The Law Department is pleased to announce that two of its attorneys have been selected to serve as 2024 Board Observers by the Philadelphia Bar Foundation:

Nicole Stokes, Assistant City Solicitor in the Commercial Law Unit, has been selected as a Board Observer for the Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts (PMC). PMC is a nonpartisan organization that works to make Pennsylvania’s courts accessible, fair and effective for all.

Ryan McSherry, Deputy City Solicitor in the Property Assessment Unit, has been selected as a Board Observer for Rock to the Future. Rock to the Future provides free, student-driven music programs for Philadelphia youth. Their programs focus on areas impacted by disinvestment and systems of oppression including under-resourced schools, community locations, and juvenile justice centers.

Additionally, Atusa Shirasb, Deputy City Solicitor in the Regulatory Law Unit, and Amanda Stewart Hause, Divisional Deputy City Solicitor in the Commercial Law Unit, have been appointed to serve on the Board Observer Program Steering Committee.

The Board Observer Program is a partnership between the Philadelphia Bar Foundation, its Young Lawyers Division, and its Delivery of Legal Services Committee. The program provides young lawyers with the opportunity to volunteer and serve as an Observer on a board of directors at local legal services organizations and other nonprofits.

Board Observers learn about local legal services organizations and other nonprofits and they also gain leadership skills and strengthen their professional networks in ways that help them succeed in their future careers. Participants observe board meetings and functions, and participate in committees, programs and planning activities for a one-year period.

After completing their one-year term in the program, many Board Observers continue serving in nonprofit board and leadership roles. Board Observers have often initiated innovative fundraising and program ideas for nonprofits in the Philadelphia region.