Celebrating 75 Years with $ 75,000 in Grants to 10 Nonprofit Legal Organizations
In recognition of Blank Rome ’ s 75th Anniversary milestone in 2021 , at the beginning of 2022 the firm donated 10 grants of $ 7,500 each to nonprofit legal service organizations with whom our colleagues volunteer . Each attorney and paralegal who met our “ 75 for 75 ” Pro Bono Challenge of providing at least 75 hours of pro bono service in 2021 had the opportunity to nominate an organization of their choosing for one of these special grants . The same group of attorneys and paralegals then voted and selected the following nonprofit organizations to receive grants of $ 7,500 each :
Anti-Defamation League is a national organization that focuses on fighting antisemitism , combatting extremism and hate , and ensuring civil rights and social justice . Philadelphia Real Estate attorney Dayna C . Finkelstein says “ I nominated the ADL because of how relevant and courageous their leadership is today as they educate , advise , and stand up to a rising tide of antisemitism and all forms of hatred and discrimination .”
Her Justice assists women living in poverty in New York City who have legal needs in the areas of family , divorce , and immigration . Washington , D . C ., Business Litigation attorney Jacob W . E . Kearney , who nominated Her Justice for one of the grants , said “ I connected with Her Justice early on in my career and immediately saw the value of its mission in channeling the capabilities and resources of law firms to help break down barriers and correct imbalances at the individual and systemic levels .”
HIAS Pennsylvania (“ HIAS-PA ”) works to protect refugees who have been forced to flee their homelands and is a significant pro bono partner of the firm . Washington , D . C ., Maritime attorney Joan M . Bondareff , who , along with D . C . Real Estate attorney Hien “ Grant ” Doan , nominated HIAS-PA for one of the grants , said , “ I was pleased to work with HIAS to assist an Afghan refugee family and am glad to know they work with refugees from Ukraine . Their leadership and expertise in the area of helping refugees is impressive .” According to Grant , “ With everything happening right now , their work is becoming more and more important .”
Houston Volunteer Lawyers (“ HVL ”) is the pro bono legal aid arm of the Houston Bar Association and the largest provider of pro bono legal services in Harris County , Texas , and the surrounding areas . Houston Business Litigation attorney Barry Abrams , one of the people who nominated HVL for a grant , noted , “ Blank Rome is proud to partner with HVL to staff a monthly legal clinic at the Spring Branch Family Development
Center , which provides free civil legal services to low-income area residents .”
The Human Trafficking Legal Center is a national organization that connects survivors of human trafficking with pro bono representation so that they can seek justice and thrive . Washington , D . C ., Maritime attorney Stefanos N . Roulakis , who nominated the Center for one of the grants , said , “ The Center equips attorneys with the tools to empower their clients to reclaim their lives . The path to being made whole is different for each person , and the Center has helped numerous people find justice .”
Kids in Need of Defense (“ KIND ”) is a national organization that works to protect unaccompanied children in immigration matters . New York Maritime attorney Noe S . Hamra explained , “ I nominated KIND because of their unwavering commitment to the protection of unaccompanied and separated children , providing legal representation to afford them the opportunity to remain in the United States and pursue a prosperous life .”
Legal Aid Society of D . C . focuses on both individual representations and systemic reform litigation to help persons living in poverty in the Washington , D . C ., area . D . C . Litigation attorney Oliver E . Jury , who nominated the Legal Aid Society for a firm grant , said “ Despite the hardships caused by the pandemic , the Legal Aid Society has been supportive and responsive at all points during my eviction defense matter . Even as an associate , I felt empowered to make a difference because of their support .”
Philadelphia VIP provides pro bono representation to low-income clients facing legal challenges that threaten their basic human needs of family , housing , income , and community . Philadelphia Litigation attorney Serena S . Gopal , who nominated VIP for one of the grants , shared , “ When I was a summer associate with Blank Rome , I took on a Philadelphia
10 • PRO BONO REPORT & COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT