John H. Pickering inspired generations of lawyers with his lifelong and much-heralded commitment to public service. In his honor, WilmerHale has created the Pickering Fellowships, a program that allows WilmerHale associates to spend six months each working in a pro bono organization. Katie Gillespie and David Giordano are the first selected to lend their legal skills to a public interest organization and carry out the organization’s mission.

Ms. Gillespie will spend her fellowship at The Washington Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs (WLCCRUA). WLCCRUA was established in 1968 by Washington, DC’s leading law firms, including WilmerHale, in response to the racial disturbances sweeping through Washington and other cities at that time. Today it is the premier civil rights legal organization in the city and sets a national standard for civil rights advocacy. WLCCRUA’s work focuses on six project areas: equal employment opportunity, fair housing, prisoners’ rights, public education, disability rights and immigrant and refugee rights.

Mr. Giordano will spend his fellowship with The Medical-Legal Partnership for Children at Boston Medical Center ("MLPC"). MLPC allows pediatric clinicians to work with lawyers to ensure that families can meet their children's basic needs. MLPC addresses non-biological factors (food, housing, education and safety) known to influence children’s health. Started in 1993 by Boston Medical Center and Boston University, it has expanded to over 30 sites nationally.

WilmerHale has a long history of community service and philanthropy, based on the strong principles John Pickering held in founding the firm. Today the firm pays tribute to his legacy and strengthens its commitment to the community with Ms. Gillespie and Mr. Giordano’s work as Pickering Fellows. WilmerHale congratulates them both and is proud to have them represent the firm as the inaugural Pickering Fellows.

To learn more about John H. Pickering and his legacy, please here.