“Out of Many, One”: NYCHA Celebrates Law Day with Reflection and Recognition

On May 1, NYCHA’s Law Department gathered to celebrate Law Day, a national day of reflection on the rule of law and the essential role it plays in a healthy democracy.

This year’s national theme — “Out of Many, One”— echoed throughout the celebration, as speaker after speaker emphasized the importance of unity, diversity, and civic responsibility, both in the practice of law and in public service generally.

“Diversity is, and will remain, our cornerstone,” said NYCHA’s General Counsel David Rohde, emphasizing the Law Department’s continuing commitment to fairness and equal representation for all in every aspect of the mission it pursues. Mr. Rohde also pointed out the Law Department’s ongoing efforts to promote accessibility and transparency.

The national theme for Law Day 2025 — “Out of Many, One”— echoed throughout the celebration,
as speaker after speaker emphasized the importance of unity, diversity, and civic responsibility

NYCHA CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt then led attendees in a rousing rendition of “The Preamble,” a song about the Constitution from the vintage TV educational series Schoolhouse Rock.

The event then turned to a series of recorded video messages from respected members of New York’s legal community. First came a greeting from Muriel Goode-Trufant, New York City’s Corporation Counsel. Her remarks were followed by an address from Hon. Anthony Cannataro, Associate Justice of the New York Court of Appeals. Both speakers reflected on the special significance this year of the 2025 Law Day theme, “E Pluribus Unum,” and both offered their perspectives on the indispensable role of public service lawyers to the continuing defense of democracy and equal justice for all.

The program then moved to a celebration of NYCHA’s own legal team, led by Managing Attorney Charles Furrey, who facilitated a series of staff recognitions. Honorees included:

• Antoinette Jordan-Younger, for outstanding teamwork.
• The Law Department’s Contracts Division (Robert Kumbotavic, Jason Goldberg, Katherine Magrane, Paul Marchisotto, Jon Gemma, Charles Giannini, Sean O’Brien, and Grace Yu), recognized for their outstanding teamwork.
• Hervé Blaise, Mary Bryant-Smalls, and Alan Liskovfrom the Landlord-Tenant Division, for their outstanding teamwork.
• Raymond Lee, honored as the Law Department’s Rookie of the Year in his first year as an Associate Investigator with the Housing Litigation Division.
• Natasha Patterson, recipient of the “Office Spirit” award.
• Sheryl Parker, awarded for “Exceptional Partnership.”
• Mercedes Areosa, honored for her 43 years of dedication to the Law Department.

The afternoon wrapped up with Mr. Rohde recognizing departmental veterans celebrating milestones of 5 through 30 years of service, along with those preparing for retirement.

In the end, this Law Day gathering reminded everyone who attended that the strength of NYCHA’s Law Department lies in its people — diverse, committed, principled, and united. Or, as any well-versed citizen might put it: out of many, one.