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 brochure.

Debevoise Pro Bono Work Highlighted in Wall Street Journal Article: “Former Judge Seeks to Shorten Mandatory Prison Terms He Once Imposed” 
The pro bono work led by Judge Gleeson through The Holloway Project, which seeks to reduce unduly harsh prison sentences faced by prisoners, largely men of color, is among the firm’s most important racial equity initiatives. To date, The Holloway Project team of nearly 40 lawyers and staff has secured the release of 11 prisoners and represent nearly three dozen others. They have also won appeals in four different circuit courts which means the legal arguments that they pioneered will be available to other prisoners. Recently, The Wall Street Journal ran a profile of The Holloway Project, which features Judge Gleeson and litigation associate Marisa Taney. Read the WSJ profile here.

Firm Recognition

Others have taken note of our deep and longstanding commitment to pro bono legal service.

• Debevoise Team Honored by KIND for Outstanding Pro Bono Service
• Debevoise Partner John Kiernan Honored by Volunteers of Legal Services with Lifetime Service Award
• Debevoise Honored by The Legal Aid Society as Recipient of the 2019 Honorable Jonathan Lippman New York Pro Bono Publico and Public Service Law Firm Award
• Debevoise Honored at 2019 James Beard Foundation Gala

Our Pro Bono Work in Focus

• Debevoise and CJA Ask U.N. Human Rights Committee to Hold Sri Lanka Accountable for Killing of Acclaimed Journalist
• Debevoise Wins Another Significant FOIA Ruling in Khashoggi Case on Behalf of Open Society Justice Initiative
• Supreme Court Rules Unanimously in Favor of Debevoise Clients, American Muslims Who Were Placed on No-Fly List
• Debevoise and Clooney Foundation Seek Justice for Imprisoned Cameroonian Journalist Paul Chouta
• Debevoise Prevails in DC Circuit Court in Border Wall Dispute Involving the North American Butterfly Association
• Debevoise Advises Easy Solar in Closing $5 Million Funding Round to Scale Operations in West Africa
• Debevoise Advises Brooklyn Historical Society in Its Combination with the Brooklyn Public Library
• Debevoise Advises City to Sea as it Relaunches Refill App
• Debevoise Secures Significant Policy Change on Behalf of Transgender and Non-Binary New Yorkers
• Debevoise Client Impact 100 London Awards First Grants