Media Mentions
2011
“Law Firms Lend Helping Hand to Organization”
Chicago Lawyer, December 15, 2011
Todd Solomon discussed how his legal action to secure appropriate special education for his son led to his pro bono work for nonprofit advocacy organization Equip for Equality. “I experienced firsthand how difficult the special education process was to navigate, even as a lawyer,” Mr. Solomon said. “It’s pretty complicated from a legal standpoint to know what your rights are and how to enforce those rights.” Mr. Solomon is pro bono co-chair for the Chicago office, and McDermott is one of 14 law firms giving pro bono help to Equip for Equality.
Todd A. Solomon, Employee Benefits, Pro Bono & Community Service
“Lawyers Giving Back: Bundles of Love”
ABA Journal, December 2011
Menna Eltaki, Latonia Keith, Carol Harrington and Elise Beyer were pictured creating “Bare Necessities Bundles” of clothing, diapers and personal care items for women and children at a local Chicago women’s treatment center, as part of the inaugural “Together for a Cause” event co-sponsored by McDermott and LexisNexis.
Carol A. Harrington, Latonia Haney Keith, Elise J. McGee, International Tax, Private Client, Pro Bono & Community Service, Tax
“Shifting the Pro Bono Paradigm”
The Washington Post “Capital Business,” November 21, 2011
Guy Collier, chair McDermott’s pro bono and community service committee, said that providing resources to enable lawyers at or near retirement to continue doing pro bono work is “being internally discussed. It hasn’t quite crystallized yet. One of the things we’re assessing is how interested retiring lawyers will be once they leave partnerships. We’re having those discussions with folks who may be candidates.”
H. Guy Collier, Pro Bono & Community Service
“McDermott Moves to Larger Miami Office”
Daily Business Review, October 4, 2011
McDermott Will & Emery expanded its Miami operations by adding more space and moving to the downtown Wells Fargo Center. The firm now occupies 31,000 square feet, up from 21,000 square feet at the Miami Center. To celebrate the opening, McDermott chose to make an undisclosed donation to All-Aboard-Family Literacy Program, a multicultural after-school program in Miami. The firm has 32 attorneys in Miami and more than 1,000 firmwide in 16 offices internationally.
“McDermott Wins Asylum for Woman in Trafficking Case”
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, September 21, 2011
Brett Johnson said that a McDermott pro bono team won asylum for a sex trafficking victim from Democratic Republic of Congo by “present[ing] the case as one of persecution” because “the odds of her being sex trafficked again were very high.” On the team with Mr. Johnson were Brett Bachtell, Mennatallah Eltaki, Katherine Schon and Sandra McGill (who as a French speaker did most of the communication with the client). Pro Bono Counsel Latonia Haney Keith said the team’s success “speaks a lot to the quality of work and dedication” the firm has in asylum cases.
Brett E. Bachtell, Brett R. Johnson, Latonia Haney Keith, Sandra P. McGill, Katherine M. Schon, Employee Benefits, Intellectual Property, Pro Bono & Community Service, Tax
“D.C. Lawyers Honored for Civil Rights Work”
Blog of Legal Times, June 16, 2011
McDermott was one of several major law firms in Washington, D.C. honored by the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs with its 2011 Outstanding Achievement Awards to Cooperating Law Firms for their pro bono work and handling of victorious civil rights cases during the past year.
“D.C. Federal Judges Praise Local Firms’ Pro Bono Legal Work”
Blog of Legal Times, April 7, 2011
McDermott was one of 30 Washington, DC-area law firms honored by leading federal jurists for having at least 40% of their lawyers perform 50 or more hours of pro bono service during the past year. Over 100 firms were eligible for the recognition.
“More than Bread Alone”
Bostonia Magazine (Boston University), Winter/Spring 2011
Peter Resnik was profiled for his work assisting homeless persons in Boston. Mr. Resnik has provided pro bono legal assistance, helped to secure housing and was the driving force behind the 2008 establishment of a book club at an Episcopal church for homeless individuals in downtown Boston. “What I didn’t understand then is that being homeless is a very isolating experience,” Mr. Resnick said of why he started the now-thriving book club. “As hard as the nights are . . . the days are difficult because they’re meaningless.” He remains an active participant in the club and says of his fellow members: “It’s a mutual relationship. We’re friends. Friends, period.”
Peter L. Resnik, Pro Bono & Community Service
“1st Circuit Weighs Whether Inmate Should Be Treated for Gender Identity Disorder”
National Law Journal, March 7, 2011
Neal Minahan provided oral argument representation pro bono to a Massachusetts prison inmate before the First Circuit Court, in the state’s appeal of a district court’s ruling that the prison system had improperly denied the inmate treatment for gender identity disorder. Mr. Minahan said the Department of Corrections looked at the inmate’s condition in terms of “how do we not give this treatment” rather than “in terms of how do we do it.” He added that any security concern was “certainly not one that would warrant denial for a serious medical condition. The district court said the Department of Corrections had failed to exercise any judgment.”
Neal E. Minahan, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
2010
“A Book Club Whose Best Stories Aren’t Written Down”
WBUR-FM Boston (WBUR.org), November 25, 2010
Peter Resnik updated Boston Public Radio on the book club he helped form two years ago for homeless individuals who spend their nights on Boston Common near the city’s business district. Mr. Resnick regularly participates in club meetings, and has helped one member find permanent residence. “It’s very easy, as I did for many years, walking through the Common and … dehumanizing what is obviously the pain that people are going through, and the isolation that people are going through, and not dealing with it,” Mr. Resnik observed. “[T]hrough the book club … you saw people as thinking, feeling human beings, nice people, people you could have as friends …”
Peter L. Resnik, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
“Corporate Attorneys Find Avenues for Pro Bono Work”
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, October 26, 2010
Latonia Haney Keith discussed “the concerns expressed by transactional lawyers that pro bono opportunities, even those geared toward transactional lawyers, are not right within their given specialty and they, therefore, feel uncomfortable taking on the matter.” She said that McDermott is working to increase pro bono involvement for transactional lawyers in various ways, including an Entrepreneurial Outreach Clinic that enables these lawyers to advise new nonprofits and small businesses.
