The Volunteers of Legal Service’s (VOLS) Microenterprise Project has been selected as a 2010 Neighborhood Achievement Award winner by the New York City Department of Small Business Services. Katten has played an important role in the success of the project, which provides pro bono legal assistance to low-income microentrepreneurs. The firm’s attorneys provide guidance on intellectual property matters, including patent, trademark and copyright registrations, and also aid microentrepreneurs in designing optimal corporate structures. Karen Ash, a partner in the firm’s Intellectual Property Practice, has served on the VOLS board of directors for the last three years, following the service of Katten partner Joshua Rubenstein in this capacity.

VOLS’ mission is to develop projects that provide pro bono civil legal services to benefit the poor in New York City. The organization will be part of a small group of honorees to be recognized by Mayor Bloomberg at a ceremony at Gracie Mansion on Tuesday, July 13.