The Pro Bono Institute awarded global law firm Baker McKenzie, and a collaboration of more than 60 partner organizations, as the winner of its prestigious Corporate Pro Bono Award (CPBO) in New York City earlier this month.
The firm has been recognized for work undertaken through its Justice In Action initiative, alongside a host of corporate clients, who share the firm’s commitment to social justice. Justice in Action leverages a digital collaboration platform to bring lawyers from all over the world together for one session — or “sprint” — a short set of hours where volunteers work together to make a difference on pro bono projects, virtually, just as they might during a live clinic. This initiative has brought more than 3,000 volunteers across the globe together to participate in impactful projects relating to racism, mental health, justice crossing borders, and child welfare.
Angela Vigil, Director of Baker McKenzie's pro bono practice, commented on the accolade: “The Justice In Action work has been the result of collaboration across many companies, and everyone has given their pro bono time generously. It has been a triumph of building community across industries, geographies and cultures, and I look forward to seeing the initiative go from strength to strength. It remains an honor to get to work with likeminded individuals who are as committed as we are to making a difference to vulnerable communities.”
The firm's pro bono practice focuses on helping the underserved and disadvantaged through strategic programs that make a positive and lasting impact on critical social issues. The firm focuses on three specific areas where it can make the most difference including children’s rights and human rights, equity and opportunity for vulnerable communities, and strengthening justice systems.
The Justice in Action initiative continues to be recognized for its innovative approach. It earned the prestigious Beacon of Justice Award in 2022 from the National Legal Aid & Defender Association and in 2021, Baker McKenzie became the first law firm to be awarded first place at the Design Management Institute's Design Value Awards for its work on the Justice in Action project. Additionally, Justice in Action was featured in the Financial Times' 2021 North America Innovative Lawyers Special Report as a model for Innovation in Social Justice.
The firm has been recognized for work undertaken through its Justice In Action initiative, alongside a host of corporate clients, who share the firm’s commitment to social justice. Justice in Action leverages a digital collaboration platform to bring lawyers from all over the world together for one session — or “sprint” — a short set of hours where volunteers work together to make a difference on pro bono projects, virtually, just as they might during a live clinic. This initiative has brought more than 3,000 volunteers across the globe together to participate in impactful projects relating to racism, mental health, justice crossing borders, and child welfare.
Angela Vigil, Director of Baker McKenzie's pro bono practice, commented on the accolade: “The Justice In Action work has been the result of collaboration across many companies, and everyone has given their pro bono time generously. It has been a triumph of building community across industries, geographies and cultures, and I look forward to seeing the initiative go from strength to strength. It remains an honor to get to work with likeminded individuals who are as committed as we are to making a difference to vulnerable communities.”
The firm's pro bono practice focuses on helping the underserved and disadvantaged through strategic programs that make a positive and lasting impact on critical social issues. The firm focuses on three specific areas where it can make the most difference including children’s rights and human rights, equity and opportunity for vulnerable communities, and strengthening justice systems.
The Justice in Action initiative continues to be recognized for its innovative approach. It earned the prestigious Beacon of Justice Award in 2022 from the National Legal Aid & Defender Association and in 2021, Baker McKenzie became the first law firm to be awarded first place at the Design Management Institute's Design Value Awards for its work on the Justice in Action project. Additionally, Justice in Action was featured in the Financial Times' 2021 North America Innovative Lawyers Special Report as a model for Innovation in Social Justice.
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