The lawyers on our 2019 Pro Bono Hot List have used their legal expertise to take on some of the biggest issues of our time. The goal? As one honoree states, it’s to “hopefully increase the number of talented attorneys throughout the industry who become engaged on civic, social and political issues that affect all of us.” Whether advocating for the Sixth Amendment rights of a man on death row, securing the largest civil single-plaintiff human trafficking award in U.S. history, scoring a win for Georgia voters or going to bat for children in New York and New Mexico, these lawyers and law firms pair their purpose with their practice. These are their stories. — Lisa Helem, Editor-in-Chief
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld "The personal engagement—and resulting connections—force me to think differently about why and how I practice law...” — Joseph Sorkin
Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll "Kirsten Englund’s family was able to obtain justice in a manner that helps prevent future firearm violence.” — Julie Goldsmith Reiser
Covington & Burling "Law firms can help close this gap, particularly in cases like these that require substantial expertise and resources.” — Mitchell Kamin
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher "The unprecedented nature of the charges against our client ... really threatened fundamental principles of democracy.” — Chantale Fiebig
Jenner & Block "It’s extremely rewarding to be able to use our skills to make a meaningful difference in a person’s life and the greater community.” — Matthew Price
Jones Day "We then looked her in the eye and told her, ‘You won.’ Her eyes filled up with tears and she said, ‘They believed me?’” — Laura K. Tuell
McGuireWoods "Kendra had the incredible courage to return to the epicenter of the cult, take the stand in open court, and testify against her traffickers.” — Scott Oostdyk
Morrison & Foerster "Nothing is more fundamental to our republic than secure elections reflecting the will of the voters.” — David Cross
Munger, Tolles & Olson "Helping people overcome disadvantages through the law not only fulfills a moral duty, it is deeply rewarding.” — E. Martin Estrada
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe "Helping pro bono clients get closer to their own goals is deeply rewarding, personally and professionally.” —Rene Kathawala
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison "As a lawyer, I am duty bound to safeguard the rule of law and to represent those in need.” —Brad Karp
Perkins Coie "When you realize a man is innocent, suddenly the stakes go way up. ... You realize someone’s freedom is on the line...” — Leah Medway
Proskauer Rose "Pro bono work enables us to make a difference while gaining valuable legal and life experience.” — William Silverman
Robins Kaplan "Few professions offer the ability to change people’s lives forever. Being a lawyer is one that does.” — Patrick Arenz
Sullivan & Cromwell "As a result of that victory, charter schools like Success Academy can compete with local school districts by providing innovative pre-k classes...” — Steve Holley
Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr "Using Our skills on behalf of people for whom such help is otherwise unavailable helps to make the world a fairer, more just place.” — Seth Waxman