Pro Bono

BigLaw firm commits nearly $1M to summer associates, nonprofits in new program

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati is committing nearly $1 million to a new initiative that promotes public service by pairing its summer associates with nonprofit organizations and government agencies around the country.

May 15, 2026 9:51 AM CDT

Lessons learned after coming out of retirement to be a pro bono prosecutor

On my 81st birthday, I found myself back in the courtroom, cross-examining a defendant and his ballistics experts in a murder trial—an unexpected chapter after winding down my practice as a senior litigation partner at Thompson Coburn. The experience underscored the reality facing many prosecutors today: While the nature of violent crime and defenses has changed, the need for hands-on training from experienced prosecutors has not.

Apr 15, 2026 2:52 PM CDT

Global Assist: Lawyer provides free legal services to women in several countries with foundation honoring late mother

Jayne Fleming is a human rights attorney who has worked with survivors of torture and sexual gender-based violence from Central America, Greece, Jordan and Haiti. She became a lawyer in 2000 and now is the global director of a foundation that she established in 2010 in honor of her late mother. Fleming recently spoke about her career and foundation with the ABA Journal.

Mar 16, 2026 7:05 AM CDT

On a Mission: Dominique Dove calls on difficult past to support female soldiers and veterans

In addition to pushing for equity in the U.S. Army, ABA member Dominique Dove volunteers with organizations that support female veterans. She also raises awareness of issues facing female veterans, including homelessness and sexual trauma, through her participation in pageants. She is reigning Dr. World 2026, which celebrates women with doctoral degrees.

Mar 3, 2026 8:11 AM CST

3Ls donated over $178M of pro bono legal work in 2025, new survey shows

More than $178 million of legal services were contributed by the law school class of 2025 via legal clinics, experiential courses, externships and other pro bono activities, according to a survey released Wednesday by the Association of American Law Schools.

Feb 19, 2026 10:29 AM CST

Law firms in Minneapolis are helping lawyers, staff navigate unrest

Amid the ongoing unrest over U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s presence in Minneapolis, several Am Law 200 law firms with offices in the city are prioritizing the well-being of their lawyers and staff, providing remote work arrangements, and facilitating opportunities to get involved.

Jan 28, 2026 10:42 AM CST

Pro bono work is the epitome of the holiday spirit

It may a be little-known fact to those outside the legal community, but attorneys give a significant amount of time and energy over the course of a year doing pro bono work.

Dec 11, 2025 9:25 AM CST

Law firm deals with government have ethical implications, DC Bar ethics opinion says

Law firms that enter into agreements with the government that may limit or shape their law practices should consider the ethical implications, according to an October ethics opinion by the District of Columbia Bar.

Oct 29, 2025 10:22 AM CDT

Justice by Design: Can legal tech deliver on its promise?

Justice can be defined as the quality of being impartial or fair. In practice, fairness has never been evenly distributed. Access to justice has always been available to those who can afford it, while those without the necessary means were often left to their own devices. That unfortunate reality reflects inherent inequity; when only the wealthiest in a society can afford legal representation, injustice inevitably follows.

Oct 24, 2025 11:05 AM CDT

ABA 2025 Celebration of Pro Bono to focus on supporting communities

Lawyers and law firms across the country will participate in volunteer events Oct. 19-25 as part of the National Celebration of Pro Bono. This year’s theme is "Supporting Communities."

Oct 15, 2025 12:30 PM CDT

Illinois moves toward approving nonlawyers to offer limited legal advice

In an effort to increase access to justice, Illinois is moving toward developing a program to allow certified nonlawyers to offer limited legal advice under the supervision of a licensed attorney.

Oct 3, 2025 1:51 PM CDT

These law firms rank highest for midlevel associate satisfaction; Trump deals and AI are on their minds

The top law firm for midlevel associate satisfaction is O’Melveny & Myers, according to an American Lawyer survey published by Law.com.

Sep 16, 2025 8:57 AM CDT

After striking deal with Trump, this BigLaw firm worked with liberal groups to secure pro bono wins in 2 cases

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett is one of nine law firms that reached deals with President Donald Trump to provide pro bono hours to causes they support. But that didn’t stop the firm from working with the American Civil Liberties Union and other liberal organizations to secure recent wins in two cases.

Aug 21, 2025 3:27 PM CDT

What pro bono is BigLaw providing under Trump deals? Trade deals get help but not some conservative causes

Some law firms that reached pro bono deals with President Donald Trump appear reluctant to take on some conservative causes, and in some instances, they are taking cases adverse to the administration, according to news reports.

Aug 18, 2025 4:09 PM CDT

Lawyers who quit BigLaw mostly jobless, but 2 work for opposition firm and another runs for Congress

Most lawyers remain unemployed after quitting their BigLaw firms in protest over pro bono deals reached with President Donald Trump to avoid punitive executive orders, according to a tally by Bloomberg Law.

Aug 12, 2025 11:34 AM CDT