Davis Polk’s pro bono representation of Sadik Topia, a newsstand dealer on New York City’s Upper West Side, was highlighted in a recent West Side Spirit article. Counsel and head of Pro Bono Litigation Dara Sheinfeld discussed how Davis Polk became involved in the matter, which the firm is handling in partnership with Volunteers of Legal Service.

For Dara, this representation is close to home: She has known Sadik since moving to the neighborhood almost 20 years ago. She realized something was wrong when she saw Sadik’s newsstand closed down. “I saw that his newsstand was boarded up right away because I pass it to go to the subway every day,” she said. “And I was very confused. Because he’s always there. To see the stand closed–It’s never closed. It doesn’t matter what’s happening–Covid, a blizzard. He’s always open.”

After Dara read an article about the closure, she reached out to the City Council member who had taken up Sadik’s cause, to ask if pro bono representation could help.

An interdisciplinary team of Davis Polk corporate, tax and litigation lawyers are working on the matter. “We really are just committed to learning what’s going on and trying to find a path forward to get him back in business,” Dara explained.

“Heavy Hitter Lawyers Come to Aid of Embattled Newsstand Dealer,” The West Side Spirit (February 12, 2024)

Learn more about Davis Polk’s Pro Bono program.

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