Impacting Lives and Communities
Since the firm’s founding in 1931, our pro bono work has been central to our culture. We have focused on helping underserved and vulnerable communities tackle social problems and solve complex legal issues. Through our pro bono efforts, we fight in court to ensure laws are evenly applied. We provide our experience—both as lawyers and as members of our communities—to social service organizations working to create positive change for marginalized groups. We forge alliances with global corporations who share our dedication to increasing equality and opportunity for all. And we come to the aid of individuals who need legal assistance to overcome hurdles and start new lives. We are deeply committed to continuing the tangible progress our pro bono work has made in strengthening our communities.
To learn more about our commitment, download our pro bono one-pager.
Debevoise Video Highlights Debevoise Fight for Criminal Justice Reform and Against Racial Inequality
Debevoise has created a short documentary about The Holloway Project, the firm’s pro bono initiative to fight for criminal justice reform and against racial inequality. The video, “Leveraging The First Step Act to Reduce Excessive Prison Sentences,” highlights the stories of two of 24 incarcerated men for whom Debevoise has obtained reduced sentences. Todd Ellerby and Kevin Haynes were both first-time offenders when over-zealous prosecutors inappropriately charged each man under the § 924(c), which resulted in stacked sentences of over 45 years. In the past 18 months, 181 Debevoise lawyers, led by litigation partner John Gleeson, former U.S. District Court judge, have spent nearly 16,000 hours working with Holloway Project clients. To date, the firm has won 30 cases, and has reduced our clients’ prison sentences by over 1,025 years.
Firm Recognition
Others have taken note of our deep and longstanding commitment to pro bono legal service.
Our Pro Bono Work in Focus