Clarissa Gomez Honored as 'New Leader of the Bar'; Raquel Lord Is Finalist for 'Best Mentor'

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., Nov. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ian S. Marx, a shareholder in global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP's New Jersey office, was named "Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year" by the New Jersey Law Journal at the 2026 New Jersey Legal Awards, held Oct. 30 at The Palace at Somerset Park.

The Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year award recognizes an individual "who has had inspiring success on a 2025 pro bono case or who dedicated a notable amount of their time in 2025 to pro bono work to achieve meaningful results," according to the publication.

Marx, a member of the firm's Litigation Practice, is passionately committed to pro bono work and using his voice and position to advocate for constitutional rights and social justice. He has devoted hundreds of hours to representing victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, political refugees, and wrongfully convicted and abused prisoners, among others. He has closely collaborated with and represented organizations including Rachel Coalition, Partners, Kids in Need of Defense, Human Rights Watch, The Innocence Project, and the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey.

"I made a decision to spend my life practicing in Big Law representing big companies in high-stakes litigation, but I didn't want to lose track of the fact that, as lawyers, we have the capacity to change lives," he said. "I wanted to use my privilege and power to help the underserved and underrepresented. Throughout New Jersey Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner's career, he has shared that it is not enough to do well financially; lawyers must remain committed to pro bono work and community initiatives. I've never forgotten that lesson."

Marx has particular experience with issues relating to witness identification testimony and its impact on wrongful convictions. He successfully argued as amicus curiae in State v. Watson and State v. Washington before the New Jersey Supreme Court. In both cases, the court accepted his clients' positions and issued precedential rulings that would make criminal trials in New Jersey fairer by eliminating scientifically unreliable testimony and reducing the number of wrongful convictions.

He joined Greenberg Traurig's New Jersey office shortly after its opening over 20 years ago and represents industry-leading, household-name clients, as well as individuals and entrepreneurs, in their most challenging, business-critical disputes both in New Jersey and in courts and arbitration proceedings throughout the United States and its territories.

Clarissa A. Gomez, of counsel in the New Jersey Litigation Practice, was named a "New Leader of the Bar, Litigation," which recognizes attorneys under 40 who "brings both notable achievements and outstanding potential to the table." In addition, Raquel S. Lord, a shareholder in the New Jersey Labor & Employment Practice, was a finalist for the "Best Mentor" award.

About Greenberg Traurig: Greenberg Traurig, LLP has approximately 3,200 lawyers across 51 locations in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. The firm's broad geographic and practice range enables the delivery of innovative and strategic legal services across borders and industries. Recognized as a 2025 BTI "Best of the Best Recommended Law Firm" by general counsel for trust and relationship management, Greenberg Traurig is consistently ranked among the top firms on the Am Law Global 100, NLJ 500, and Law360 400. Greenberg Traurig is also known for its philanthropic giving, culture, innovation, and pro bono work. Web: www.gtlaw.com.

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SOURCE Greenberg Traurig, LLP