New York, NY, December 10, 2014 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) honored legal and community leaders Bradley J. Butwin, Chair of O’Melveny & Myers, and Pierre M. Gentin, Managing Director and Global Head of Litigation and Regulatory Investigations at Credit Suisse, with its 2014 ADL Human Relations Award for their commitment to diversity, civil rights and defense of democratic ideals.
Mr. Butwin and Mr. Gentin were presented with the award at a December 8 luncheon sponsored by ADL’s New York Lawyers’ Division. The award honors individuals who have helped turn justice, equality and humanity into meaningful realities – those whose words and deeds embody the very highest ideals of ADL. The luncheon was attended by more than 380 members of the legal and financial communities supportive of the League’s work across New York State.
“Brad and Pierre truly embody the essence of what our Human Relations Award is all about,” said Gregg M. Mashberg, ADL New York Regional Board Chair. “From civil rights to education, to their steadfast commitment to combat hate, their support to further advance ADL’s mission has proven to be extremely vital.”
In accepting the awards, Mr. Butwin and Mr. Gentin expressed their gratitude for being recognized for their efforts and commitment to ADL’s mission.
“As lawyers, we are uniquely positioned to further ADL’s vision of a world without hate,” said Mr. Butwin. “Whether through advancing civil rights, driving educational programs, or advocating on policy issues, we can respond to the higher calling of our profession and, together with ADL, we can make the world a better place.”
“Respect for the inherent dignity of all human beings is an essential Jewish value,” said Mr. Gentin. “The ADL’s ongoing efforts to foster respect, tolerance and understanding in our society remain as important as ever.”
As Chair of O’Melveny, a firm with a long legacy of civic responsibility, pro bono support and commitment to diversity, Mr. Butwin has helped to advance ADL’s mission of protecting civil rights and defending democratic ideals. While serving as a senior legal officer at one of the world’s largest banks, Mr. Gentin has remained dedicated to Jewish life and service to the legal community. He serves as Chair of the Board of Princeton University’s Hillel, is a Trustee of the Practicing Law Institute, and remains an active lecturer at law schools.
Charles A. Stillman, Partner at Ballard, Spahr, Stillman & Friedman LLP, was also presented with the Founder’s Award, for his role in the creation of the ADL Lawyers’ Division and decades of service to the League.
“ADL remains a critical player in the battle against prejudice and hate,” said Mr. Stillman. “It is a great honor to be recognized for participating in that war alongside the other honorees. Sadly, this war shows no sign of ending, so that all of us must continue to fight so that maybe, just maybe, the day will come when hate and prejudice are no more.”
The Lawyers’ Division provides input on and support for the legal positions and initiatives of ADL’s New York Region. The ADL Human Relations Award is a cornerstone of the Lawyers’ Division and an important tradition maintained over the years by legal, business, and philanthropic leaders who are committed to ADL’s mission.
The tribute co-chairs of the event included Alan M. Cohen, Head of Global Compliance at Goldman, Sachs, & Co., David J. Lender, Partner at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, Eric F. Grossman, Chief Legal Officer at Morgan Stanley, and Barry S. Levin, Partner at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP. Deborah M. Lauter, ADL Civil Rights Director, delivered the keynote address and discussed the growing issues of anti-Semitism and extremism as well as the League’s role in protecting civil rights and combatting hate.
The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry. Follow us on Twitter: @ADL_NY