January 18, 2022—In 2021, for the fifth year in a row, every one of Barclay Damon’s full-time attorneys provided pro bono legal services to low-income individuals in need of legal assistance and organizations serving those seeking access to justice. A new accomplishment last year: the law firm’s pro bono program also achieved participation by all full-time paralegals.
“As a firm, Barclay Damon is deeply committed to our core values, which include providing exceptional pro bono service in our communities. Now to have 100 percent of our talented paralegal corps join our attorneys to serve our pro bono clients is humbling and fills us with pride,” said Corey Auerbach, the firm’s outgoing pro bono partner. “We are determined to continue this level of service to ensure our pro bono clients receive the deserved benefits of our representation.”
Through its multi-award-winning pro bono program, Barclay Damon dedicated more than 2,500 hours of time valued at more than $800,000 to pro bono efforts in 2021, with attorneys actively participating in firm-sponsored family court clinics, litigating civil rights violations, drafting wills for veterans, assisting with clemency applications, and providing online legal aid through initiatives such as the American Bar Association’s Free Legal Answers program. The firm’s investment in communities across its office platform supported legal matters involving many of today’s critical issues, including immigration, housing, women’s rights, prisoners’ rights, community building, and economic development, among others.
Jen Leonardi, the firm’s new pro bono partner, effective January 1, added, “I echo what Corey said: we couldn’t be more proud of each and every one of our coworkers, who have all dedicated their time and talents to helping others in the community. I’m so appreciative that Corey led the charge to ensure this across-the-board participation and look forward to the challenge of helping all of us continue this degree of service.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present our communities with additional obstacles, and we are so pleased that our attorneys and now paralegals overcome their own challenges to help those in need,” said Connie Cahill, managing partner. “With the support of the firm overall and the passion of our dedicated attorneys and paralegals, reaching our goal of 100 percent participation is a proud marker—and one that we remain committed to achieving this year, especially considering how current circumstances impact low-income communities and the organizations that serve them.”
Barclay Damon attorneys team across offices and practices to provide customized, targeted solutions grounded in industry knowledge and a deep understanding of our clients’ businesses. With nearly 300 attorneys, Barclay Damon is a leading law firm that operates from a strategic platform of offices located in the Northeastern United States and Toronto. For more information, visit our award-winning website at barclaydamon.com. Learn more about Barclay Damon’s pro bono program at barclaydamon.com/pro-bono.