immense challenges, she single-handedly supported her family, using the money she earned to buy a home and providing a loving and supportive environment for her three children. As the abuse escalated, her husband not only subjected her to severe violence and threats but also attempted to strip her of her interests in the home by selling it at far below market value to his family member. That family member then brought a housing court case against Ms. T in an effort to remove her from the property. Additionally, Ms. T’s husband filed a Family Court action alleging she had violated visitation requirements under their custody order, while Ms. T sought an Order of Protection against him due to the ongoing abuse.
Because her husband had attempted to transfer ownership of her home to his family member, there was no straightforward path to protect her rights. The team crafted a creative, multi-pronged legal strategy, pursuing both matrimonial and civil claims to ensure that Ms. T’s interests would be fully represented.
From the outset, the legal team meticulously prepared as the multiple different actions progressed, conducting thorough research, gathering evidence, and readying for trial. Their attention to detail and strategic planning proved especially critical when complicated discovery and procedural issues arose. Cindy Caranella Kelly, a Managing Partner at Kasowitz, commended team members Dexin Deng and Emily A. Lowe for their persistence and skill in navigating significant challenges throughout the years of their representation of Ms. T.
In addition to the team’s stellar legal work, what motivated Sanctuary for Families attorneys Lisa Vara and Lauren Patel to nominate the Kasowitz team for recognition was their trauma-informed lawyering. The team adeptly managed multiple parallel proceedings with many moving parts and extensive detail, while also building a deep relationship of trust with Ms. T. Their empathy, transparency, and unwavering dedication allowed Ms. T to feel supported and confident, even in the face of daunting legal challenges and changing circumstances.
Ultimately, the Kasowitz team’s hard work and perseverance resulted in a highly favorable settlement. Ms. T will receive her rightful share of the equity in the home her husband had attempted to deny her. The team also participated in an inquest in June and is awaiting a final divorce judgment from Matrimonial Court, expected later this year. Sanctuary attorneys Lisa and Lauren nominated the Kasowitz team for their incredible work over many years, noting it is difficult to express the full depth of Ms. T’s gratitude to the Kasowitz team. Kasowitz’s representation of Ms. T serves as a testament to the impact that a dedicated and compassionate legal team can have on the lives of those they represent.
Join us at our Above & Beyond Awards Ceremony on October 21, 2025, as we honor Kasowitz’s outstanding pro bono work.
If your firm is interested in a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to Geny Kimbrell, Director of Special Events, by email at gkimbrell@sffny.org.
Suzy Yaster is a tax lawyer working in-house as a Tax Planning Manager at Warner Bros. Discovery. Suzy is also a member of Sanctuary for Families’ Pro Bono Council and is a Co-Chair of this year’s Above & Beyond Pro Bono Awards Benefit.