Jenner & Block Surpasses $250 million Pro Bono Commitment 18 Months Ahead of Schedule, Reinforcing Leadership in Providing Access to Justice
News
August 8, 2024
Jenner & Block, an international leader in pro bono service, has surpassed its five-year commitment of providing $250 million in free legal services to those in need of access to justice—a year and a half ahead of schedule.
In January 2021, Jenner launched its five-year pro bono pledge in response to the increased need for social, economic, and racial justice. Jenner’s dedication to the communities it serves has continued with an unwavering passion, with the entire firm averaging more than 75,000 pro bono hours each year since the start of 2021.
“Our long-standing commitment to public service is a vital part of our culture and who we are as lawyers and people,” said Co-Managing Partners Katya Jestin and Randy Mehrberg. “As of July, we have surpassed our $250 million commitment of providing free legal services. But we aren’t stopping now, we remain more invested than ever.”
While many firms see their pro bono numbers drop in a good year, Jenner & Block’s pro bono numbers have continued to climb. In 2023, the average number of pro bono hours served across the firm rose by 14% to 167 hours per lawyer, growth that parallels the firm’s 14% revenue growth during the same time period.
At the onset of the pledge, Jenner & Block set a goal of performing $50 million per year in free legal services, since then the firm has averaged $70 million per year.
Jenner & Block’s passion for service began with the work of Albert E. Jenner, Jr., and Samuel W. Block, and has continued to grow in its reach. In addition to the high-profile cases that Jenner lawyers work on at every level of the judicial system, the firm’s lawyers provide pro bono representation in a wide range of legal areas. This includes fighting injustice in the criminal justice system, governments, and society; advocating for free and fair elections; challenging laws restricting rights for LGBTQ+ communities; navigating complex asylum and immigration law; advising grass roots and non-profit organizations; advocating for veterans; and protecting constitutional rights, among other issues that impact people and communities. The firm’s pro bono work is detailed in its annual pro bono report.
Jenner & Block is the leading law firm in the United States for pro bono, having achieved the #1 ranking in the American Lawyer 2024 Pro Bono Scorecard, a recognition the firm has received 12 times. The firm was also recognized as the top pro bono firm internationally in 2022 and 2023.
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© 2026 Jenner & Block LLP. Attorney Advertising. Jenner & Block LLP is an Illinois Limited Liability Partnership including professional corporations. This publication, presentation, or event is not intended to provide legal advice but to provide information on legal matters and/or firm news of interest to our clients and colleagues. Readers or attendees should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to matters mentioned in this publication or at this event. The attorney responsible for this communication is Brent E. Kidwell, Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-3456. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jenner & Block London LLP, an affiliate of Jenner & Block LLP, is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 615729. Information regarding the data we collect and the rights you have over your data can be found in our Privacy Notice. For further inquiries, please contact dataprotection@jenner.com.
News
August 8, 2024
Jenner & Block, an international leader in pro bono service, has surpassed its five-year commitment of providing $250 million in free legal services to those in need of access to justice—a year and a half ahead of schedule.
In January 2021, Jenner launched its five-year pro bono pledge in response to the increased need for social, economic, and racial justice. Jenner’s dedication to the communities it serves has continued with an unwavering passion, with the entire firm averaging more than 75,000 pro bono hours each year since the start of 2021.
“Our long-standing commitment to public service is a vital part of our culture and who we are as lawyers and people,” said Co-Managing Partners Katya Jestin and Randy Mehrberg. “As of July, we have surpassed our $250 million commitment of providing free legal services. But we aren’t stopping now, we remain more invested than ever.”
While many firms see their pro bono numbers drop in a good year, Jenner & Block’s pro bono numbers have continued to climb. In 2023, the average number of pro bono hours served across the firm rose by 14% to 167 hours per lawyer, growth that parallels the firm’s 14% revenue growth during the same time period.
At the onset of the pledge, Jenner & Block set a goal of performing $50 million per year in free legal services, since then the firm has averaged $70 million per year.
Jenner & Block’s passion for service began with the work of Albert E. Jenner, Jr., and Samuel W. Block, and has continued to grow in its reach. In addition to the high-profile cases that Jenner lawyers work on at every level of the judicial system, the firm’s lawyers provide pro bono representation in a wide range of legal areas. This includes fighting injustice in the criminal justice system, governments, and society; advocating for free and fair elections; challenging laws restricting rights for LGBTQ+ communities; navigating complex asylum and immigration law; advising grass roots and non-profit organizations; advocating for veterans; and protecting constitutional rights, among other issues that impact people and communities. The firm’s pro bono work is detailed in its annual pro bono report.
Jenner & Block is the leading law firm in the United States for pro bono, having achieved the #1 ranking in the American Lawyer 2024 Pro Bono Scorecard, a recognition the firm has received 12 times. The firm was also recognized as the top pro bono firm internationally in 2022 and 2023.
Related Locations
© 2026 Jenner & Block LLP. Attorney Advertising. Jenner & Block LLP is an Illinois Limited Liability Partnership including professional corporations. This publication, presentation, or event is not intended to provide legal advice but to provide information on legal matters and/or firm news of interest to our clients and colleagues. Readers or attendees should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to matters mentioned in this publication or at this event. The attorney responsible for this communication is Brent E. Kidwell, Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-3456. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jenner & Block London LLP, an affiliate of Jenner & Block LLP, is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 615729. Information regarding the data we collect and the rights you have over your data can be found in our Privacy Notice. For further inquiries, please contact dataprotection@jenner.com.
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