Latonia Haney Keith, Pro Bono & Community Service
“Pro Bono: No Excuses Remaining”
Chicago Lawyer, October 1, 2010
Todd Solomon was singled out as a partner who has developed a national reputation in employee benefits practice while undertaking substantial pro bono work. Mr. Solomon received praise for spending hundreds of hours annually on pro bono employee benefits projects, serving as a “go-to” resource on pension issues for legal aid programs, representing disabled children in special education cases, performing legal assessments of nonprofits and chairing the Chicago office’s pro bono committee – all as “in-house cheerleader” in the Firm for pro bono.
Todd A. Solomon, Employee Benefits, Pro Bono & Community Service
Amandeep Sidhu was quoted by the AFP news service on September 24 (in a dispatch carried on Google News and other sources) regarding McDermott’s latest successful pro bono representation enabling a Sikh U.S. Army enlistee to maintain his religiously mandated turban and beard. “I think the Army, and Defense Department more broadly, took nine months to take this decision because it was a big decision,” said Mr. Sidhu. He added the hope that eventually the Army would “go that one step further and amend the uniform regulation in a way that would allow Sikhs to serve without having to automatically go through the extraordinary hoops” of litigation.
Amandeep S. Sidhu, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
Amandeep Sidhu was quoted by the Blog of Legal Times on September 2 regarding his leadership of a McDermott pro bono team in its latest success at securing Pentagon approval for Sikhs to maintain their religiously mandated beards and turbans while serving in the U.S. Army. After winning one-time exemptions for two officers last year, Mr. Sidhu’s team recently secured the same right for an enlisted soldier. “This is historic, absolutely, in terms of what this means for Sikhs,” Mr. Sidhu stated. “The officer accommodation was clearly a big step in the right direction. The accommodation of an enlisted soldier is an even bigger step and brings us one step closer to the average Sikh being able to serve his country.” The story also received mention in The Wall Street Journal (September 2).
Amandeep S. Sidhu, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
Bruce Berman was quoted in Jet Blue’s Happy Jetting (July 2010) concerning his eight years on the board, and two years as president, of Feeding South Florida. “I have had greater satisfaction from volunteering for this organization than for almost any comparable activity in my lifetime,” Mr. Berman said of the food bank with multiple Miami-area locations. “There is no more fundamental cause than feeding the hungry in our community, from children to seniors, and no organization better able to convert donated dollars to food than Feeding South Florida with its ability to turn more than 98 cents of every contributed dollar directly to food.”
, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
H. Guy Collier was quoted by the Washington Business Journal on June 25 regarding the 2.5 percent increase in pro bono hours reported by 29 Washington law firms to the District of Columbia Bar. Mr. Collier, who chairs the Bar’s pro bono committee, cited an overall strong performance by law firms in meeting the Bar’s Pro Bono Initiative, and stated: “Despite the economic downturn, our culture and tradition in the District of Columbia remains at the top of the pack in terms of pro bono legal work.”
H. Guy Collier, Pro Bono & Community Service
Daniel Foster was quoted on Surfline (June 23) concerning a unanimous U.S. Supreme Court ruling in favor of Surfrider Foundation in a case that upheld (against a property owner challenge) the constitutionality of Florida’s beach management program that returns beaches to public use after beach renourishment. McDermott lawyers wrote the Foundation’s brief on a pro bono basis, and Mr. Foster called the Court’s ruling “a great decision for Surfrider.” He added: “We believe the Supreme Court’s decision is consistent with Surfrider’s mission to promote the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves and beaches for all people. The decision should profoundly affect states’ ability to maintain and provide access to beaches for the public.”
Daniel R. Foster, Pro Bono & Community Service
Melissa Nott Davis was cited in a May 10 Boston Globe story about the Medical-Legal Partnership Boston an innovative program at Boston Medical Center and its affiliated community health centers providing legal services for low income patients in an effort to address health disparities. MLP Boston also partners with a some of the largest law firms in Boston, including McDermott, for pro bono assistance. Ms. Davis, co-chair of the Firm’s Boston office Pro Bono and Community Service committee, stated that the lawyers who participate in the partnership get useful experience in client care, case management and health care law. “It allows folks at a younger place in their career to really take the lead on different matters,” she said, adding that McDermott lawyers, staff and summer associates have devoted more than 1,400 hours to the partnership in the last five years.
Melissa Nott Davis, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
Nancy Ross spoke to the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin on May 4 about McDermott’s Chicago office efforts for the United Way as its flagship charity, which earned the Firm United Way’s Great Beginnings Award. During 2009, 140 Chicago lawyers and staff participated in such United Way Days of Caring events as distributing food to poor families, serving breakfast to the homeless and reading to children in day care centers. "We don’t get opportunities…on a daily basis to work hand-in-hand with large groups of people who are less fortunate," Ms. Ross said of such efforts. She participated in the breakfast for the homeless, calling it "an exceptional experience to recognize them as the human beings they are and give back to them some of our good fortune." Prashant Kolluri (who organized and participated in the Days of Caring events) added, "Being able to help people on a daily basis is a rewarding experience."
Prashant Kolluri, Nancy G. Ross, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
Melissa Nott Davis was profiled as an Up & Coming Lawyer in the April 19 issue of Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. The article describes how Ms. Davis is both an effective commercial litigator and a vigorous advocate for children in pro bono matters. Although she is highly competitive as a litigator, she also seeks to resolve cases without resort to trial. “I love helping think about what a client is looking for in terms of a business result and how to get there,” Ms Davis said. “A settlement can be an incredible win.” By being both a litigator and a child advocate, she added, “I’m able to indulge both passions” in her professional life.
