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Pro Bono Contact |
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| Pro Bono Contact Name | Mary Benton |
| Pro Bono Contact Title | Pro Bono Partner |
| Pro Bono Contact Phone | 404-881-7255 |
| Pro Bono Contact Email | [email protected] |
| Is the pro bono information indicated here firm-wide or specific to one office? | Firm-wide |
|---|---|
| % Firm Billable Hours last year | 3.3 |
| Average Hours per Attorney last year | 70.2 |
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Pro Bono Participation |
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| Percent of associates participating last year | 99 |
| Percent of partners participating last year | 64 |
| Percent of other lawyers participating last year | 74 |
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Average hours |
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| Average hours per associate last year | 73 |
| Average hours per partner last year | 32 |
| Average hours per other lawyer last year | 46 |
| What percentage of attorneys performed more than 20 hours? | 66 |
| What was the number of actual pro bono hours contributed by the organization in the prior calendar year? | 57769 |
| Does the organization maintain a written pro bono policy that sets forth the organization's commitment to pro bono? | Yes |
| How does the organization define what constitutes pro bono legal work? |
The firm's Pro Bono Committee has established and maintains a policy that includes the definition of pro bono. The policy is reviewed annually to ensure it serves as a guideline in determining what constitutes pro bono. |
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Organization pro bono hours goals |
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| Does the organization set annual goals regarding the minimum number of pro bono hours to be contributed by the organization? | Yes |
| If yes, what is that annual goal? | 3% or more |
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Attorney pro bono goals |
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| Does the organization set individual attorney goals regarding the minimum number of pro bono hours to be contributed? | Yes |
| If yes, what is that annual goal? | A minimum of 25 hours. |
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Advancement/compensation |
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| Is an attorney's commitment to pro bono activity considered a favorable factor in advancement and compensation decisions? | Yes |
| If yes, to what extent? | It is a fundamental component in the annual review process. |
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Pro bono support services |
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| Are full-time support services (word processing, online research Lexis/Westlaw, out of pocket costs) available for pro bono representation? | Yes |
| If so, are there any limitations? |
Pro bono matters are treated the same as billable matters. |
| Are associates provided written evaluations of their work on pro bono matters? | No |
| Does the organization employ one or more of the following structures to manage its pro bono program and to provide training and guidance to participating attorneys? (Check all that apply): |
Full-time attorney in a dedicated pro bono coordination/oversight role Pro Bono Committee Non-attorney administrator |
| How is pro bono work assigned/distributed? |
Opportunities and trainings are circulated firm-wide and within practice groups. |
| If an attorney is permitted to bring a pro bono case for possible consideration by the firm, who makes decisions about whether the firm will handle the matter? (check all that apply) |
Pro Bono Committee Department Chair Other: Pro Bono Partner |
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Enabling pro bono or public interest work |
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| Does the organization provide any of the following to enable its attorneys to participate in pro bono activities or work in a public interest setting? (Check all that apply): | Fellowships |
| If so please describe |
In 1995, Alston & Bird was instrumental in establishing Atlanta Legal Aid Society’s Fellowship Program, and since that time we have had eight Fellows participate in the program. |
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Summer associate pro bono opportunities |
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| Are pro bono opportunities available for summer associates? | Yes |
| Additional comments (Please use this space to provide any additional information about your organization's pro bono program including any special recognition or awards the organization has received for its pro bono work.) |
Alston & Bird encourages every lawyer to pursue his or her passion and pursue it with the help of the firm. The firm's Pro Bono Committee hosts events, trainings and experiences during pro bono week, a week created to highlight, critical needs and issues, present opportunities while recognizing outstanding pro bono achievement. Throughout the year numerous trainings are held. The Pro Bono Committee has a team of Ambassadors to help communicate opportunities and maintains a website with resources, case needs and ongoing opportunities to engage everyone. In addition to a quarterly newsletter, the firm has four major awards which are given annual for significant pro bono legal services and community impact. |
| What are some of the areas in which your organization has performed pro bono work in the past year? |
Criminal Justice Reform, Landlord Tenant Children's Advocacy, Voting Rights, Immigration, Human Rights, Civil Rights, Veterans' Benefits, Family Law, and more. |
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Fellowship sponsorship |
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| Does your organization sponsor split public interest summer and/or post-graduate fellowships? | No |
| Public Interest Fellowship Comments | |