London Office Launches Pro Bono Program

London – January 26, 2021: Crowell & Moring has teamed up with LawWorks, a UK-based nonprofit organization, to expand the firm’s long-standing commitment to social justice and provide high quality legal services to those in need at no cost.

Crowell & Moring was the first Washington, D.C.-based law firm to elect a full-time public service partner more than two decades ago and has been repeatedly recognized for its commitment to providing free legal services to those in need. In 2020, the firm’s lawyers contributed nearly 40,000 hours in pro bono service to clients in need. In addition to aiding individual clients, the firm’s Public Service team increasingly pursues “impact” pro bono opportunities that can achieve transformative change, from voting rights litigation to amicus briefing on high profile issues of law and public policy.

For example, as part of its efforts to address systemic racism, the firm announced last month that it would donate a total of $750,000 to two organizations dedicated to the advancement of racial equity, justice, and fundamental human rights – the Equal Justice Initiative and the Lawyers’ Committee forCivil Rights Under Law. In addition, the firm has committed $1 million in pro bono legal services in 2021 to further these causes and launched a Racial Equity Task Force to identify near-term actions and goals to enhance the experience of the firm’s diverse talent.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the firm represented multiple nonprofit organizations seeking to secure and provide personal protective equipment to frontline workers. The firm increased its commitment to assisting prisoners seeking parole and compassionate release from the hazards of the coronavirus in prison, successfully advocating for the release of four clients to date. The firm also reaffirmed its commitment to assisting domestic violence survivors, staffing two domestic violence clinics and working on multiple individual representations.

“Our London lawyers are all deeply committed to advancing the social justice initiatives of the firm,” said Robert Weekes, managing partner of the firm’s London office. “There is a tremendous need for access to high quality legal services to help others and we anticipate that our efforts will help make a strong impact.”

“I am excited to lead this important initiative in our London office with colleagues who are equally eager to make a positive difference,” said Nicola Phillips, a London-based partner who oversees the UK program. “Partnering with Law Works is a fantastic opportunity for us to expand the reach of our pro bono work, benefitting the wider community, and helping those who would otherwise be unable to access legal services that allow them to have their voices heard.”

Under the new pro bono program, and in accordance with practice in the firm’s other offices, lawyers in the London office are able to count the first 150 hours of their time spent on pro bono work each year towards their billable target.

“Promoting equal access to justice through providing pro bono services to low-income individuals and nonprofit entities is both an ethical commitment and a core value for Crowell & Moring,” said Susan Hoffman, the firm’s public service partner. “Since the firm’s inception, Crowell & Moring’s lawyers have worked hard to make a positive difference in the lives of people in the local community and around the world.”