Local law firm Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C. announced that attorney Steven Schwartz is the recipient of the Distinguished Advisor in Philanthropy Award.
SPRINGFIELD — Local law firm Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C. announced that attorney Steven Schwartz is the recipient of the Distinguished Advisor in Philanthropy Award.
The award is presented annually by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts in partnership with the Estate Planning Council of Hampden County and the Pioneer Valley Estate Planning Council. Each year, the award’s recipient may recommend a Hampden, Hampshire, or Franklin county charity of their choice to receive a $1,000 grant. This year, Schwartz has decided to recommend the grant be made to the Children’s Study Home in recognition of its 150 anniversary.
Schwartz concentrates his practice in the areas of family-business planning, mergers and acquisitions, corporate law, and estate planning. His practice involves representation of principals in family-business planning (including exit planning for business owners), representation of individuals and corporations in the purchase and sale of business enterprises, strategic planning for the future of clients’ businesses, and providing advice on alternatives in financing through loans and venture capital.
Schwartz is a graduate of the Boston University School of Law and Babson College. He is regularly selected to both the Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America lists. He is a member of the Hampden County, Massachusetts, and New York State bar associations.
He is also a member of several civic and community organizations, including the William J. Gould Associates Inc. residential therapeutic community, Pioneer Valley Council Boy Scouts of America, Berkshire Hatchery Foundation, Attorneys for Family-Held Enterprises, and Family Firm Institute. He previously served as a member of Springfield Technical Community College, major gifts campaign, steering committee; World Affairs Council Inc.; Parents Fund, Rhode Island School of Design (of which he is also a founder); Institutional Advancement Committee, Rhode Island School of Design; Western New England Enterprise Forum (of which he is also a co-founder); Springfield Tax Club; Urban League; Jewish Community Center; and South End Community Center.
“I am deeply humbled to have been selected for this award,” he said. “The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts has continued to devote itself to promote charities and nonprofits and has enhanced the quality of life for many people in our region.”
Founded in 1991, the Community Foundation administers a charitable endowment consisting of nearly 600 separately identified funds serving Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties.