For the second consecutive year, Law360 selected WilmerHale to its "Pro Bono Firms of the Year" list for notable successes ranging from issues affecting the nation to life-altering representations of individual clients.
WilmerHale instills a culture of strong belief that everyone has a responsibility to help strengthen our communities. Last year alone, 1,235 attorneys donated 142,773 hours.
As quoted by Law360, "the work gives young lawyers opportunities they might not otherwise have on major cases," said Keith Slenkovich, a partner who coordinates the pro bono program in the firm's Palo Alto office.
Among this year's pro bono wins, WilmerHale was recognized for persuading a New York appeal court to prevent the implementation of a new screening process for homeless individuals, keeping thousands of individuals off the streets. The firm was also recognized for its victory in the Supreme Court, providing a federal habeas corpus review to a Texas prisoner who received ineffective assistance of counsel during trial. The success will provide prisoners beyond Texas greater access to federal habeas courts. The firm also successfully represented a victim of domestic violence in a fight to obtain custody of her children under an international treaty.
The firm's pro bono work is not exclusive to representation in court. WilmerHale lawyers also offer workshops and legal clinics to entrepreneurs of limited means who are forming, or have already formed, a business and provide free legal guidance on many issues.
As quoted by Law360, "it's a way we can help others who are less fortunate," said Josh Fox, a partner out of the firm's Waltham, Massachusetts office who helps to organize these efforts. "We're able to advise people who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford advice as they work to start their businesses."
The steadfast commitment to public service is embedded in the firm's culture. For decades, WilmerHale's renowned reputation and work in pro bono and community service have positively affected communities and provided a sense of satisfaction and growth for lawyers who commit to the work.