October 25, 2021
Willkie is recognizing Pro Bono Week 2021 with numerous activities across the firm highlighting the importance of pro bono service and recognizing the exceptional pro bono results of our lawyers and volunteers on behalf of pro bono clients in a wide array of matters this year.
The week’s activities include a virtual showcase of training seminars and presentations highlighting Willkie’s pro bono work. From obtaining asylum for individuals from around the world to filing amicus briefs in landmark U.S. Supreme Court cases, Willkie’s global pro bono work with underrepresented clients is extensive and encompasses a broad range of causes and issues. The firm’s work on high-profile matters involving Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health amicus brief (constitutional abortion rights), Dean v. Wexford Health Sources, Section 1983 suit (civil rights) and the US “Remain in Mexico” policy (refugee rights) will be discussed, among others, with speakers from organizations including Women Lawyers On Guard and Esperanza Center - Catholic Charities Maryland.
Over the past year, more than 65% of Willkie’s U.S. attorneys billed over 20 hours to pro bono, with an average of 62 hours per lawyer. Over 300 Willkie U.S. attorneys worked on more than 360 pro bono matters, with over 100 new pro bono matters opened by the firm’s U.S. offices.
Willkie and its lawyers have been recently recognized for their pro bono efforts, including being named to the National Law Journal’s 2021 Pro Bono Hot List, which recognizes “law firms that have led the way on access to justice.” The firm’s commitment to pro bono was specifically highlighted in the firm’s top 10 ranking in The American Lawyer’s 2021 “A-List,” which noted Willkie’s pro bono score increased by 17 points over the past year. Five Willkie attorneys were chosen to receive the City Bar Justice Center 2021 Outstanding Pro Bono Service Award, out of the more than 2,000 attorneys who volunteered with the City Bar Justice Center in 2020.
The schedule of this week’s Pro Bono Week events can be found here. To register, please click here.