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Kennedys’ Pro Bono Program continues to grow across the US, with our colleagues embracing new initiatives to engage with their communities, using their legal skills to support those most in need and strengthen professional connections. Through these efforts, our attorneys are building meaningful partnerships that reflect the firm’s longstanding commitment to service and social responsibility.
With Kennedys' footprint continuing to expand, we see opportunities to deepen our commitment to pro bono work. While our firm has global presence, we remain closely conncected to the communities where we live and work. Partnering with local organizations allows us to give back in ways that reflect who we are as a firm.
US ‘new Fall Class’ orientation: introducing the Pro Bono Program and the Amicus casework project.
On September 18, thirteen colleagues from our new Fall Class took part in a half-day pro bono session held in the New Jersey office. Designed to provide a practical introduction to the pro bono program, the session was delivered by Pro Bono Manager, Emma Blackstone, alongside the casework training team from the UK based charity, Amicus.
Amicus provides remote support for capital defenders in the US from affiliate international law firms. The charity has up to 200 caseworkers working on eight different cases, including Supreme Court, federal and state level case, at any given time.
The casework project works with volunteer lawyers at all levels, but for junior lawyers, it provides an early opportunity to develop case analysis and reporting skills, in an area of law often outside day-to-day practice.
During the orientation session, our Kennedys colleagues dedicated nearly 40 hours of pro bono casework to the Amicus project.
"We want to thank Kennedys and this wonderful team for an energizing kick-off to this important pro bono project: having everyone together in the room allowed for a focused and collaborative session from the outset.The enthusiasm and sharp thinking of this group really stood out and brought strong engagement. What a great start." - Diana Rescaldani, Senior Casework and Training Manager, Amicus
“I had not heard of the Amicus program before coming to Kennedys. It was so wonderful to be exposed to a group doing such important work during our orientation and being reminded of how much good lawyers can do.” - Grace Castillo, Law Clerk, Miami
Philadelphia office launches the Pro Bono Program and a new partnership with the SeniorLaw Center
On September 17, the Philadelphia office ran a lunch time session in partnership with not for profit, SeniorLaw Center, to learn more about how the pro bono program could connect colleagues with local need.
SeniorLaw Center works with dedicated volunteer attorneys and legal advocates to provide direct individual legal services and representation to thousands of seniors in the greatest economic and social need. SLC's support includes legal advice, referral services, a toll-free HelpLine throughout the state and their Life Planning Clinics.
On October 23, the Philadelphia office will host its first Life Planning Clinic - with our attorneys and Business services colleagues working together to support the local elder community.
“The SeniorLaw Center is near and dear to my heart. It’s foundational and important to be connected to our communities and to be able to help people. As a law firm, we have a great opportunity, and probably a calling, to do this – to do what we can, where we can.” - Elaine Whiteman Klinger, Partner, Philadelphia
New Jersey office pro bono volunteers join forces with Pro Bono Partnership and Legal Services of Northwest Jersey to help local people and not-for-profits
Led by US Pro Bono Partner Sponsor, Cara Vecchione, the New Jersey office is modelling how local partnerships not only create pro bono opportunities but also build social connections within our offices.
To celebrate the launch of the Program in New Jersey, Pro Bono Champions, Brandon Sipple, Special Counsel, and Christopher Diodato, Associate, recently joined Alexandra Kilduff, Program Director at the Pro Bono Partnership and Sharon Yoo, Chief Operating Officer from the Legal Services of Northwest Jersey (LSNWJ) to share how our NJ attorneys can support a range of initiatives that provide legal advice to local people and not-for-profits.
Brandon and Chris inspired their colleagues to get involved, and we’re pleased to share a team of volunteers signed up to support the work of both organizations.
Pilot Expungement Clinic
Brandon is an active volunteer with LSNWJ and has worked on a number of projects, including LSNWJ's Tenancy Project and Reboot and Rebound initiative. His involvement with LSNWJ helped the New Jersey office establish a partnership and identify a project that our attorneys could collectively support. As a result, the office is now launching a pilot Expungement Clinic.
An extension of the Reboot and Rebound initiative, the Clinic will help individuals to remove the obstacles created by previous offenses. Working alongside LSNWJ's in-house specialist, our volunteer attorneys will support individuals to file expungement petitions with the Court, they will be helping individuals to access housing, employment and new opportunities in the future.
The first Clinic will be held in-person at Nourish NJ, in Dover. To support participation, volunteers have arranged a car share for colleagues.
Scaling impact with Pro Bono Partnership
For the past few months, Associate Christopher Diodato has taken pro bono referrals from Pro Bono Partnership, an organization that supports small not-for-profits with a social mission to access business and transactional legal advice.
The Partnership annually recruits and mobilizes hundreds of attorneys from major corporations, including Kennedys' clients, and law firms to donate their time and experience. Through this effort, nonprofit organizations are better equipped to strengthen their operations and expand their impact within local communities.
Through his work with Pro Bono Partnership and LSNWJ, Chris has now completed the 50-hour pro bono requirement for admission to the NY Bar.
Celebrating our US Pro Bono Champions
A Pro Bono Champion actively engages in pro bono work and promotes local pro bono opportunities to their team, office and across Kennedys’ network.
Our Champions have played a pivotal role in launching local projects and continue to work closely with Emma Blackstone to develop new initiatives that expand the reach of our US Pro Bono Program.
We extend our sincere thanks to all of our Pro Bono Champions for their contribution to the program.
Alyssa Rosch joined Kennedys in 2024 and is a Pro Bono Champion for the Chicago office:
"I'm a Pro Bono Champion because I believe offering pro bono legal services builds a stronger professional identity with depth and breath, in addition to encouraging positive impact and meaningful connection in the community and legal industry.
I believe lawyers have a unique privilege and opportunity to offer their skills and knowledge to organizations or individuals who experience challenges when trying to retain legal counsel and may not otherwise benefit from skilled legal services.
Engaging in pro bono work is at the heart and core of being an attorney and I am happy to serve those willing to accept the support!"
We give final comment on the US Kennedys’ Pro Bono Program to our US Pro Bono Partner Sponsor, Cara Vecchione:
“Thank you to all our US colleagues who continue to champion Kennedys’ Pro Bono Program. Using our legal skills and expertise to support underserved communities is not just a responsibility—it’s a privilege. I’m proud that this year we’ve established new pro bono partnerships across several of our offices, creating opportunities for our people to make a meaningful, local impact. I encourage all of our US colleagues to get involved and experience firsthand the transformational power of pro bono work—for the communities we serve and for those who provide it."
United States