Pro Bono
At Blank Rome, our commitment to pro bono service reflects our culture and drives our purpose. Each year, our colleagues dedicate tens of thousands of hours to advancing justice and equal access for individuals and communities who might otherwise go unheard. Our pro bono work is spread across all types of matters but always reflects a deep commitment to using our legal skills to make a meaningful difference.
This past year, our pro bono efforts spanned a wide range of critical issues, including criminal justice reform, veterans’ rights, immigration and citizenship, life planning for seniors, and support for small businesses and nonprofits. We partnered with clients, community organizations, and advocacy groups to deliver impactful legal services and amplify the voices of those in need. This work allowed us to think more creatively, advocate more passionately, and lead with greater empathy and purpose.
Giving back to those in need is a cornerstone of our culture, and pro bono work sharpens our legal acumen, strengthens our teamwork, and deepens our connections to the communities in which we live and work. It is a reminder of why we went into the legal field in the first place— to stand up for what is right and ensure that justice is not just a privilege, but a promise.
We are proud to share some of this past year ' s work, which reflects the extraordinary dedication of our colleagues, clients, and community partners.
OUR PRO BONO WORK FOR VETERANS
After Long-Fought Legal Battle, Board of Veterans Appeals Recognizes Connection Between Military Service and Disability
Robyn N. Burrows and Harris J. Diamond achieved a life-changing victory for a veteran who has long struggled with severe mental health challenges rooted in a traumatic military experience from the 1970s. After four years of determined advocacy, their case was strengthened by a local psychiatrist who confirmed the direct link between the veteran’ s condition and her service. With compassion and persistence, Robyn and Harris persuaded the Board of Veterans’ Appeals to officially acknowledge the service connection. The recognition opens the door for their client to receive the disability benefits and support she has long deserved.
Two Veterans Receive Full Honorable Discharge Upgrades
Alan R. Feigenbaum, working alongside The Veterans Consortium, achieved transformative victories for two veterans seeking justice and recognition. One was an Army veteran who, after enduring three traumatic events as a combat medic in the 1980s, went absent without official leave(“ AWOL”) for over 600 days and spent years battling depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. Though initially denied by the Army Board for Correction of Military Records, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army ultimately upgraded his discharge. In a similar case, Alan secured an honorable discharge for a Naval veteran who had gone AWOL after surviving a brutal assault— only to be punished with the same discharge status as her attackers. The upgrade not only corrected the injustice but restored her dignity and honored her service.
Kathy
E. Ochroch Partner and Director of Pro Bono and Community Impact
Krystal Kane Pro Bono Attorney
OUR CITIZENSHIP PRO BONO WORK
Houston Lawyers Assist Clients on Path to U. S. Citizenship In April 2024, attorneys from Blank Rome ' s Houston office partnered with Houston Volunteer Lawyers to provide essential legal assistance at a U. S. naturalization clinic held at the Spring Branch Community Center. Each attorney worked one-on-one with clients to help them navigate the often complex and overwhelming application process. Among the volunteers was Cassandra G. Mott, who guided her client through every step of the journey. On election day, Cassandra stood by her client ' s side as she completed her citizenship interview and test--passing with excellence. Cassandra shared, " I couldn ' t think of a better way to spend election day."
Philadelphia Attorneys Help Complete Over 100 Green Card Applications Throughout 2024, attorneys from our Philadelphia office worked with HIAS-Pennsylvania to complete more than 100 green card applications for immigrant families of all backgrounds. HIAS supports low-income immigrants as they build their new lives in our community and Blank Rome volunteers help to address their needs, defend their rights, and advocate for their equitable inclusion in American society.
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