Sustainability initiative

Making it work

Political asylum, children and families, criminal justice, community development, civil rights, civil liberties and immigration are just a few of the issues covered by our pro bono work. While the impulse to take on pro bono cases is important, the organization of our efforts is key. A well-planned and managed project extracts maximum value and impact for every hour of our people’s time.

There are central guidelines for identifying pro bono engagements, but a strong local element is also present. DLA Piper offices form links with key stakeholders including nonprofit and legal service providers, academia, foundations and corporate partners to identify projects to which we can add maximum value. We are also led by our people. We want our lawyers to work on matters that make them feel passionate about being a lawyer.

At DLA Piper, pro bono is given equal status with paid work, demonstrating its value and importance. It is also supported at the highest levels. Each office has a designated CSR/pro bono partner. Pro bono committees report to these partners, assessing local legal needs and reviewing ongoing engagements.

Because we are a multi-disciplinary, multi-office organization, we often can immerse ourselves more deeply in a project, offering several kinds of assistance at once. We also have the ability to do more through signature projects that include long-term partnerships leveraging our shared experience.