January/February 2012 Pro Bono Spotlight: Mayer Brown LLP

The recipient of the 2011 PILI Pro Bono Initiative Award, Mayer Brown LLP has a long and pioneering history in pro bono work, both in Chicago and around the world. They were one of the first major Chicago law firms to develop and implement a pro bono strategic plan and to create a full-time pro bono director position. Their innovative programs not only engage new associates, but also encourage senior lawyers to undertake significant pro bono and public interest work. Accepting the Pro Bono Initiative Award on behalf of Mayer Brown was Marc R. Kadish, Director of Pro Bono Activities and Litigation Training.

Of their many pro bono endeavors, Mayer Brown’s most significant firmwide project is their Seventh Circuit Project. This project provides representation to indigent appellants with potentially meritorious claims while also teaching associates vital courtroom and case management skills. This mutually-beneficial integration of pro bono and training is one thing that sets Mayer Brown’s program apart, demonstrating how pro bono is both good for the community and good for the firm. Since 1999, Mayer Brown has accepted appointments and referrals in nearly 140 matters and has donated more than 50,000 hours to the Seventh Circuit Project. Mayer Brown’s Chicago office handles about 70 percent of the cases, but lawyers, summer associates and paralegals from each of Mayer Brown’s US offices are involved as well. Cases include habeas corpus cases, direct appeals of criminal convictions, prisoner’s rights issues and immigration matters.

In addition to encouraging their lawyers and staff around the world to become involved in all manner of charitable, community service and pro bono endeavors, Mayer Brown regularly makes financial contributions to a wide range of public and legal service nonprofits. They have also participated in PILI’s Fellowship Program for many years, sponsoring new associates to work at legal service agencies before starting at the firm. Mayer Brown’s pro bono work has earned them many awards from several different organizations and professional associations, including the National Law Journal, the Seventh Circuit Bar Association, the US District Court Northern District of Illinois, Chicago Volunteer Legal Services and Equip for Equality, among others. PILI was pleased to present our own Pro Bono Initiative Award to Mayer Brown in recognition of their dedication to service and innovation in expanding pro bono services and increasing access to justice for all.

Accenture

Baker & McKenzie

Caterpillar, Inc.

Chicago Volunteer Legal Services

DePaul University College of Law

Exelon

Jenner & Block

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

McDermott Will & Emery LLP

McDonalds Corporation

Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Takeda

United Airlines

West Cook Pro Bono Network