Our firm’s commitment to doing work for the public good manifests through the pro bono efforts of lawyers in every one of our global offices. We take on matters impacting individuals or small groups as well as litigation driving large-scale societal change. We also advocate for nonprofit organizations and low-income entrepreneurs working to better the lives of those in their communities.
Our Dedication
At Morgan Lewis, our commitment to pro bono runs deep. This is reflected in how our work, guided by a dedicated team of pro bono professionals, receives equal status as every other practice—each matter tackled with the same urgency and resolve as our billed representations.
We’re All In (Literally)
In 2022 and for the fifth consecutive year, 100% of our nearly 2,000 lawyers met our Pro Bono Challenge by devoting at least 20 billable hours—with many far exceeding that number—to pro bono work. This extraordinary dedication across our entire firm is one of our deepest sources of pride.
Community Impact Week
Thousands of lawyers and staff across our firm come together every year for a focused period of special programming tackling a critical issue that affects our pro bono clients.
Mobilizing for Equality
As a law firm, we’re determined to use our power to ensure justice. In the somber aftermath of George Floyd's murder at the hands of a police officer—against the backdrop of a rising tide of intolerance, inequality, and brutality—Morgan Lewis resolved to do our part to answer the call. We launched Mobilizing for Equality (MFE) to reflect our commitment to more forcefully combat racial injustice and unite in the movement for equality for all. Since that time, 14 MFE working groups have been executing on substantive racial justice projects. This includes our Racial Justice Pro Bono working group, which provides pro bono legal services to racially disadvantaged individuals and legal services organizations with racial justice missions.
Awards & Recognition
Vault
Pro Bono Scorecard
The American Lawyer
Law Society of Hong Kong
Learning Rights Law Center
Public Law Center
American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California
The Lawyer
OneJustice
The National Law Journal
Partnering With The Legal Services Community
Our alliances with pro bono legal services organizations forge lasting relationships that allow us to extend the reach and benefit of our resources to tackle our clients’ most pressing issues.
From defending voting rights, to securing the rightful benefits of veterans, to supporting children and assisting the elderly, we join forces with legal services organizations to address the most urgent challenges facing our communities.
We are honored to join in common cause with legal services organizations to advocate for pro bono clients and their communities. Below are just a few examples of our pro bono alliances.
Equal Justice Works Fellowships
We sponsor law school graduates for fellowships at Equal Justice Works, a nonprofit bringing together an expansive network of law students, lawyers, legal services organizations, and supporters to instill a lifelong dedication to public service and equal justice. For example, one of our fellows is helping to expand immigration services for older teens in an underserved region of Washington State through direct representation, community outreach, and pro bono partnerships.
Secondment Program
Our firm catalyzes associate secondment opportunities to nonprofit organizations within our network of established partners. During a seven-month secondment at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, for example, one of our associates supported litigation defending the results of the 2020 election in several states and helped safeguard access to voter registration while another contributed to the creation of an assistance program for nonprofits needing help navigating commercial leasing issues.
Joining In Common Cause With Corporate Clients
We partner with our corporate clients around the world—from startups to multinationals—on pro bono matters involving voting rights, criminal justice, minority-owned small businesses, immigration, housing preservation, and other important issues. We also share our experience in helping launch, develop, and nurture successful pro bono programs at our clients’ companies, offer training for in-house pro bono teams, and connect clients with outstanding legal services organizations from our extensive network.
Noteworthy
Law.com International Recognizes Morgan Lewis for UK Pro Bono Work
Morgan Lewis has been included among the top 25 law firms for pro bono work in the United Kingdom by Law.com International. In compiling its annual UK Pro Bono Rankings, the publication measures the total number of pro bono hours worked and percentage of lawyers who took part in pro bono matters.
Morgan Lewis Earns Top Pro Bono Ranking from The American Lawyer for Breadth of Commitment
Morgan Lewis has been recognized by The American Lawyer’s Pro Bono Scorecard among the law firms most committed to providing pro bono legal services in 2021.