Melissa Nott Davis, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
Jeremy Elman was mentioned in the March 2 Broward Daily Business Review for having received the 2009 Wavemaker Award from the Surfrider Foundation board of directors. The Award recognizes Mr. Elman’s volunteer support for the organization and its mission of protecting oceans, waves and beaches.
Jeremy T. Elman, Intellectual Property, Pro Bono & Community Service
Todd Solomon was featured in a February 2010 story in the Chicago Bar Foundation’s Guardians of Justice newsletter concerning the pro bono support that a team of 10 McDermott lawyers is providing to the AIDS Legal Council of Chicago (ALCC). Mr. Solomon and his team joined with the Nonprofit Legal Assessment Program to assist the ALCC with a wide range of legal issues. Mr. Solomon described the program as “uniquely successful,” in that it gives the McDermott lawyers “in-area” pro bono experience with their practice areas. As a result of the program, McDermott attorneys now take on pro bono cases from ALCC, the Firm has increased financial sponsorship, and Mr. Solomon has joined the board of directors.
Todd A. Solomon, Employee Benefits, Pro Bono & Community Service
Edward Leibensperger was mentioned in a February 7 post on the “Protecting our children from being sold” blog (citing a news release from the organization Children’s Rights), concerning a Michigan federal court’s approval of a settlement agreement requiring comprehensive reform and federal court oversight of Michigan’s child welfare system. Mr. Leibensperger was co-counsel in the Dwayne B. v. Granholm lawsuit (filed in 2006 in conjunction with Children’s Rights) that led to the settlement.
, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
Joanne Ludovici-Lint was quoted in the February 2010 issue of Washington Lawyer concerning her pro bono work on adoption and guardianship matters for the Children’s Law Center (CLC). Noting that she initially had no experience in adoption issues because her practice focuses on business litigation, Ms. Ludovici-Lint said that “in the beginning you do feel a little like a fish out of water; it can be overwhelming when you think that you’ve got the future of an at-risk child at stake, but working with the CLC makes it a less stressful experience because they really are there for you.” She added that she finds the cases very fulfilling because “you get to work with amazing clients and great mentors, and you also get to know the judges who, in my experience, are very involved in these cases …”
Joanne Ludovici-Lint, Pro Bono & Community Service
Eric Conn was quoted by USA Today on February 1 concerning a federal court ruling that ordered the owner of an Internet-based company to stop selling term papers unless he can prove he has permission from the papers’ authors. Mr. Conn represents a number of authors in the case and is seeking compensation for them. “We'd like to stop this practice, or get as close to stopping [it] as we can,” he stated.
, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
Joanne Ludovici-Lint and Robert Zelnick were noted in the January 2010 issue of Washington Lawyer, as they appeared with a pro bono client and her adopted daughter at the 25th Annual Adoption Day Ceremony sponsored by the Children’s Law Center. The Center referred the client to Ms. Ludovici-Lint and Mr. Zelnick, and the adoption proceeding that they handled was one of 36 finalized at the ceremony.
Joanne Ludovici-Lint, Robert W. Zelnick, Pro Bono & Community Service
2009
Nancy Ross was quoted in a November 23 Chicago Tribune examination of charitable giving programs by businesses. Ms. Ross chaired McDermott’s unified United Way fundraising campaign (which also included volunteer service days), and said the thinking behind the effort was that “people at the firm would be more willing to participate if they felt they were not being asked to donate to a number of charities with every turn they took around the corner.” She emphasized the importance of giving as part of the Firm’s larger role, noting, “Even though as individuals we’re all taking hits in our salary, … relatively speaking we were in a position to be giving back much more than other people.”
Nancy G. Ross, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
Harvey Freishtat was noted by The Jewish Advocate on November 6 as the recipient of the Distinguished Community Leadership Award presented by the Jewish Alliance for Law & Social Action (JALSA). The award recognizes both McDermott for its commitment to community service and dedication to justice, and Mr. Freishstat for his instrumental role in growing the Firm’s highly successful pro bono and community service program and in building a workplace environment that has overcome social barriers.
Harvey W. Freishtat, Pro Bono & Community Service
Jason Polevoy was listed by The Metropolitan Corporate Counsel on November 2 as one of the recipients of the Cornerstone Award presented by the Lawyers Alliance for New York. The award honors outstanding pro bono service by members of the New York legal community to New York nonprofit organizations that assist New Yorkers in need.
, Corporate, Pro Bono & Community Service
Jason Polevoy was mentioned by the New York Law Journal on October 27 as one of eight individual lawyers to receive the Lawyers Alliance for New York’s 2009 Cornerstone Award. The award recognizes pro bono legal aid to nonprofit groups working to improve low-income neighborhoods in New York City.
, Corporate, Pro Bono & Community Service
McDermott Will & Emery was cited in the October 27 New York Law Journal as a recipient of the Pro Bono Champion Award from The Door, a New York City youth development agency. The award recognizes law firms providing pro bono services to disadvantaged New York City youth, and McDermott was one of two firms honored by The Door.
Amandeep Sidhu was quoted by The Blog of Legal Times on October 26 for his successful representation of a Sikh-American medical officer admitted to active service with the U.S. Army. Although the admission of the officer without requiring removal of his religiously mandated turban and beard was an individual decision, Mr. Sidhu stated that “the goal was to change the policy to allow all Sikhs to serve in the U.S. armed services,” adding that army representatives “have indicated that they realize the policy issue remains and they need to turn their attention to this issue.” Noting that Congress in 1987 exempted neat and conservative religious garments from its ban on religious expression among soldiers, Mr. Sidhu said, “Our argument has been that the army has been ignoring congressional intent for 22 years. This may not be something that requires any additional legislative change.”
