News

Day Pitney LLP has announced that attorneys Rebecca A. Iannantuoni and Jay D. Mussman are recipients of the 2019 Coleman Awards in recognition of their exemplary service and dedication to pro bono work in their communities. This year's Coleman Award winners dedicated a combined 500 hours to pro bono service.

The Coleman Awards are presented annually by Day Pitney to lawyers whose commitment to pro bono and public service exemplify the highest ideals of the legal profession and preserve the legacy of Cyril Coleman. The former Day Pitney partner served many public institutions, including as the mayor of Hartford, CT for two terms, and was known for his dignity, sound judgment and integrity.

"We are very proud of the significant contributions Rebecca and Jay have made to the communities where we work and live," said Theresa Kelly, chair of Day Pitney's Pro Bono Committee. "Our firm has a longstanding tradition of providing pro bono legal services and we are deeply committed to giving back."

2019 Coleman Award Recipients

Rebecca A. Iannantuoni, a counsel in Day Pitney's New Haven office, serves as the legal supervisor for the pro bono Palliative Medical Legal Partnership, which is a joint program between Smilow Cancer Center – Yale New Haven Hospital and Yale Law School to assist patients with life threatening illnesses to address legal issues. In addition, this past year, Iannantuoni handled several complicated matters for Lawyers for Children America, representing children in abuse and neglect petitions. She also serves as conservator for several individuals in the community with mental health issues and as guardian for certain individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Jay D. Mussman, a senior counsel in Day Pitney's Boca Raton office, leads the firm's pro bono efforts in Florida and personally provides pro bono services primarily through the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County's Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, which assists individuals involved in tax controversies with the IRS. Mussman volunteers his time regarding financial literacy matters with the School District of Palm Beach County and serves as a Community Board Member of the Financial Literacy Advisory Board. As Mussman is also a CPA, financial literacy is one of his passions. Additionally, he volunteers his time with LawWithoutWalls (LWOW), through the University of Miami School of Law, Coral Gables Florida. LWOW is a collaborative academic model that brings together students, faculty, practitioners, and entrepreneurs from around the country and the world to explore innovation in legal education and practice.