New York State Bar Association Honors New York City Attorney for her Commitment to Needy Families
11.2.2024
New York City attorney Amanda Lyons has been named the winner of the Root Stimson Award for her commitment to children and families in need.
Lyons is exceptional in both her professional and personal life. She rose quickly through the ranks of her law firm, working as a paralegal by day and attending law school at night. In a few short years, she was promoted to managing attorney at Hach Rose Schirripa and Cheverie. While juggling those responsibilities, she still found time to help New York City’s most vulnerable residents.
“Her dedication to community service increased when the pandemic hit in 2020,” said Domenick Napoletano, president of the New York State Bar Association. “She was the driving force behind collecting food and other supplies for food pantries in New York City. When she learned many pantries were closed, she started her own pop-up distribution sites on the sidewalks of different New York City neighborhoods.”
These pop-ups grew into a non-profit called Amanda Donates. The organization has adopted an entire school community, and provides Thanksgiving and holiday meals, along with gifts for each student.
Maria Interlandi, the principal of a public school in Brooklyn adopted by the charity, says each year Lyons delivers holiday magic for her kids.
“To see someone so dedicated to bettering the lives of others, especially children, is heartwarming and refreshing. Amanda has singlehandedly brought a sense of renewal and hope to our school community,” she said.
The Root Stimson award is given for outstanding commitment to community service and improvement of the justice system. Napoletano presented the award to Lyons during a meeting of the association’s House of Delegates, its governing body, at the Bar Center in Albany on Nov. 2.
The award is named for Elihu Root and Henry Stimson and honors their commitment to public service. Root served as secretary of state in President Theodore Roosevelt’s administration, received the Nobel Peace Prize and presided over the New York State Bar Association as its president. Stimson was secretary of war under Presidents William Howard Taft, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman. He also served as secretary of state under President Herbert Hoover.