Amandeep S. Sidhu, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
Amandeep Sidhu’s role in securing the admission of a Sikh-American medical officer into active service with the U.S. Army was recognized in an October 23 Reuters dispatch that appeared in the Washington Times, Post Chronicle, BizJournals, India Times and Yahoo News. The officer was allowed to maintain is religiously mandated turban and beard, ending a 23-year policy that excluded Sikhs from service. “[W]e have steadfastly asserted that our clients’ religious requirements in no way hinder their ability to serve our nation,” said Mr. Sidhu, who represented the officer in conjunction with the Sikh Coalition. “We are deeply impressed with the Army’s forward-thinking approach in allowing our client to serve with his turban and beard, and we now call upon the Army to consider amendments to its uniform policy that continues to close the doors to other Sikh-Americans from serving in the U.S. Army.”
Amandeep S. Sidhu, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
Eric Hagen was pictured in The Alliance for Children’s Rights e-newsletter (Summer 2009), recognizing his pro bono participation in the Summer Adoption Day program of The Alliance for Children’s Rights.
Eric W. Hagen, Intellectual Property, Pro Bono & Community Service
H. Guy Collier was pictured and discussed in an October 8 LegalBisnow story covering a Children’s Law Center function honoring Attorney General Eric Holder. The story noted that Mr. Collier is incoming chairman of the Center, and that he gave an impressive presentation describing the Center’s innovative medical-legal access program. The program identifies children receiving pediatric services who may also need legal help and connects them with the Center’s attorneys or staff members.
H. Guy Collier, Pro Bono & Community Service
McDermott was cited by The Boston Bar Association (October 2009) for having “provided extraordinary pro bono support and resources” to help The Children’s Law Center of Massachusetts complete a recently released study on the impact of the state’s requirement that juvenile offenders convicted of murder receive a life sentence without parole. The Firm’s two-year collaboration with The Children’s Law Center on this project has received both the Massachusetts Bar Association Access to Justice Award and the Citizens for Juvenile Justice 2008 Leadership Award.
Melissa Nott Davis, Pro Bono & Community Service
Nancy Ross was quoted in Chicago Lawyer’s blog, Around the Water Cooler, on September 23 regarding the four Day of Caring projects that the Firm has participated in with United Way of Metropolitan Chicago. One project that McDermott volunteers participated in was to bag and distribute food, delivered by the Greater Chicago Food Depository, to the North Lawndale YMCA. “It was just a wonderful feeling,” Ms. Ross said. “We were able to look them in the eye and provide them with their groceries. It was a terrific feeling of giving back to the community and providing our actual physical labor and assistance.” Ms. Ross continued, “The feedback has been terrific, but the reward for doing it is just tremendous.”
Nancy G. Ross, Pro Bono & Community Service
Neal Minahan was quoted in a National Law Journal story on August 26, concerning a U.S. First Circuit Court decision to uphold a lower court ruling that required Massachusetts prison officials to allow two Muslim inmates access to televised prayer services. The trial court appointed McDermott as pro bono counsel for the inmates, and Mr. Minahan, as part of the pro bono team, said that the ruling fleshes out the First Circuit’s case law on the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA). “Once a plaintiff has established a substantial burden on his or her religious exercise, then the burden shifts to the government,” Mr. Minahan said, commenting on the policies that the inmates had protested. “They [the government] need some compelling reason to substantially burden a plaintiff's access to religious services, to burden their sincere religious beliefs.”
Neal E. Minahan, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
McDermott Chicago Office employees were mentioned by the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin on August 20 for their participation in three “Days of Caring” projects sponsored by United Way of Metropolitan Chicago in June and July. The projects included bagging and handing out produce to the indigent, preparing and serving breakfast at the Inspiration Café to people with low incomes, and reading to and playing with children at two day care/youth centers.
Nancy G. Ross, Pro Bono & Community Service
Nancy Ross was quoted in a July 27 story on United Way of Metropolitan Chicago web site (www.uw-mc.org) detailing McDermott’s participation in the organization’s Day of Caring program. Earlier this year 27 persons from the Firm helped package food at the Greater Chicago Food Depository for distribution to the needy, and up to 70 more individuals from McDermott are scheduled to participate in activities of three other United Way agencies. “Unanimously, everyone found the [food packaging] experience quite enriching. … We are all extremely busy in our lives but there is no better reward than volunteering, in my view,” Ms Ross stated. She added that “United Way doesn’t focus on one important facet. They span across a multitude of critical issues that affect communities throughout the region. That’s an important mission that we are happy to support.”
Nancy G. Ross, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
Daniel Curto and Melissa Nott Davis were cited by the Massachusetts Bar Association Lawyers Journal (June 2009) for their leadership of the pro bono effort in the Firm's Boston office, as recognized when the Bar Association gave McDermott its Access to Justice Pro Bono Law Firm Award. Harvey Freishtat, who accepted the award on behalf of the Firm, said of McDermott's extensive pro bono activity: "Much of the impetus of what we have done Firm-Wide originated out of our Boston office. We are committed to serving public interests."
Daniel A. Curto, Melissa Nott Davis, Harvey W. Freishtat, Pro Bono & Community Service
Daniel Curto and Melissa Nott Davis, co-chairs of McDermott's Boston Office Pro Bono & Community Service Committee, were featured in a May 2009 Massachusetts Bar Association Lawyers Journal story about the office's selection to receive the Massachusetts Bar Association's Access to Justice Pro Bono Award. More than half of the Firm's Boston office lawyers do 50 or more hours of pro bono work a year, and 87 percent have some pro bono activity. Mr. Curto said the office's support for pro bono work "empowers our folks to find something they really love, and this has hade it a great success." He added that "we have a handful of pro bono partners [organizations] that we work closely with, but we don't limit our attorneys to working with them. We look to expand our partnerships as appropriate."
