NEW YORK—A Covington team was recognized at Sanctuary for Families’ 2026 Above & Beyond Awards, which honors members of the legal community who provide outstanding pro bono representation and advocacy to survivors of domestic violence, sex trafficking, and related forms of gender violence.
The Covington team was honored for “its extraordinary creativity, persistence, and trauma-informed advocacy in securing the release of Ms. H, a survivor of domestic violence who spent years incarcerated for crimes directly tied to the abuse she endured.”
Ross Kramer, Director of Sanctuary’s Incarcerated Gender Violence Survivors Initiative, noted that what made this representation exceptional was not only the Covington team’s legal skill, but their willingness to create a path where none previously existed. By combining thoughtful legal advocacy with compassion, persistence, and close collaboration, the team secured a life-changing result for a client who otherwise had no avenue for relief.
The Covington team included Kristin Mace, Barbara Hoffman, Anna Venguer Benrey, and Stephanie Turrentine, as well as former Covington associates Michael E. Cunniff, Braden Fain, Tyler Holbrook, Katherine Onyshko, Ryan A. Partelow, and Qijia “Janna” Yu.
Covington was also recognized at last year’s Sanctuary for Families’ Above & Beyond Pro Bono Awards. In addition, the firm received this year’s National Law Journal “Community Impact Award” and ranked second among Am Law 200 firms in The American Lawyer’s annual Pro Bono Scorecard.
Covington has demonstrated a strong commitment to public service. The firm is frequently recognized for pro bono service, including being ranked 12 times as the number one pro bono practice in the U.S. by The American Lawyer. Much of the firm's pro bono work is anchored in meeting local needs, serving economically disadvantaged individuals and families in our surrounding communities, in addition to its long history of serving vulnerable clients and important causes throughout the U.S. and the world.
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