pro bono at
jenner & Block
The Jenner & Block name is synonymous with pro bono advocacy. In the 1950s, Partners Tom Sullivan, Prentice Marshall and Jerry Solovy launched the firm’s pro bono program when, as active members of the Chicago Bar Association’s Defense of Prisoners Committee, they not only represented indigent criminal defendants, but also began recruiting dozens of other Jenner & Block lawyers to the same service. The firm’s name partners, Albert Jenner, Jr. and Samuel Block, worked on many pro bono cases involving civil and constitutional rights and were widely recognized for their contributions to public service. Our long-standing commitment to public service is a vital part of our culture and who we are as lawyers and people.
How Our Lawyers Get Involved
Our pro bono program offers junior associates significant choice and flexibility. From day one, we encourage our lawyers to identify matters that interest them and work under the guidance of a partner they choose. The experience is valuable for lawyers at all levels. Partners in the firm find it fulfilling to train and mentor associates who show an interest in pro bono advocacy.
We do not limit the amount of pro bono work our lawyers can assume. Our lawyers are committed to providing pro bono clients with the same level of professionalism, dedication and service that we provide our corporate clients. The firm takes into account all of an associate’s pro bono hours in considering bonus eligibility.
How We Serve Our Pro Bono Clients
The firm offers pro bono litigation and transactional assistance to organizations and thousands of individuals related to a wide range of legal areas. From criminal to civil matters, from battles for human rights and civil liberties to death penalty challenges, Jenner & Block lawyers provide legal assistance to those whose voices may not have otherwise been heard in the justice system.
Our Pro Bono Committee
Our pro bono program is managed by a dedicated group of lawyers who volunteer their time and experience to this important effort. Jenner & Block’s Pro Bono Committee includes members of the firm from across all offices, practice groups, associates, partners and of counsel and is co-chaired by five partners who oversee the firm’s comprehensive program.
Partner, Debbie Berman
Co-Chair, Pro Bono Committee
Chicago
Partner, Michael Ross
Co-Chair, Pro Bono Committee
New York
Partner, Christian Tuddenham
Co-Chair, Pro Bono Committee
London
Partner, Matt Price
Co-Chair, Pro Bono Committee
Washington, DC
Partner, Todd Toral
Co-Chair, Pro Bono Committee
Los Angeles
Nura Maznavi
Pro Bono Counsel
Chicago
20 years and thriving
Twenty years ago, the firm published the first The Heart of the Matter pro bono report. In eight pages, with articles and images, The Heart of the Matter of 2001 celebrated the firm’s pro bono and community service. Stories featured, among others, a Ukrainian woman’s successful bid for asylum and the firm’s victory in a landmark decision on wilderness protection. Through the years, The Heart of the Matter has changed in format and delivery. But the message remains the same: “Our commitment to public service dates back to the very beginnings of the firm in 1914,” reads the first The Heart of the Matter, “and continues to thrive today.”