Over the past two years, we have worked on matters...
as diverse as death penalty cases, a class action case against the Department of Agriculture
on behalf of women farmers, legal assistance for clients at the Legal Aid Society
of the District of Columbia, a number of US Supreme Court and state supreme
court cases on behalf of women’s groups on domestic violence and privacy issues, and several immigrant rights cases, especially on behalf of juveniles.
Our commitment to work in the public interest dates from Arent Fox’s founding in 1942. The partners believed that community service and pro bono public interest work were integral parts of the practice of law and made it a priority to be at the forefront of the private bar’s efforts to ensure that indigents have access to justice.
This tradition continues today: Chairman Marc Fleischaker received the prestigious Whitney North Seymour Award in 2003 from the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. This award was presented in recognition of Fleischaker’s work on civil rights cases during his more than 30 years at Arent Fox.
We annually present the Albert E. Arent Pro Bono award to a lawyer and a legal professional who demonstrates “outstanding contributions to public service.” Our most recent winners have devoted themselves to defending a man on death row, and helping a 9-11 victim obtain equitable victim compensation for herself and her child.
Pro Bono Committee Members
- Deanne M. Ottaviano, Chair, DC Partner
- Jerrold Abeles, LA Partner
- Jon S. Bouker, DC Partner
- Dennis J. Henderson, NY Counsel
- Wayne H. Matelski, DC/LA Partner
- Joseph R. Price, DC Partner
- Sarah G. Benator, LA Associate
- Jennifer L. Bougher, NY Associate
- Kristine J. Dunne, DC Associate
- Peter R. Macleod, DC Associate
- David S. Modzeleski, DC Associate