A Culture of Giving Back

NEW YORK – Weil refers to pro bono as “our finest hours,” and the firm’s commitment to giving back to the community permeates throughout the summer experience.

The firm recently published its 2017 Pro Bono Annual Review, which describes just some of the projects the firm has participated in, including longstanding relationships with the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) and the Innocence Project.  Since the firm has set a goal of 50 hours of pro bono per lawyer each year, the report also highlights lawyers who met that goal in 2016.

The report serves as a strong reminder of the important ways pro bono affects our time here at Weil.  Many summer associates will take advantage of the opportunity to assist with the Innocence Project.  Further, on a day-to-day basis, pro bono assignments have been interesting and substantive projects.  In my experience, the oft-repeated claim that pro bono is the best training has been true.  The firm certainly seems to agree, going as far as to support its summer associates in optional two-week pro bono externships.

The firm’s strong commitment to formal pro bono is just one element of its culture of giving back.  The summer is full of volunteer opportunities, including an upcoming community service day.  One of the highlights so far has been the chance to work with high school students through PENCIL, during which summer associates conducted mock interviews and resume workshops.  Even at a more basic level, the firm does everything from encouraging donations for wearing jeans on Fridays to supporting staff and attorneys participating in the AIDS Walk.  Weil is a firm that emphasizes its relationship with the greater community.