In this special report, we look at the pro bono work of the nation’s biggest law firms. U.S.-based lawyers at those firms do well, averaging nearly 55 hours of pro bono work, our latest survey shows. At 15 firms, lawyers contributed 100 pro bono hours per lawyer or more. But pro bono is not as strong among lawyers based abroad who work for U.S. firms. This was the first year we tracked international pro bono at U.S. firms. Yes, circumstances are difficult in many regions, especially where intermediaries are lacking to connect law firms with needs. And yet, as more firms become global, international pro bono must be tracked and improved.
Previous Pro Bono Report coverage :: 2013 | 2012 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008
THE FEATURES
Overview: A New Yardstick for International Pro Bono
Big differences emerge among large U.S. firms as we measure their foreign pro bono efforts for the first time. Meanwhile, domestic pro bono work remains strong.
Big differences emerge among large U.S. firms as we measure their foreign pro bono efforts for the first time. Meanwhile, domestic pro bono work remains strong.
A Big Class Action Targets Supermax Conditions
In its largest pro bono project ever, Arnold & Porter takes on the cause of mentally ill prisoners at the nation’s highest-security prison.
In its largest pro bono project ever, Arnold & Porter takes on the cause of mentally ill prisoners at the nation’s highest-security prison.
Inside the Supermax
For its class action, Arnold & Porter had to find plaintiffs who, while mentally ill, could withstand the rigors of litigation. • Plus, letters from inside.
For its class action, Arnold & Porter had to find plaintiffs who, while mentally ill, could withstand the rigors of litigation. • Plus, letters from inside.
On the State Level, Suits Focus on Prison Conditions
Am Law 200 firms take the lead in cases in Arizona, California and South Carolina.
Am Law 200 firms take the lead in cases in Arizona, California and South Carolina.
For Unaccompanied Minors, a Lack of Lawyers
Tens of thousands of children defy long odds to slip into the country by themselves every year. Many could stay—if only they could get a lawyer.
Tens of thousands of children defy long odds to slip into the country by themselves every year. Many could stay—if only they could get a lawyer.
From the Editor: Doing Good
There’s a world of need the legal profession can help tackle.
There’s a world of need the legal profession can help tackle.
THE CHARTS
By the Numbers: National Pro Bono
Firm-by-firm breakdown of pro bono hours worked by U.S.-based lawyers.
Firm-by-firm breakdown of pro bono hours worked by U.S.-based lawyers.
By the Numbers: International Pro Bono
Details of pro bono efforts by non-U.S.-based lawyers working for U.S. firms.
Details of pro bono efforts by non-U.S.-based lawyers working for U.S. firms.
Room to Improve
These firms were the lowest among respondents.
These firms were the lowest among respondents.
