Pillsbury Signs On as a Founding Member of the Law Firm Antiracism Alliance

LFAA’s purpose is to leverage the resources of the private bar, in partnership with legal services organizations to amplify the voices of communities and individuals oppressed by systemic racism. Alliance members will coordinate to create large-scale, pro bono projects that are both immediate and long-term in scope to serve underrepresented communities and individuals and advance civil rights.

More information about the LFAA’s purpose and objectives can be found here.

Pillsbury’s collaboration with peers to establish the LFAA follows closely on the firm’s recently announced Commitment to Equal Justice – Black Lives Matter. The investment of at least $11 million over the next three years to fight racial injustice and advance civil rights includes $1 million in funding from the Pillsbury Foundation and an additional $10 million, at minimum, in new pro bono legal and other volunteer services.

The initiative creates opportunities for both Pillsbury lawyers and staff to get involved. Initial projects will focus on grassroots efforts to encourage 2020 Census participation amongst communities of color; a partnership with the DC Lawyers’ Committee in litigation challenging the use of gang databases by law enforcement; the launch of a Pillsbury program dedicated to the support of Black-owned startups; a partnership with the Innocence Project to prevent and correct wrongful convictions; and a number of potential client partnerships focused on criminal justice.

“Pillsbury remains committed to diversity and inclusion at all levels—combating racism and discrimination wherever it exists,” said Pillsbury Chair, David Dekker, and Managing Partner Edward Perron in a recent statement on Equal Justice. “There is much work to be done, and it will take all of our contributions to achieve meaningful change.”