Jenner & Block’s steadfast commitment to pro bono and public service began in Chicago. Today, our Chicago lawyers are among the city’s most dedicated providers of pro bono legal services, working on a wide range of cases, including prisoner civil rights, criminal defense, reproductive rights, and immigration and asylum matters. The office also partnered with multiple corporate clients and non-profit organizations to help under-served individuals and communities access justice.
Lawsuit Challenges Unconstitutional Law Limiting Abortion Services
“Being part of this team is empowering. After Roe v. Wade fell, I was motivated to take action and since then I have used my professional skills to try to effectuate change and impact the lives of real women. It has been inspiring and energizing to do this important work with a team of strong, diverse women lawyers who care about these issues just as much as I do.”
April A. Otterberg, Partner
“Working on the Florida abortion rights case has been my most memorable and rewarding experience as a lawyer thus far. Before this, I hadn’t experienced working on impact litigation or being involved in an offensive litigation strategy. The teamwork was also inspiring. We dedicated an enormous amount of late-night and weekend hours to the case; we were fueled by the timeliness of the work.”
Sara M. Crook, Associate
Heart of the Matter - Justice for Kenneth Smith
“Working on Ken’s case has renewed my belief that the truth can prevail even in a highly flawed legal system. It has also given me an immense sense of satisfaction to help right a grave injustice and allow our client to get his life back. This case has inspired me to continue working fervently in the pro bono realm.”
Katharine R. McLaughlin, Partner
“We like to think it is we, the lawyers, who are helping our pro bono clients, and it's true--we are. But it is a two-way street. The opportunity to help them, to make a real life-or-death difference in their lives, gives us enduring and elemental meaning to our own lives. I am greatly privileged to give and receive in this special way.”
David Jimenez-Ekman, Partner
Associate Brian Druchniak Honored with NIJC’s Rookie of the Year
“I was incredibly inspired by our client’s bravery and resiliency while standing up to the Ortega regime in Nicaragua. I was also honored to work alongside a great team of lawyers from Jenner & Block, our client GCM Grosvenor, and NIJC lawyers who, like me, were determined to save her and her children’s lives.”
Brian B. Druchniak, Associate
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