Fordham Law’s Feerick Center for Social Justice held its annual awards and benefit reception on October 15 at Mutual of America, where the careers of six individuals, five of whom are Law School alumni, were celebrated. Approximately 200 guests attended the event.
John D. Feerick ’61, former dean of the Law School and the founder and senior counsel of the Feerick Center for Social Justice, welcomed the guests. In his remarks, Professor Feerick thanked current dean Matthew Diller for his continued support of the center and also expressed gratitude to former dean William Michael Treanor, who was in attendance, for establishing the center in 2006 as a permanent legacy of the Law School’s centennial celebration.
Robert J. Reilly ’75, former assistant dean for the Feerick Center, received the George J. Mitchell Lifetime Public Service Award. His extensive community service includes work for the Archdiocese of New York, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick in New York, and the American Museum of Natural History.
Robert J. Reilly ’75 (far right) with family and John D. Feerick ’61 (far left)
“It is a particular privilege for me to share this occasion with an extraordinary group of honorees, each of whom I know well,” said Reilly, who in almost 40 years of service to Fordham Law, has held a variety of roles, including dean of students and assistant dean for external relations as well as of alumni affairs. “I counted it up, and I have known these honorees, collectively, for over 130 years.”
Reilly was presented the award by Professor Constantine N. Katsoris ’57.
Daniel P. O’Toole ’92 received the James F. Gill Spirit of Hope Award. A leading trial lawyer with extensive experience in personal injury matters, O’Toole serves as co-chairman of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association Labor Law Committee. He has received extensive recognition for his philanthropic work, including as a donor to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, the Frances Pope Memorial Foundation, and the Candlelighters of New York City—all of which aid families of children with cancer. O’Toole was presented his award by Thomas A. Moore ’72.
Rita M. Glavin ’96 and Feerick
The Spirit of Service Award was bestowed on three individuals: Rita M. Glavin ’96, J. Gregory Milmoe ’75, and Laura Milmoe. Glavin is a litigation partner at Seward & Kissell LLP and co-head of the firm’s Government Enforcement and Internal Investigations practice. Prior to entering private practice, she worked for over 11 years in the U.S. Department of Justice and served as head of the DOJ’s Criminal Division in 2009, where she supervised more than 400 attorneys in enforcing federal law in a broad array of areas.
“The Rita Glavin I know has a strong sense of justice. She works tremendously hard at understanding what justice is,” said Michael J. D. Sweeney ’96, in presenting the award to Glavin. “Her career has been dedicated to seeking justice for others. It doesn’t matter whether the client is the USA, a corporate executive, or an indigent criminal defendant.”
J. Gregory Milmoe ’75 is a shareholder with Greenberg Traurig, LLP’s Restructuring and Bankruptcy group. A leading practitioner in the field, Milmoe uses his extensive experience in M&A, corporate financing, and corporate governance to help fashion solutions for complex corporate restructurings. Laura H. Milmoe has been practicing law since 1990 and has been a solo practitioner in Boston since 1995. A member of the New England Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, she is retired from private practice and actively volunteers for Boston-area, immigration-related nonprofit organizations.
J. Gregory Milmoe ’75, Feerick, and Laura Milmoe
“The mission of the Feerick Center, service to others, is a value that I have always held high,” said Laura Milmoe. “Because of my immigration background, I am particularly pleased by the good work that the Feerick Center does in helping unaccompanied immigrant children acclimate to their new environment. I have only the highest praise for the center’s focus on this so vulnerable population.”
Former New York Secretary of State Cesar A. Perales ’65 received the Life of Commitment Award. Currently chair of the city’s Charter Revision Commission Perales has extensive experience in advocacy, including civil rights and voting rights, as well as in the nonprofit sector. He co-founded the Puerto Rican Legal Defense Fund (PRLDEF). His award was presented by Karla Sanchez ’95.
Karla Sanchez ’95 and Cesar Perales ’65
