Local Attorney Honored For Volunteer Legal Work
By Neil S. Friedman

Michael Mondschein

The Brooklyn Bar Association honored local attorney Michael Mond-schein at its recent annual meeting earlier this month.

The Canarsie lawyer, who was surprised when he received the prestigious accolade, was awarded the group’s Freda S. Nisnewitz Award for pro bono service.

He told the Canarsie Courier this week that he found it to be "a very humbling experience."

Mondschein was also quite shocked to learn he had done over 400 hours of pro bono — legal representation without compensation — work in the last 15 years.

"I guess I didn’t realize how much (pro bono) I did, because whenever I’m asked — if I can — I just do it," he modestly explained.

Mondschein attributes his availability for extensive pro bono work to his wife, Lois. "Without her complete support and encouragement, I couldn’t have done it."

He also attributes his pro bono proclivity to his parents and sister who set examples that he’s followed in his work.

Mondschein works pro bono through the Volunteer Lawyers’ Pro-ject, which screens potential income eligible clients to make sure their need is valid.

"People come in off the street without any money and I can’t turn them away. I was taught to help others, so it’s second nature to me."

Mondschein said the VLP is always looking for attorneys to help people in the urgent cases they take on.

"While I’m glad to receive recognition from my peers, I’m proud of doing volunteer work in the community for years," Mondschein pointed out. He rattled off the many organizations and groups he’s given his time to over the years, including a stint as president of the local chapter of B’nai B’rith, president of the Remsen Heights Jew-ish Center and president of Community School Board 18, among others. He is also a former contributing columnist to this newspaper.

A native of Brooklyn, Mondschein attended public schools in East New York and is an alumnus of Thomas Jefferson High School. He went on to graduate from Brooklyn College and Brooklyn Law School. He has been living in Canarsie since 1969.