Overview
CHICAGO, IL (June 19, 2017) – International law firm McDermott Will & Emery is pleased to announce that it has received the “Pioneering Pro Bono Program of the Year” award from Chambers USA at the 2017 Chambers Women in Law Awards held last week in New York City.
The award recognizes dedication to promoting and increasing access to justice through pro bono services and bringing about positive changes to gender diversity and female groups.
In bestowing the honor, Chambers commented, “McDermott Will & Emery has been leading the way with their pro bono activities this year. With over 90% of their female lawyers taking on pro bono work, they have been supporting a number of programs that focus on women, including: The Women’s Treatment Center, The Women’s Leadership and Mentoring Alliance, Tahirih Justice Center, Her Justice and The Victim Rights Law Center. Further, McDermott Lawyers have taken on a series of pro bono cases involving vulnerable or abused women, ensuring they have the safety and security they need.”
“This extraordinary achievement acknowledges the Firm’s commitment to gender diversity not only within the Firm, but extends to supporting women and women’s issues through a broad range of pro bono and community service efforts,” said Elizabeth P. Lewis, McDermott’s pro bono and community service partner. “An overwhelming majority of McDermott’s female lawyers are engaged in pro bono and community service programs. We’re incredibly proud of the great work we’ve performed on behalf of our clients and the community. Congratulations to all on this tremendous accomplishment.”
In addition to “Pioneering Pro Bono Program of the Year,” McDermott was shortlisted in three other categories including: “Inspiring Role Model in Promoting Gender Diversity in the Legal Profession” – Andie Kramer; “Law Firm of the Year in Furthering Women’s Career Progression, Talen Management and Mentoring”; and “Most Innovative Women’s Networking Group” – Tax in the City: A Woman’s Tax Roundtable.
About McDermott’s Commitment to Pro Bono Work
McDermott Will & Emery offers a comprehensive pro bono and community service program managed and led by its full-time pro bono partner and the chair of our Pro Bono & Community Service Committee, which seeks to ensure that the same standards of quality, service and care that McDermott gives to its paying clients are also afforded to those it serves on a pro bono basis. The Firm strongly encourages its lawyers and staff to participate in pro bono initiatives, volunteer services and charitable activities, and it recognizes lawyer time dedicated to pro bono and community service as equivalent to billable hours for all purposes.
About McDermott Will & Emery
McDermott Will & Emery is a premier international law firm with a diversified business practice. Numbering more than 1,000 lawyers, we have offices in Boston, Brussels, Chicago, Dallas, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Miami, Milan, Munich, New York, Orange County, Paris, Rome, Seoul, Silicon Valley and Washington, DC. Further extending our reach into Asia, we have a strategic alliance with MWE China Law Offices in Shanghai.
