Legal Leaders Rewriting Child Welfare | New York City News

Two trailblazers in child welfare justice are set to receive top honors from the New York State Bar Association next month—Christine Sabino Kiesel and Dawne Mitchell, recognized with the prestigious Howard A. Levine Award for their groundbreaking work reforming the juvenile justice system. Kiesel revolutionized family court processes, slashed adoption delays, and launched “Better for Families” to connect kids with critical support services. Mitchell led a citywide team defending vulnerable youth, ending prone restraints, cracking down on anonymous abuse reports, and championing laws banning juvenile shackling—a move that puts New York among 30 states with similar protections. The ceremony, featuring Chief Judge Rowan Wilson and Bar President Taa Grays, celebrates real change for children navigating complex systems. Meanwhile, in sports law, Norton Rose Fulbright taps Steve Olenick to lead their New York sports and private equity practices, bringing elite dealmaking expertise to athletes and celebrities alike. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/3b4e0b5b8470b93e