Making a Difference: Pro Bono Opportunities at WilmerHale Explored

 

• If you’d like a deeper historical and ethical perspective on pro bono obligations, see Why Pro Bono? What You Need to Know for context on how pro bono work is woven into the legal profession.

• Pro bono work often aligns with deeper purpose and self-fulfillment — for more on aligning your inner mindset and career, see Overcoming Self-Sabotage in Your Legal Career.

• Some attorneys use pro bono as a bridge to a non-profit or public-interest path — for possibilities beyond firm life, see Alternative Career Paths for Attorneys.

• It can be challenging to add pro bono to an already full schedule — see Finding Work/Life Balance for how attorneys integrate meaningful causes while managing workloads.

Pro bono work, or providing legal services for free or at a reduced fee, has long been an integral part of the legal profession. It allows attorneys to use their skills and expertise to positively impact their communities and support individuals who cannot afford legal representation. WilmerHale, a prominent law firm known for its commitment to pro bono work, offers numerous opportunities for its attorneys to engage in meaningful pro bono service. This article will explore the various pro bono opportunities at WilmerHale, highlighting the firm's dedication to making a difference in the world.
 

• An excellent supplement to law firm pro bono work is participation in legal aid clinics—see What Are Legal Aid Clinics to learn how these differ and how to get involved.

 

The Pro Bono Culture at WilmerHale

WilmerHale has fostered a strong pro bono culture that encourages its attorneys to actively participate in pro bono work. The firm believes that providing free legal assistance is a professional duty and a moral obligation. By prioritizing pro bono work, WilmerHale emphasizes its commitment to social justice and the pursuit of a more equitable society.
 

• When discussing how to present pro bono work on your CV, consider the guidance in How Much Should I Feature My Pro Bono Experience to strike the right balance.

 

Types of Pro Bono Opportunities

WilmerHale offers a diverse range of pro bono opportunities, ensuring that its attorneys can contribute their skills and expertise in various areas of law. Some of the key pro bono practice areas at the firm include:


a. Civil Rights and Liberties

Wilmer Hale works with organizations dedicated to protecting civil rights and liberties. Attorneys have the opportunity to engage in cases involving discrimination, constitutional rights, and social justice issues. By representing individuals or advocacy groups, WilmerHale attorneys play a crucial role in defending the fundamental rights of marginalized communities.

b. Immigration and Refugee Law

In collaboration with immigration-focused nonprofits, WilmerHale attorneys assist individuals seeking asylum, refugees, and immigrants facing deportation. They provide legal representation, help with asylum applications, and advocate for fair and just immigration policies. This area of pro bono work enables attorneys to directly impact the lives of vulnerable individuals and families.

c. Criminal Justice Reform

Wilmer Hale recognizes the importance of criminal justice reform and offers pro bono opportunities in this area. Attorneys work with organizations striving to improve the criminal justice system, advocating for fair sentencing, addressing wrongful convictions, and supporting initiatives that promote rehabilitation and reduce recidivism rates.

d. Nonprofit and Social Enterprise

WilmerHale's pro bono efforts extend to supporting nonprofits and social enterprises. Attorneys provide legal counsel to organizations focused on various social and environmental causes, ensuring their legal structures and operations comply with the law. By assisting these organizations, WilmerHale attorneys enable them to pursue their missions more effectively.
 

• It’s also worth seeing how pro bono programs can factor into firm retention strategies — for that, read Lessons on Retention and Money.

 

Impactful Pro Bono Initiatives

WilmerHale is involved in several noteworthy pro bono initiatives that have impacted individuals and communities. Some of these initiatives include:

a. Veterans Benefits Pro Bono Project

WilmerHale partners with veterans’ service organizations to help veterans navigate the complex process of accessing benefits and services. Attorneys assist veterans in filing claims, appealing denials, and ensuring they receive the support they are entitled to. This initiative highlights the firm's commitment to supporting those who have served their country.

b. Global Day of Service

WilmerHale organizes an annual Global Day of Service where attorneys from all its offices worldwide participate in volunteer activities. The event brings attorneys and staff members together to contribute their time and skills to local community organizations, nonprofits, and schools. The Global Day of Service underscores WilmerHale's dedication to positively impacting a global scale.
 

• For students and early-career lawyers, pro bono opportunities are often part of building networks — see Legal Networking Like a Pro in Law School for tips on combining pro bono and networking.

 

Recognition and Awards

WilmerHale's pro bono efforts have been widely recognized and honored within the legal community. The firm's commitment to providing free legal services and positively impacting society has earned it numerous prestigious awards and accolades. These recognitions highlight the firm's dedication to pro bono work and serve as a testament to its outstanding contributions. Some notable awards and honors received by WilmerHale include:

a. The American Lawyer Pro Bono Rankings

The American Lawyer, a leading legal publication, annually ranks law firms based on their pro bono contributions. WilmerHale consistently ranks among the top firms on this prestigious list. The rankings evaluate factors such as the number of pro bono hours dedicated by attorneys, the percentage of attorneys actively engaged in pro bono work, and the impact of the firm's pro bono efforts on society. WilmerHale's consistently high ranking underscores its commitment to pro bono work and ongoing efforts to make a difference.

b. The National Law Journal Pro Bono Hot List

The National Law Journal recognizes law firms that have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to pro bono work through its Pro Bono Hot List. WilmerHale has been featured on this esteemed list multiple times, acknowledging the firm's pro bono achievements and its significant impact in its communities. This recognition showcases WilmerHale's dedication to pro bono service and its contributions to advancing social justice.

c. Chambers USA Pro Bono Rankings

Chambers USA, a renowned legal directory, includes a pro bono ranking that assesses law firms’ pro bono initiatives and their impact on communities. WilmerHale has consistently received recognition in these rankings, reflecting its commitment to pro bono work and its reputation as a leader in providing legal services to those in need. The Chambers USA Pro Bono Rankings further highlight WilmerHale's excellence in pro bono service and its positive influence in the legal community.

d. Pro Bono Institute's John H. Pickering Award

The Pro Bono Institute presents the John H. Pickering Award to law firms that demonstrate exceptional pro bono leadership and innovation. This prestigious award recognizes WilmerHale's significant contributions to pro bono work, its dedication to improving access to justice, and its efforts to address critical social issues through legal advocacy. The John H. Pickering Award showcases WilmerHale's exemplary pro bono efforts and commitment to making a difference in the lives of individuals and communities.

e. State and Local Pro Bono Awards

WilmerHale has received numerous state and local awards for its pro bono work in specific jurisdictions. These awards highlight the firm's regional impact and commitment to addressing local legal needs. By actively participating in pro bono initiatives at the local level, WilmerHale demonstrates its dedication to serving the communities in which it operates and its recognition of the unique challenges faced by individuals in different regions.
 

• To understand the broader impacts on clients and communities, you can review The Importance of Pro Bono Services for data and examples of pro bono in practice.

 

Conclusion

WilmerHale's steadfast commitment to pro bono work sets it apart as a law firm dedicated to making a difference in society. By providing attorneys with a wide range of pro bono opportunities, the firm enables them to contribute their legal expertise to address critical social issues. Whether it is fighting for civil rights, assisting refugees, or advocating for criminal justice reform, WilmerHale attorneys have the chance to effect real change and positively impact lives. Through its pro bono initiatives, WilmerHale exemplifies the crucial role that law firms can play in promoting access to justice and advancing social equity.

 

• Before diving into pro bono, it’s worth confronting the tough realities of legal careers — see The Brutal Truth About Legal Careers for a sobering but useful framing.