Pillsbury’s Pro Bono Push Nets LA Honors

This program provides legal services to small businesses, neighborhood organizations and affordable housing projects, and is a uniquely transactional pro bono practice. In a celebratory lunch held on Nov. 7 in Pillsbury’s Los Angeles office, Public Counsel’s Pro Bono Director David Daniels singled out several attorneys for their hard work.

“Dana Newman, your personal willingness to undertake multiple affordable housing finance matters and to continue to dedicate your valuable time in supporting the Community Development Program's affordable housing work exemplifies the selfless dedication that is at the heart of Public Counsel’s pro bono mission,” David said. “Additionally, your team of Los Angeles-based litigators and transactional specialists has handled a variety of contract review, corporate governance, employment law, and complex business insurance claim matters for CDP’s nonprofit and small business clients. By stepping into the breach, you and your colleagues have eliminated barriers that were preventing these clients from achieving their goals and securing their futures. Thank you!”

Since its founding in 1970, Public Counsel has become the largest pro bono law firm in the United States. And Pillsbury attorneys have worked with it for most of its existence. In addition to the Community Development Program, Los Angeles attorneys also do many other pro bono projects, including a program for adoptions. Attorneys involved in Public Counsel include Kim Buffington, Bill Hale, Robert Wallan, Michael Gutierrez, Sheryl Stein, Jason Greenberg, Karen Chan and Mike McDonough.

“These elements are the glue for a thriving and stable community,” said partner Jim Rishwain. “This award shows that transactional attorneys can do high-value pro bono work. I hope it also inspires more people to get involved.”

Pillsbury Pro Bono Commitment is part of the firm’s brand and identify. The firm asks each attorney to commit 25 hours of pro bono service each year.