Daniel A. Curto, Melissa Nott Davis, Pro Bono & Community Service
Katrina Crafton and Todd Solomon were named by the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin on May 4 as recipients of the Pro Bono Award from the Chicago Legal Clinic, Inc.
Katrina A. Crafton, Todd A. Solomon, Pro Bono & Community Service
Lisa Linsky was quoted in an April 24 story in Echelon Magazine about McDermott's successful pro bono effort, in conjunction with Lambda Legal, to reverse the Social Security Administration's denial of insurance benefits to the children of a disabled gay father who had fulfilled all prerequisites for the benefits. Noting that a number of McDermott Trial and Employee Benefits lawyers had participated in the effort as part of the Firm's commitment to pro bono and diversity, Ms. Linsky said that the Social Security Administration's reversal "validated fundamental principles of law and public policy," and that it "confirms the rights of all parents and children, regardless of the parents' sexual orientation." Other McDermott lawyers on the team included Amy Gordon, Elizabeth Philpott and Todd Solomon.
Amy M. Gordon, Lisa A. Linsky, Elizabeth P. Philpott, Todd A. Solomon, Employee Benefits, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
Latonia Haney Keith was quoted in a Chicago Lawyer Magazine Q&A feature on March 16, speaking about her pro bono and community service practice. She noted that the most interesting part of the practice is "finding innovative ways in which McDermott Will & Emery, as well as law firms in general, can address the unmet legal needs of low-income individuals and communities throughout the United States and abroad. Ms. Keith added that the current recession "is dramatically affecting the public interest law firms and agencies that serve our communities' most needy individuals, who are themselves faced with greater legal issues as a result of the economy.
Latonia Haney Keith, Pro Bono & Community Service
Jeffrey E. Stone was mentioned March 9 on Eight Forty Eight regarding the Chicago Bar Foundation's (CBF) Investing in Justice Campaign. Mr. Stone, partner and head of McDermott's Trial Department, will chair CBF's 3rd Annual Investing in Justice Campaign this March. CBF states that there are fewer than 300 legal aid attorneys in the region for more than one million low-income residents who qualify for their services. To hear the entire interview click here.
Jeffrey E. Stone, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
Jeffrey E. Stone was quoted on February 25 in The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin regarding the Chicago Bar Foundations (CBF) Investing in Justice Campaign. Mr. Stone, partner and head of McDermott's Trial Department, will chair CBF's 3rd Annual Investing in Justice Campaign this March. Mr. Stone asked, "If not us, who?" He continued, "Lawyers and the legal community in general probably have the greatest insight into the need for the provision of legal services."
Jeffrey E. Stone, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
Jeffrey E. Stone was mentioned on February 23 in The Chicago Tribune regarding the Chicago Bar Foundation's (CBF) Investing in Justice Campaign. Mr. Stone, partner and head of McDermott's Trial Department, will chair CBF's 3rd Annual Investing in Justice Campaign this March.
Jeffrey E. Stone, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
Jeffrey E. Stone was quoted on February 18 in The Am Law Litigation Daily regarding the Chicago Bar Foundation's (CBF) Investing in Justice Campaign. Mr. Stone, partner and head of McDermott's Trial Department, will chair CBF's 3rd Annual Investing in Justice Campaign this March. Mr. Stone commented, "The need for legal aid is skyrocketing," he continued, "and the sources are increasingly stressed." To view the entire article click here.
Jeffrey E. Stone, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
George Heisler was quoted in the February issue of The Chicago Lawyer about how the work of legal aid organizations is vital to making pro bono programs possible for law firms. "They're out there picking and choosing the kinds of situations that merit our attention. They are our partners. Without them, we would not have a pro bono program," said Mr. Heisler. "We could put our sign out on the corner and say: 'Free legal services for the indigent,' but it wouldn't be the same thing," he added.
Quentin G. Heisler Jr., Pro Bono & Community Service
2008
Jeffrey Stone and Jocelyn Francoeur were mentioned on November 26 by The Am Law Daily regarding their roles as pro bono prosecutors for the U.S. government in a case referred to them by Judge Kennelly. "[W]hile this certainly wasn't the crime of the century, I'd never [been a pro bono prosecutor] before so it seemed like something worth pursuing," said Mr. Stone. In a bench trial before Judge Kennelly, Mr. Stone and Ms. Francoeur prosecuted a woman on charges of contempt of court and obstruction of justice after she threatened a witness during her brother's criminal trial. Mr. Stone said the case was "an interesting psychological experience. Since 1991, I've probably spent at least 50 percent of my time looking for defenses or mitigating circumstances. On an emotional level, this was a more difficult balance than I thought it was going to be."
Jocelyn D. Francoeur, Jeffrey E. Stone, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
Guy Collier was quoted in the December 2008 issue of Washington Lawyer in an article regarding the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Program Law Firm Clinic recently changing their name to the Advocacy & Justice Clinic. "The Pro Bono Committee felt strongly that the name should do much more to reflect the fundamental importance of the services offered to beneficiaries of the clinic, as well as the richness of the experience to participating law firm attorneys. At its most basic level, the clinic is all about lawyers advocating to ensure that low-income District residents have a voice and secure individual justice in areas that are vitally important in their day-to-day lives – housing, public benefits, and family law," Mr. Collier said.
H. Guy Collier, Health, Pro Bono & Community Service
Paul Thompson was quoted October 23 by Am Law Daily regarding a New Jersey school district's decision to ban Marcus Borden, a football coach, from leading pre-game prayers with his team due to a possible First Amendment violation. The district also banned Borden from kneeling and bowing silently during his players' prayers although he was no longer leading them. Borden subsequently sued the school district and won at the federal district level. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit overturned the decision, citing the Establishment Clause, but lawyers are working pro bono to bring the case before the U.S. Supreme Court. Mr. Thompson noted that Borden's case is tricky because kneeling and bowing would likely have been constitutional had his older approach of leading the prayers not been a clear violation. "It's like a Scarlet E. Once you violate the Establishment Clause, you always do it," he said.
