Overview
International law firm McDermott Will & Emery welcomes Jayme Cassidy as its new transactions pro bono counsel in Miami. Jayme brings extensive experience and a deep commitment to pro bono work, having previously served in various leadership roles at prominent legal aid organizations.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Jayme to our team,” said Paul Thompson, McDermott’s pro bono litigation partner. “Her extensive background in legal advocacy, dedication to promoting access to justice, and passion for pro bono work align perfectly with our commitment to giving back to the community.” “We look forward to working with Jayme to further expand our pro bono initiatives and to help us continue to make a meaningful impact,” said Elizabeth Lewis, the Firm’s pro bono and community service partner.
As the Transactions Pro Bono Counsel, Jayme will be responsible for expanding the Firm’s pro bono efforts outside of litigation, working to developing new initiatives supporting small businesses, low-income entrepreneurs, nonprofits and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in underserved communities around the globe and engaging lawyers in our transactions, tax, private client and health practice groups.
Jayme joins from the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA), where she promoted the development of legal skills nationwide for nonprofit advocates and law firm lawyers. Prior to NITA, Jayme served as the executive director of the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network and the chief diversity, equity, inclusion, pro bono and professional development officer of Legal Services of Greater Miami (LSGMI). While at LSGMI, Jayme developed its innovative transactional pro bono program, which brings lawyers from law firms and in-house legal departments together to serve small businesses in their communities.
Jayme also serves as a leader in pro bono and legal aid nationally, sitting on the American Bar Association (ABA) Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defense and chairing the ABA Business Law Section’s Committee on Pro Bono.
“I’m honored to join McDermott and contribute to its outstanding pro bono program,” said Jayme. “I can’t wait to collaborate with my new colleagues to further our shared mission of providing high-quality legal services to underserved communities.”
McDermott’s pro bono program is focused on providing legal services to displaced persons around the world; fighting wrongful convictions; and supporting nonprofits, small businesses, and entrepreneurs from traditionally marginalized communities globally. In 2024 alone, the Firm volunteered more than 80,000 hours and achieved a remarkable 95% participation rate among its US lawyers.
About McDermott
McDermott Will & Emery partners with leaders around the world to fuel missions, knock down barriers, and shape markets. Our team works seamlessly across practices and industries to deliver highly effective solutions that propel success. More than 1,400 lawyers strong, we bring our personal passion and legal prowess to bear in every matter for our clients and the people they serve.
