WASHINGTON, DC, October 5, 2020: Morgan Lewis announced today that 100% of its eligible lawyers around the world once again have met the firm’s annual Pro Bono Challenge to dedicate at least 20 hours to pro bono service. In the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, Morgan Lewis lawyers contributed more than 137,000 hours to the pro bono representation of individuals and nonprofit organizations and averaged 66 hours per lawyer—more than three times the number required to meet the challenge.
“It is difficult to imagine a year in which help was needed more around the globe, as we faced multiple crises that disproportionately affect those who often have the least access to representation, healthcare, financial support, and justice,” said Firm Chair Jami McKeon. “Our expectation that every lawyer gives back through pro bono service is part of our culture. I am especially proud that, once again, our participation crossed every practice group, every geography, and every lawyer, and that we raised our average contribution per lawyer so significantly in this especially challenging year.”
Among the firm’s most impactful work in FY20 was the exoneration of three individual US clients who were released from prison after each had spent nearly 30 years behind bars for murders they did not commit.
Morgan Lewis’s primary pro bono focus is on helping economically disadvantaged individuals and families as well as nonprofit and nongovernmental groups that serve vulnerable populations. This important work, which occurs throughout the year at Morgan Lewis, includes the firm’s annual Community Impact Week, where lawyers and professional staff participate (this year virtually) in a series of events—including legal clinics, legal trainings, panel discussions, charity drives, and more—across the firm’s offices in North America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. This year, Community Impact Week focused on service in a time of crisis.