Paul M. Thompson, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
Todd Solomon, Menna Eltaki and Patrick McCurry were mentioned in the September 10 edition of Chicago Lawyer for their pro bono project, completing a comprehensive legal assessment for the AIDS Legal Council of Chicago. "What was especially nice about this [project] was that the number of attorneys involved got to work together on a team," said Mr. Solomon.
Patrick J. McCurry, Todd A. Solomon, Pro Bono & Community Service
Kevin M. Bolan was mentioned in the August 4 issue of Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly in an article regarding the Michigan Department of Human Services' agreement to establish a Children's Services Administration as part of a settlement in a federal class action lawsuit. Mr. Bolan served on the McDermott pro bono team that helped to secure the victory for abused and neglected children in Michigan.
Kevin M. Bolan, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
Edward P. Leibensperger was quoted in the August 4 issue of Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly in an article regarding the Michigan Department of Human Services' agreement to establish a Children's Services Administration as part of a settlement in a federal class action lawsuit. Mr. Leibensperger led the McDermott pro bono team that helped to secure the victory for abused and neglected children in Michigan. As for taking on the case, Mr. Leibensperger noted "I had indicated my interest in getting involved in a systemic reform case."
, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
Edward P. Leibensperger was quoted in the July 31 issue of the AmLaw Daily in an article regarding the state of Michigan's agreement to overhaul its foster care system as part of a federal class action suit settlement. Mr. Leibensperger led the McDermott pro bono team that helped to secure the settlement. "There were deficiencies in the system that allowed the abuse and neglect to occur and continue," he said of the treatment Michigan foster care children received. He noted that the settlement will bring help to a group typically unable to fight for itself. "It's real change for a whole class of people," he said.
, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
Michael D. Kendall was quoted in the July 29 issue of The National Law Journal in an article regarding the Firm's successful bid for lawyers' fees and costs stemming from a recent pro bono case in which the Firm secured rights for two Muslim inmates to receive special meals and prayer privileges while in prison. The Firm will compensate itself for out-of-pocket expenses only and will put the remainder of the fees into its general pro bono account. Mr. Kendall noted that the award will allow the Firm to take on more pro bono cases.
Michael Kendall, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
2007
On November 12 the Los Angeles Daily Journal highlighted the McDermott Will & Emery litigation team, which received the Pro Bono Services Award at the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles Access to Justice Dinner. Firm Chairman Harvey Freishtat, along with the McDermott litigation team, were photographed receiving the award.
Harvey W. Freishtat, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
Todd Solomon and Brett Johnson were profiled in an article featured on the Legal Assistance Foundation’s website for a pro bono case they handled which secured nearly $400,000 in pension benefits for a 61-year-old woman. The pro bono team spent more than 90 hours working on the case that led to negotiating a settlement that reinstated the client’s benefits.
Brett R. Johnson, Todd A. Solomon, Pro Bono & Community Service
Jocelyn D. Francoeur was mentioned in a September 18 article by the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin regarding the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision to issue a new trial to Felix Vasquez - Ruiz. Ms. Francoeur argued the case before the 7th Circuit on behalf of Mr. Vasquez - Ruiz.
Jocelyn D. Francoeur, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
Guy Collier was mentioned extensively in the Summer 2007 issue of Richmond Law, the magazine of the University of Richmond School of Law, Mr. Collier’s alma mater The article, "Pro bono 'For the Public Good,'" profiles Mr. Collier’s role as a leading advocate for a project that matches older, senior lawyers with pro bono opportunities.
H. Guy Collier, Health, Pro Bono & Community Service
Stephen Ryan was quoted in the March 25 The New York Times on the Justin Berry pro bono case.
Stephen M. Ryan, Pro Bono & Community Service
McDermott was mentioned on page one of the Sunday, February 25 Boston Globe in regard to assisting pro bono client Bedside Advocates. Toby Kusmer, Stephen Bernstein and Kaley Klanica comprise our pro bono team.
Stephen W. Bernstein, Toby H. Kusmer PC, Pro Bono & Community Service
Bill Boies was recognized in the January 2007 issue of CBA Record for his involvement as chair of the Cy Pres Committee of the Chicago Bar Foundation (CBF). Cy pres awards, which are made by the courts from money left unclaimed in class action lawsuits, have been a significant source of funding for CBF legal aid and public interest law initiatives.
Wilber H. Boies PC, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
2006
McDermott was mentioned in a Los Angeles Times article on December 21 as pro bono counsel for tenants in a landlord-tenant dispute regarding unsafe living conditions
An interview with H. Guy Collier was featured in the Washington Lawyer's December issue on the Senior Lawyer Public Interest Project, an initiative of the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Program. Mr. Collier serves as vice chair of the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Program and heads the Senior Lawyer Public Interest Subcommittee.
H. Guy Collier, Health, Pro Bono & Community Service
Eugene Goldman was interviewed on the WUSA television channel 9 news on November 17 in regard to a pro bono case he is handling on behalf of a the Equal Rights Center of Greater Washington and individual plaintiffs against the District of Columbia Lottery board, alleging that it is granting lottery licenses to stores that are inaccessible to disabled citizens in violation of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). McDermott is partnering with the Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights on this representation. McDermott summer associates gathered our evidence and surveyed hundreds of lottery sites for compliance with ADA requirements. To view the story, visit http://www.wusa9.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=53731.
Eugene I. Goldman, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
James Sullivan was recognized by Human Rights First as an Asylum Representation Program Volunteer as a result of the work he did for pro bono clients who were granted asylum and other forms of relief in 2005. Mr. Sullivan is listed on Human Rights First's Pro Bono Attorney honor roll on the organization's website. Human Rights First is a leading human rights advocacy organization based in New York City and Washington, DC, which finds pro bono legal repreresentation for the organization's clients who have fled from political, religious, ethnic, and gender-based persecution in countries plagued by human rights violations.
