May.04.2020
Orrick was named for the third consecutive year to the National Law Journal’s Pro Bono Hot List, which this year featured firms that “tackled some of the weightiest issues of our day.”
In this article highlighting our pro bono work over the past year, the publication cited our major role in federal court litigation that forced the federal government to rectify inhumane conditions for immigrant children being detained in border facilities. Partner Elyse Echtman, co-head of the firm’s Complex Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice, led the effort, telling NLJ the work was “particularly rewarding” because it made a “social impact by improving conditions for these children.”
Orrick was also recognized for securing a major appellate court ruling finding Louisiana’s “debtors prisons” unconstitutional, as well as our ongoing pro bono efforts in response to the Covid-19 crisis, including a federal court case that has now required the government to protect immigrant detainees against exposure to the virus.
Rene Kathawala, the firm’s Pro Bono Counsel, noted that 99 percent of our U.S. lawyers and 86 percent of our international lawyers met the standard for pro bono participation last year. “We strive to make a social impact, whether responding to the COVID-19 crisis, representing the powerless in the criminal justice and immigration systems or developing impact financing to help communities,” Rene said.
This is the latest recognition for Orrick’s pro bono work. Last year, The American Lawyer ranked us #5 for pro bono impact among the nation’s top 200 law firms.