Jenner & Block’s San Francisco Office Celebrates US 2022 Pro Bono Week
News
October 20, 2022
Lawyers in our San Francisco office have worked on numerous pro bono matters throughout the year that have made real and impactful change in the lives of many. Whether fighting for LGBTQ+ rights, supporting local non-profits, or helping asylum seekers from Afghanistan, our lawyers are committed to supporting those in need of help. Read on to learn what Partners and Associates have to say about how their projects have impacted them.
Securing Asylum for Afghanistan Refugees
“Helping those who face persecution in their home country is life-saving work for our client and a reminder of the great fortune my family has to live in a country with freedoms we sometimes take for granted. If we can help even one person avoid returning to a country where their life will be put in jeopardy based on their gender and choice of religion, we will have made an impact on the world.”
Reid J. Schar, Managing Partner, San Francisco
“Our client overcame many obstacles to become an independent, educated woman in Afghanistan, and to flee the Taliban’s oppressive regime. As the daughter of an immigrant who sought citizenship while studying in Arizona, I feel fortunate to be in a position where I can help others who are seeking a promising future in this country.”
Sophia L. Cai, Associate
Advocating for Transgender Communities Through Name Change Project
“Navigating the court system can be intimidating and challenging. It was extremely gratifying to use my legal knowledge and experience to assist my client in changing his legal name to match his lived experience. Our names are an integral part of our identities. They shape who we are and how others perceive us.”
Laurie Edelstein, Partner
© 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
October 20, 2022
Lawyers in our San Francisco office have worked on numerous pro bono matters throughout the year that have made real and impactful change in the lives of many. Whether fighting for LGBTQ+ rights, supporting local non-profits, or helping asylum seekers from Afghanistan, our lawyers are committed to supporting those in need of help. Read on to learn what Partners and Associates have to say about how their projects have impacted them.
Securing Asylum for Afghanistan Refugees
“Helping those who face persecution in their home country is life-saving work for our client and a reminder of the great fortune my family has to live in a country with freedoms we sometimes take for granted. If we can help even one person avoid returning to a country where their life will be put in jeopardy based on their gender and choice of religion, we will have made an impact on the world.”
Reid J. Schar, Managing Partner, San Francisco
“Our client overcame many obstacles to become an independent, educated woman in Afghanistan, and to flee the Taliban’s oppressive regime. As the daughter of an immigrant who sought citizenship while studying in Arizona, I feel fortunate to be in a position where I can help others who are seeking a promising future in this country.”
Sophia L. Cai, Associate
Advocating for Transgender Communities Through Name Change Project
“Navigating the court system can be intimidating and challenging. It was extremely gratifying to use my legal knowledge and experience to assist my client in changing his legal name to match his lived experience. Our names are an integral part of our identities. They shape who we are and how others perceive us.”
Laurie Edelstein, Partner
© 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 and Insights
Event
Associate Steven Arango to Speak at the Veterans' Legal Career Fair
On September 18, Associate Steven Arango will speak on a panel at the Veterans' Legal Career Fair (VLCF), the only legal career fair in the United States dedicated to veterans, active-duty service members, and military spouses.
September 18, 2026
Publications
Partner Lucy Blake Discusses the FCA's New Non-Financial Misconduct Regime in Law360
Partner Lucy Blake spoke with Law360 for an article examining the Financial Conduct Authority's new non-financial misconduct rules, which took effect this week and extend existing banking-sector conduct standards to roughly 37,000 non-banking financial businesses.
September 2, 2026
Publications
In American Banker, Partner Laurel Loomis Rimon Weighs in on OCC's Handling of Fintech Bank Charter Applications
Partner Laurel Loomis Rimon spoke with American Banker about how the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency is approaching bank charter applications from fintechs, amid a growing wave of companies seeking charters from federal regulators.
August 18, 2026
Event
Partner David Greenwald to Speak at PLI Program on Privilege and AI
On August 17, David Greenwald will speak at "Fitting New “Tech” Into the Attorney-Client Privilege and Work Product Protection," a virtual program hosted by the Practising Law Institute (PLI).
August 17, 2026
Publications
Special Counsel Kimberly Cook Featured in FCBA Member Spotlight
The Federal Communications Bar Association (FCBA) featured Kimberly Cook in its Member Spotlight series.
August 13, 2026
