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Pro Bono Contact |
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| Pro Bono Contact Name | Lisa Swaminathan |
| Pro Bono Contact Title | Pro Bono Counsel |
| Pro Bono Contact Phone | 215.864.8905 |
| Pro Bono Contact Email | [email protected] |
| Is the pro bono information indicated here firm-wide or specific to one office? | Firm-wide |
|---|---|
| % Firm Billable Hours last year | 5.64 |
| Average Hours per Attorney last year | 79.16 |
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Pro Bono Participation |
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| Percent of associates participating last year | 94 |
| Percent of partners participating last year | 86 |
| Percent of other lawyers participating last year | 100 |
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Average hours |
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| Average hours per associate last year | 122 |
| Average hours per partner last year | 42 |
| Average hours per other lawyer last year | 105 |
| What percentage of attorneys performed more than 20 hours? | 68 |
| What was the number of actual pro bono hours contributed by the organization in the prior calendar year? | 57,259 |
| Does the organization maintain a written pro bono policy that sets forth the organization's commitment to pro bono? | Yes |
| How does the organization define what constitutes pro bono legal work? |
The firm is a signatory to the ABA's Pro Bono Challenge and determines pro bono eligibility based on the guidelines established in the Challenge. |
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Organization pro bono hours goals |
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| Does the organization set annual goals regarding the minimum number of pro bono hours to be contributed by the organization? | Yes |
| If yes, what is that annual goal? | We are signatories to the Law Firm Pro Bono Challenge, pursuant to which we donate at least 3% of our billable time annually to pro bono service. |
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Attorney pro bono goals |
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| Does the organization set individual attorney goals regarding the minimum number of pro bono hours to be contributed? | Yes |
| If yes, what is that annual goal? | The firm uses the Model Rules of Professional Conduct and strongly encourages all lawyers to contribute at a minimum 50 hours of pro bono legal services. |
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Advancement/compensation |
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| Is an attorney's commitment to pro bono activity considered a favorable factor in advancement and compensation decisions? | Yes |
| If yes, to what extent? | Pro Bono hours are considered in evaluations and bonuses. Associates receive full billable credit for all pro bono hours, with no limit. |
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Pro bono support services |
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| Are full-time support services (word processing, online research Lexis/Westlaw, out of pocket costs) available for pro bono representation? | Yes |
| If so, are there any limitations? |
No |
| Are associates provided written evaluations of their work on pro bono matters? | Yes |
| Does the organization employ one or more of the following structures to manage its pro bono program and to provide training and guidance to participating attorneys? (Check all that apply): |
Full-time attorney in a dedicated pro bono coordination/oversight role Pro Bono Committee Non-attorney administrator |
| How is pro bono work assigned/distributed? |
We take referrals from legal service agencies and non-profits across the country. While strongly encouraged, pro bono participation is voluntary. |
| If an attorney is permitted to bring a pro bono case for possible consideration by the firm, who makes decisions about whether the firm will handle the matter? (check all that apply) | Pro Bono Coordinator |
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Enabling pro bono or public interest work |
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| Does the organization provide any of the following to enable its attorneys to participate in pro bono activities or work in a public interest setting? (Check all that apply): | Fellowships |
| If so please describe | |
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Summer associate pro bono opportunities |
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| Are pro bono opportunities available for summer associates? | Yes |
| Additional comments (Please use this space to provide any additional information about your organization's pro bono program including any special recognition or awards the organization has received for its pro bono work.) |
Ballard Spahr has a longstanding commitment to provide pro bono support to individuals and organizations in need of legal services. That commitment is embraced by all of our lawyers, paralegals, and staff in every office and within every practice. We encourage each lawyer to devote meaningful time to pro bono matters, offer billable hour credit for pro bono work, and recognize lawyers' pro bono achievements.
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| What are some of the areas in which your organization has performed pro bono work in the past year? |
• Arts Programs • Asylum and Immigration • Capital Punishment and Prisoner Rights • Child Advocacy • Civil and Constitutional Rights • COVID-19 Advice • Criminal Justice Reform • Disability Rights • Education Law • Estates • Family Law • Homeownership Initiatives • Homeless Advocacy • Hunger and Sustainable Food • LGBTQIA+ Rights • Legislative Reform • Nonprofit Organizations • Public Benefits • Racial Justice and Equity • ReEntry • Senior Law • Small Business • Veterans Rights • Voting Rights |
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Fellowship sponsorship |
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| Does your organization sponsor split public interest summer and/or post-graduate fellowships? | |
| Public Interest Fellowship Comments | |