Pro Bono & Community Service

Overview

Creating positive change through pro bono efforts, volunteer service and charitable giving is mission-critical to our Firm.

In collaboration with pro bono partner organizations, we fight for equality and justice, impacting the individuals and communities we serve for the better. In 2023 alone, we volunteered more than 70,000 hours.

Championed by our Firm-wide team and local committees in each office, our pro bono and community service program is a top priority.

We apply the same high standards of quality, service and care to our pro bono clients that we do to any other client. We achieve results and drive tangible outcomes that make a real difference in the lives of people in our communities.

Explore Our Experience

LGBTQ+ flag and United States of America flag fluttering in the wind as a symbol of pride and inclusivity

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BREAKING AN IMMIGRATION LOGJAM

Pro bono team secures asylum for gay Russian man after years-long struggle

A vibrant spiral staircase adorned with numerous stained glass windows in various colors.

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DEFENDING DIVERSITY

Pro bono efforts uphold a historic Black church’s right to operate in Texas

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FOSTERING JDEI

Pro bono team helps German startup break down cultural barriers, one post at a time

leaf sprouting from glass globe on mossy log

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SUSTAINABLE FASHION MEETS LEGAL SAVVY

Pro bono advice helps female founders achieve success with startup clothing company

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KNOCKING DOWN BARRIERS

Pro bono team helps secure unemployment benefits for recent grad struggling with mental health.

Aerial View of Street Grid with homes, businesses, and vehicles.

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CHANGE THAT MATTERS

Pro bono class action settlement helps protect low-income families against homelessness.

Nigerian Soccer Pro Bono Case Study Feature X

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LIFTING UP

After tragedy, Nigerian teenagers secure path to US citizenship.

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TAKING ACTION: UNITED FOR UKRAINE

Our German team supports Ukrainian refugees with essential information and resources.

Pro Bono

Experts estimate that at least 80% of low-income Americans go without desperately needed civil legal assistance and that more than one billion people around the world survive on less than $1 per day.

McDermott’s pro bono program seeks to help bridge this gap.

At the heart of our practice is a dedication to ensuring equal access to justice. Every day, we partner with nonprofit and community-based organizations to advocate for asylum seekers; champion human and civil rights; and fight for housing, education, food, benefits and economic justice for individuals in our communities.

We emphasize three key global initiatives: providing legal services to displaced persons around the world; fighting wrongful convictions; and supporting nonprofits, small businesses and entrepreneurs from traditionally marginalized communities globally.

Community Service

McDermott’s volunteer service and philanthropy programs seek to revitalize the Firm’s local communities. Our lawyers and staff professionals roll up their sleeves and get involved with projects including:

Serving as board members or trustees for a variety of organizations
Mentoring and tutoring inner-city students
Partnering with Rise Against Hunger and other local organizations on an annual Days of Service initiative
Revitalizing parks, schools and other public spaces
Sponsoring charitable walks and runs
Donating clothing, equipment and supplies to schools and community-based organizations
Each year, investing more than $1 million in charitable donations to our communities and funding an Equal Justice Works Fellow who focuses on access to justice issues