Compassionate Counsel

The Compassionate Counsel distinction is awarded to exceptional trial lawyers who understand the value and embody the ethos of The Milestone Foundation.

Our 3rd annual Compassionate Counsel Awards Ceremony will take place on Monday, March 31, 2025 at La Cave Restaurant – The Wynn from 6-8PM.

Compassionate Counsel put their clients first—they represent them tirelessly while being sensitive to the trauma they have endured. These attorneys see access to ethical funding and financial support as a right, and they prioritize their clients’ future well-being beyond settlement.

2025 Winners

Erin Applebaum
Erin ApplebaumKreindler LLP
Matthew Haynie
Matthew HaynieForester Haynie
Karen Barth Menzies
Karen Barth MenziesKBM Law
Willard Moody Jr.
Willard Moody Jr.Moody Law Firm

Previous Winners

2024

Holly Werkema
Holly WerkemaBaron & Budd
Danielle Ward Mason
Danielle Ward MasonBullock Ward Mason
Katie Kerner
Katie KernerJenner Law
Kelly Reardon
Kelly ReardonThe Reardon Law Firm
Caty O'Quinn
Caty O'QuinnBeasley Allen

2023

Kim Dougherty
Kim DoughertyJustice Law Collaborative
Ellen Relkin
Ellen RelkinWeitz & Luxenberg
Anna Rol
Anna RolBaron & Budd
Ben Whitley
Ben WhitleyThe Whitley Law Firm

Press Release: Inaugural Compassionate Counsel Awards Recognize Civil Justice Innovators

BUFFALO, N.Y., Nov. 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The Milestone Charitable Foundation announces the launch of Compassionate Counsel, a distinction awarded annually to a select group of trial lawyers who are innovative in their pursuit of justice. Four exceptional individuals have been named to the award’s inaugural 2023 class. Read the announcement >>