CBA Record July-August 2025

Young Lawyers Section Bestows Annual Liberty Bell Award by Ann Glynn, CBA Public Affairs Director

The Liberty Bell Award recognizes a nonlawyer who works within the legal system to advocate for the disadvantaged and help increase access to the justice system for people who need it most. Sossa has dedicated over 35 years to empowering low-wage workers through community education and legal aid. As CEO of FLAP, she has strengthened justice by helping workers assert their rights, fostering employer compliance with laws, and facilitating the effective functioning of the legal system. Her extensive collab orations with consulates and organizations have expanded access to justice for countless people. Her career has been marked by a relentless pursuit of justice and empowerment for immigrants and low-wage workers. Her background includes significant com munity outreach and dedication to initiatives across Illinois and beyond. For example, during the Covid-19 pandemic, her leader ship of FLAP was instrumental in securing more than $2.4 mil lion in financial assistance to very low-wage individuals in Illinois, benefiting more than 26,000 family members. Royal F. Berg, Law Offices of Royal F. Berg, said, “Alexandra exemplifies the spirit of the Liberty Bell Award through her dedi cation to improving access to our legal system and empowering low-wage workers.” Jose Rivera of Cullen Haskins Nicholson & Menchetti, P.C., added, “Her strategic leadership at FLAP has not only helped attorneys accomplish legal outcomes for numer ous workers but has also advanced educational initiatives that empower low-wage workers to navigate and utilize the legal system effectively.”

Alexandra Sossa and 2024-25 YLS Chair Kenneth Matuszewski

T he Young Lawyers Section presented the CBA’s Liberty Bell Award to Alexandra Sossa at the Law Day Celebration. Sossa is the Chief Executive Officer of the Farmworkers and Landscapers Advocacy Project (FLAP) and a dedicated advocate for the rights and welfare of low-wage workers in Illinois.

YLS and Lawyers in the Classroom Fundraiser

The Young Lawyers Section held their annual fundraiser in support of Lawyers in the Classroom. “A Four-Star Night” raised over $18,000 for the program. Pictured from left: Stephanie Moon, YLS Recruitment Officer, Armstrong Teasdale LLP; Blake Kolesa, YLS Director, Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP; Patty McCarthy, Attorney at Law; Jacob Berger, YLS Philanthropy Officer, Tabet DiVito & Rothstein LLC; Kenneth Matuszewski, YLS Chair, Rozier Hardt McDonough; Tiffani Watson, Managing Director, Lawyers in the Classroom; Joshua Boggioni, Lawyers in the Classroom Board Member, BatesCarey LLP; and Deepa Singh, YLS Program Officer, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

CBA RECORD 17