NYSBA Honors Two Family Court Reformers With Howard Levine Award

NYSBA Honors Two Family Court Reformers With Howard Levine Award

9.17.2026

By Jennifer Andrus

The New York State Bar Association honored two family court reformers, Christine Sabino Kiesel and Dawne Mitchell, with the Howard Levine Award for Excellence in Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare.

The Sept. 17 event in Albany brought together dozens of lawyers from across New York in what organizers compared to an induction into the ‘Family Law Hall of Fame.’

Kiesel, a child welfare consultant, fought for reforms in New York’s family courts that streamlined the process, provided judicial oversight and reduced delays in adoption cases. Her training programs have educated countless child welfare professionals, improving the system from the inside out.

In accepting the award, Kiesel shared that entering private practice gave her a new perspective that everyone who works in child welfare has a role to play in promoting systemic change.

“It’s hard to work for systems change from within. It’s hard to speak to power, to challenge those beliefs,” she said. “Be the catalyst for change from within. Make some noise for the good of children and families.”

Mitchell, chief attorney for the Juvenile Rights Practice of the Legal Aid Society of New York City, leads more than 300 attorneys and staff who represent 90% of children and youth involved in the city’s family courts. State Supreme Court Justice Richard Rivera described Mitchell as having the “ferocity of a lioness” in caring for children and making sure their voices are heard.

“I have been guided by a belief that children are not subjects in a system but individuals with hopes, fears and dreams. When we listen to children, we strengthen families and our collective capacity for justice,” Mitchell said in accepting the award.

New York State Bar Association President Taa Grays praised both women for their dedication to reform and to standing up for the rights of children.

“Christine Kiesel has a remarkable combination of legal expertise and collaborative leadership,” Grays said. “She challenges the nay-sayers and nothing stops her. Dawne Mitchell believes that every family deserves to be met with dignity, clarity and meaningful support. She never loses sight of the young person at the center of every case.”

Named after the retired Court of Appeals Judge Howard Levine, the award recognizes excellence in improving New York’s child welfare and juvenile justice system. Levine, 94, continues to attend the annual event and this year’s honorees acknowledged the impact of his work.

“Judge Levine, your legacy is what I am standing on today. Thank you for your leadership. I am here because we stand together in this work,” Mitchell said.