Neighborhood Defenders celebrate 30 years of service

Honorees at the Neighborhood Defender Services gala included Cardi B and Court of Appeals Justice Rowan D. Wilson. Photo courtesy of NDS

By Rachel Vick

Neighborhood Defender Services celebrated three decades of service on Wednesday with a 150-guest gala in Manhattan.

Musician Cardi B, Court of Appeals Justice Rowan D. Wilson and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP were honored for their contributions to the communities served by the public defense organization.

“Far too often, people who look like me or come from communities like mine in the Bronx are overlooked or forgotten about,” said Cardi B, who received an award for her Census outreach.

“Being seen and counted in the Census is one of the main ways that everybody can get the resources and help they need to have a real chance at success,” she added. “Making sure everyone is represented in our government at the federal, state, and local level should be a goal for all of us.”

Wilson, who has served on the Court of Appeals since 2017, was awarded with the Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his support for the NDS. He ​​sat on the board of NDS for 23 years, serving as the chair for 21 years.

He said what makes the agency’s work special is “giving its clients everything they need to find solutions.”

Also in attendance were community leaders, advocacy partners, former NDS clients and staff.

NDS Executive Director and CEO Rick Jones echoed Wilson’s perception of the organization, applauding the efforts of the attorneys who ensure clients receive justice in and out of the courts.

“Our teams make sure clients are set up to not just win their case, but thrive outside the

courtroom and strengthen our shared community. And then we’re taking that frontline

experience to bring a much-needed measure of justice to the legal system,” Jones said. “I was here when NDS first opened its doors, and I am incredibly proud that we continue to demonstrate the power of public defense daily.”