Joshua Savey, an Associate in the Tax Group at Shearman & Sterling, began volunteering with Pro Bono Partnership in 2020. In a short time, Josh has become one of our “go to” tax volunteers, having already assisted seven nonprofits with a variety of matters ranging from filing for 501(c)(3) tax exemption status to working through several very complicated tax issues impacting corporate structure and nonprofit status.
Last year, Josh volunteered to assist our longstanding client, The Picture House Regional Film Center, a nonprofit in Pelham, New York whose mission is to create a shared community experience for diverse audiences through film, educational programing, and unique cultural offerings. The Picture House hoped to fund and produce an important film about the impact of the George Floyd/Black Lives Matter moment on a predominantly white suburb, but first needed some thorny tax issues resolved. Even though there was a tight deadline for this project, Josh immediately agreed to assist and provided thorough, thoughtful, and practical advice. Laura deBuys, the President of the Picture House, was thrilled with Josh’s professionalism, speed, and ability to provide meaningful guidance. And the Pro Bono Partnership attorney supervising this matter described Josh as a “terrific volunteer” who was “professional, kind, responsive and a delight to work with.”
The Partnership and our nonprofit clients are very grateful for the hard work and dedication of Josh, and everyone at Shearman & Sterling who supports pro bono efforts. Since the firm began volunteering with Pro Bono Partnership in 2009, Shearman attorneys have assisted our nonprofit clients on 92 matters! This consistent and reliable support helps empower nonprofits and strengthen our communities.