, Pro Bono & Community Service
The following McDermott attorneys were recognized by The Door on its Pro Bono Honor Roll: KC Goyer, Lisa Linsky, Carolyn Schiff and Meishin Riccardulli. The Door is New York City's premier youth development agency, offering unique and highly effective programs for young people ages 12 to 21. The Door's mission is to empower young people to reach their potential by providing comprehensive youth development services in a diverse and caring environment.
Kathryn C Goyer, Lisa A. Linsky, Meishin Y. Riccardulli, Pro Bono & Community Service
A pro bono case led by Evan Parke was reported on in the October 23 issue of The National Law Journal. The case is a class action against three term paper websites and its owners for alleged theft of academic work. Mr. Parke commented, "This type of issue where you have rampant unauthorized use of someone else's information is widespread on the internet, and it's just now beginning to be dealt with."
, Intellectual Property, Pro Bono & Community Service
Geoffrey A. Vance has been recognized in Law Bulletin Publishing Company's 2006 "40 Under Forty" feature publication as one of 40 Illinois lawyers under the age of 40 to watch. Honorees were selected on the basis of outstanding career achievements, rising quickly within their practices and making contributions to the community. Mr. Vance was recognized for his outstanding lawyering for small companies and pro bono clients. He was credited for "treat[ing] each of his clients, large and small, wealthy and poor, as if that client is his most important one."
Geoffrey A. Vance, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
A McDermott pro bono asylum case, led by Dawn Connelly, was profiled in the July 30 issue of the Chicago Sun-Times.
, Pro Bono & Community Service
Our London office was mentioned in the Daily Telegraph on June 1 in connection with its legal work on a celebrity recipe book, Soup Kitchen, compiled to raise money for homeless charities. To date, it has raised £52,000.
London, Pro Bono & Community Service
Ned Leibensperger was quoted as president of the Boston Bar Association in an editorial in the February 19 issue of The Boston Globe supporting a state legislature bill that would assist public interest lawyers with their educational debt.
, Pro Bono & Community Service
2005
McDermott, led by Richard Smith, filed an amicus brief in support of the respondent in Town of Castle Rock, Colorado v. Gonzales. Numerous publications reported the case on June 28, including Legal Times, which quoted Mr. Smith. "The decision is an open invitation to states to stand up and really take domestic violence seriously, and not force victims to rely on the federal Constitution to protect them." USA Today, San Francisco Chronicle and WashingtonPost.com reported on the case, quoting Mr. Smith: "The second tragedy in this case could very well be that victims of domestic violence will read this opinion to mean that protection orders are not worth the paper they're printed on, and that impression would be false." He also participated in an online debate on www.ScotusBlog.com.
Richard W. Smith, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
Ankur Goel was quoted in the June 28 issue of Education Week regarding Schaffer v. Weast, a dispute between parents of a student with disabilities and the Montgomery County, Maryland school district, to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court this fall. Mr. Goel commented that he believes the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) places a strong obligation on school districts to search out students in need of special education services and schools have the resources to defend their educational programs.
Ankur J. Goel, Pro Bono & Community Service
Ankur Goel was quoted in the June 28 issue of the Washington Post in regard to Schaffer v. Weast, a dispute between parents of a student with disabilities and the Montgomery County, Maryland school district, to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court this fall.
Ankur J. Goel, Pro Bono & Community Service
McDermott Will & Emery was mentioned in the June 10 issue of the Miami Daily Business Review in regard to the recognition of our Miami office by the Legal Services of Greater Miami as a recipient of its Law Firm Leadership Award. The article also reported on our partnership with Legal Services to support children's legal services: "In addition to a financial contribution of $10,000, the firm has agreed to handle supplemental security income disability cases and special education cases for disabled children on a pro bono basis."
Amanda Metts was quoted in The Boston Globe on June 5 in regard to our pro bono representation of Peter Vaughn, who was wrongfully convicted for armed robbery in 1983 and was acquitted and released in 1986 when the Appeals Court of Massachusetts reviewed his case.
Amanda J. Metts, Pro Bono & Community Service
Richard Smith was quoted in the March 19 online edition of Newsweek ("A Matter of Restraint") about the constitutional due process ramifications of police failures to enforce domestic violence restraining orders. In the first domestic violence case ever heard by the U.S. Supreme Court, McDermott filed an amicus brief on behalf of a number of law enforcement associations in support of the plaintiff in Town of Castle Rock, Colorado v. Gonzales. The amicus brief supports Jessica Gonzales's argument that the local police violated her constitutional rights in ignoring her request to enforce her restraining order against her estranged husband. In the Newsweek article, Mr. Smith reiterated the police organizations' collective position on the matter: "It's simply not the way we expect police to behave."
Richard W. Smith, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
McDermott Will & Emery was mentioned on February 4 in a PR Newswire entitled Free Income Tax and Student Ad Preparation Available to Low-Income Working Families as a supporter in the Tax Assistance Program through financial assistance and volunteerism.
Pro Bono & Community Service, Tax
2004
McDermott Will & Emery was recognized by Northwestern University School of Law's Children & Family Justice Center on April 22 for the Firm's contributions to juvenile justice and education. McDermott, along with two other law firms, received honors for their extensive voluntary legal work to represent juveniles charged with misdemeanors and felonies and to help children being expelled or suspended from Chicago public schools. The Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin reported this recent recognition.
2003
David Fuller was profiled in the November 28 issue of the Washington Business Journal. The two page spread, “Journal Profile: Paving the Way,” focused on Mr. Fuller’s efforts to start a project to help parents understand tax advantages and reduce the costs associated with adoptions. The article discussed how David's interest in this project was a result of going through the adoption process himself.
