James Garbus Appointed to Board of Directors of the LIGLBT Network

Media Source: Long Island Business News, Newsday

James Garbus, a member of Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein P.C., co-chair of both the Corporate Law and Corporate Finance groups in the firm, has been appointed to the Board of Directors for the Long Island Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Network. “I’m honored to serve the LIGLBT Network and the important work they accomplish for GLBT youth and adults throughout the Long Island community,” said Mr. Garbus. “Recognizing the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), there continues to be significant need to increase awareness, tolerance and support in our region and I hope to contribute to ongoing efforts to achieving equality and acceptance.” The Long Island GLBT Services Network is an association of five non-profit organizations serving Long Island’s GLBT community throughout the lifespan: Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth, The Long Island GLBT Community Center, Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders – Long Island, the East End Gay Organization and Equality Long Island. Together, each organization works to end homophobia and transphobia on Long Island, to provide a home and safe space for the GLBT community, and to advocate for equality. In the past year, the Network has countered bullying through 251 workshops delivered to more than 7600 students, expanded outreach to Jewish GLBT youth through the first gay-straight alliance club in a Long Island synagogue; built advocacy and outreach in launching the - first of its kind in the nation - Long Island Gay Parent Teacher Student Association; expanded HIV prevention services; provided counseling, advocacy, resources, and education and crisis intervention; supported GLBT older adults with weekly programs and special events that build community, particularly for older GLBT adults estranged from their families; advanced activism and advocacy by training more than 400 youth, teachers, counselors, and other community members; built partnerships with LI businesses; and celebrated the 10th anniversary of The Center at Bay Shore, the 1st anniversary of The Center at Garden City and initiated efforts to open a third community center on the East End of Long Island so that more people have access to a safe space in response to community need. Mr. Garbus specializes in corporate law and finance, and represents established as well as start-up businesses, providing day-to-day general corporate representation including legal and business advice to management on strategic planning (including exit strategies) and operational issues as they arise. Mr. Garbus focuses his practice in mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance (representing both issuers and investors and including seed, private equity, and venture capital transactions and mezzanine and acquisition financing). Mr. Garbus also represents borrowers, banks and other debt providers in lending transactions (including senior secured and subordinated debt facilities). He has experience in structuring and forming complex joint ventures, limited partnerships and limited liability companies. Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein is a corporate sponsor of the Network.