On May 21, WilmerHale hosted two events in support of JPMorganChase’s (JPMC) annual Day of Service. These events, which brought together lawyers and business professionals from WilmerHale and JPMC, were held in collaboration with the firm’s longstanding philanthropy partner Sanctuary for Families (SFF), a New York-based legal services provider and advocate for survivors of domestic violence, sex trafficking and related forms of gender violence.
In the first of the day’s events, JPMC and WilmerHale volunteers presented a virtual Career Day program for nearly 30 individuals participating in SFF’s economic empowerment program for survivors of gender-based violence. Volunteers presented on personal branding, provided interview tips and engaged in career roundtable conversations. One SFF participant noted that “the volunteers were very kind, sharing their own experiences, the challenges they faced during their careers, and giving us advice on how to face all the obstacles.” WilmerHale’s volunteers included Legal Secretary D’Vorah Bailey, Counsel Emma Bennett, Pro Bono & Corporate Social Responsibility Project Assistant Hannah Bundy, Information Governance and Records Manager Stephen Cohen, Legal Secretary Melissa Coppola, Meeting and Event Supervisor Julia Egli, Partner Susan Schroeder and Marketing Technology Specialist Tanaz Talebpour.
At an in-person pro bono clinic held in the firm’s New York office, Partners Susan Schroeder, Chris Bouchoux and Andrew Davies joined forces with JPMC attorneys to help three SFF-referred clients apply for green cards. Each client held either asylum status (granted to those who have fled persecution in their countries) or a U-visa (granted to immigrant victims of crime who assist law enforcement in investigating and prosecuting the crime) and had now resided long enough in the United States to qualify for Lawful Permanent Residence.
“We look forward to continuing our pro bono work with these clients as they complete their applications and continue their journey toward safety and security in the United States,” said Bouchoux.
“Both of these events highlight the strength of WilmerHale’s partnerships with client JPMC and longtime community partner SFF,” noted Schroeder. “We were honored to take part in these meaningful and impactful pro bono and community service opportunities.”
This client effort involved everyone on the firm’s Pro Bono and Corporate Social Responsibility team, including Pro Bono Counsel Erin Meyer, Pro Bono Attorney Dorian Needham, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager Anne Bowie, Pro Bono Specialist Leigh Hillebrand and Pro Bono & Corporate Social Responsibility Project Assistant Hannah Bundy.