, Executive Compensation, Pro Bono & Community Service, Tax
The June 23 issue of the Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly reported that Alternatives for Community and Environment honored lawyers from McDermott Will & Emery for pro bono work. The Firm filed suit against Massachusetts Water Resources and the Boston Water and Sewer Commission on behalf of community residents to ensure the clean up of a sewage spill.
Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
Susan Schaefer was mentioned in the April 21 issue of the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin regarding her involvement in fundraising for the Les Turner ALS Foundation. Ms. Schaefer is one of a few law firm partners serving as team captains for the nonprofit organization's annual Tag Days fund raiser.
Susan Peters Schaefer, Pro Bono & Community Service
McDermott Will & Emery Miami office was mentioned in the February 1 issue of Florida Bar News in regard to implementing the firm wide MW&E: Kids First pro bono initiative in its office.
MW&E: Kids First was profiled by the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin on January 21. This pro bono initiative focuses on helping children in need to make sure they receive appropriate public education and remain in school.
2002
McDermott Will & Emery's Washington, D.C. office was mentioned in the October 7 issue of Legal Times in regard to participating in the third annual "Lawyers Pitch In," softball tournament, which raises money for the Washington Legal Clinic.
Donald Hilliker was mentioned in the October issue of the Chicago Lawyer in regard to being named president of the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago.
Donald B. Hilliker, Pro Bono & Community Service
Donald Hilliker's appointment to serve as president of the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago was reported by the Illinois State Bar Association News on September 17.
Donald B. Hilliker, Pro Bono & Community Service
Donald Hilliker's appointment to serve as president of the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago was reported by the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin on September 5.
Donald B. Hilliker, Pro Bono & Community Service
The success of the Firm’s Chicago office tutoring program was reported in the June 18 issue of the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. The students at William H. Brown Elementary greatly improved their reading performance over the past year with some help and encouragement of more than 60 McDermott Will & Emery tutors. "They went from being on the mayor's watch list to being on the top-10 list of schools most improved in reading," commented Linda Doyle. The improved reading level was determined from the results of the Iowa Test of Basic Skills.
Washington, D.C. office was mentioned as receiving the School-to-Career Championship Award from the D.C. public school system in the April 22 issue of Legal Times.
Michael Sommer was quoted in the January 18 issue of Newsday regarding the success of McDermott's pro bono representation of Sami Leka, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being found guilty of murder in February of 1988. Mr. Leka was recently freed after 10 years in prison. McDermott Will & Emery, led by Mr. Sommer, successfully represented Mr. Leka on a pro bono basis last July, overturning his murder conviction.
, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
2001
Jeffrey Stone was quoted in the December 4 issues of the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times and the December 3 issue of the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin regarding the successful pro bono representation of the Illinois Judicial Inquiry Board against Judge Oliver M. Spurlock. In the opinion handed down by the Illinois Courts Commission, Judge Spurlock was removed from his Cook County judgeship for sexual harassment and misconduct. Judge Spurlock is the first Cook County judge to be removed from the bench by the Courts Commission in more than 25 years.
Jeffrey E. Stone, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
The "MW&E Partners in Reading" program received front page coverage in the October 2 issue of The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. "Lawyers will be turning pages for a different purposes," announced the Chicago office's tutoring program as part of the Firm's nationwide pro bono initiative. For the remainder of the school year, more than 30 lawyers and staff from the Chicago office will tutor third grade students at William H. Brown Elementary School on a weekly basis with a focus on reading. Don Hilliker, chair of the pro bono committee and Linda Doyle, member of pro bono committee, were quoted in the article regarding the successful participation of the office and the potential of the program.
Don Hilliker, noted as the chair of the ABA’s Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility, was quoted in the August 2001 issue of the ABA Journal regarding a current Nevada ethics rule that requires every lawyer included in a law firm name to be a member of good standing with the Nevada state bar. Mr. Hilliker points out that Nevada is the only state with such a rule, but that it is a choice of the state bar.
Donald B. Hilliker, Pro Bono & Community Service, Professional Responsibility, Trial
Michael Sommer was quoted in the July 16New York Times, New York Law Journal, New York Post and Newsday regarding a pro bono victory handed down by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in connection with a petition for a writ of habeas corpus. The legal team, led by Mr. Sommer, including Robert Rice and Tomasita Harrison, had been representing Mr. Leka since he filed his petition (nearly three and half years ago) regarding a 1988 conviction of murder and weapons charges. Mr. Sommer commented on the injustice of concealed evidence and the "very disturbing" nature of the prosecution's conduct in connection with the original trial.
, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
Jeff Stone was the prosecuting attorney, representing the Judicial Inquiry Board, in a highly publicized Chicago case. The case, involved Cook County Associate Judge Oliver Spurlock in regard to charges of sexual harassment, was front page news in the Chicago Sun Times several times during the week of June 11, and was the lead story in the Chicago Law Bulletin every day the week of June 4. Mr. Stone was mentioned and quoted in the articles numerous times, including excerpts from the arguments he presented in the courtroom.
Jeffrey E. Stone, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
Jeff Stone was quoted in the June 9 issue of the Chicago Tribune in his representation of the Judicial Inquiry Board in the disciplinary hearing surrounding Cook County Associate Judge Oliver Spurlock and his alleged "sexually intimidating and inappropriate" conduct toward six female court employees.
Jeffrey E. Stone, Pro Bono & Community Service, Trial
Michael Pope was mentioned in the June 2001 issue of Chicago Lawyer in regard to presenting $476,660 in grants to 14 non-profit organizations as president of The Illinois Equal Justice Foundation.
Michael A. Pope PC, Pro Bono & Community Service
McDermott Will & Emery was mentioned in the March 5 Pro Bono Digest column of theNew York Law Journal in regard to the Firm's recent pro bono project with the Volunteers of Legal Service Microenterprise Project.
