“Jenner & Block Easily Surpasses Pro Bono Goals With Time to Spare,” Chicago Lawyer

In an interview with Chicago Lawyer, Co-Managing Partner Randy Mehrberg and Pro Bono Committee Co-Chair Debbie Berman discussed Jenner & Block’s achievement of surpassing its goal to provide $250 million in free legal services to those in need of access to justice—a year and a half ahead of schedule.

“Some believe the best way to keep a resolution is to put it in writing. So, when Jenner & Block wanted to set an ambitious goal, it put it on the page,” the reporter wrote. “In 2021, Jenner & Block’s pro bono committee committed to a challenge to provide $250 million in free legal services by the end of 2025. Today, with more than a year left until its deadline, Jenner has already surpassed that goal and its attorneys aren’t slowing down.”

The article highlights the firm’s advocacy for prisoners’ rights, veterans’ rights, and voters’ rights, along with the firm’s work in criminal defense, LGBTQ+ issues, and asylum cases.

It also reflects on the firm’s pro bono program and long-standing commitment to pro bono work, which dates back to the 1950s.

“Everybody is all in,” Randy shared with the reporter.

“We can use the resources of our firm to do good. The firm is supportive and encouraging,” Debbie added. “It’s our obligation to give back.”

The firm’s commitment to public service also makes it an attractive place for top lateral talent.

“When you’re in the trenches with other people, it also strengthens the bonds of those in the institutions, the bonds with each other and it makes them more committed to the fabric of the firm,” Randy explained.

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.

“Jenner & Block Easily Surpasses Pro Bono Goals With Time to Spare,” Chicago Lawyer

In an interview with Chicago Lawyer, Co-Managing Partner Randy Mehrberg and Pro Bono Committee Co-Chair Debbie Berman discussed Jenner & Block’s achievement of surpassing its goal to provide $250 million in free legal services to those in need of access to justice—a year and a half ahead of schedule.

“Some believe the best way to keep a resolution is to put it in writing. So, when Jenner & Block wanted to set an ambitious goal, it put it on the page,” the reporter wrote. “In 2021, Jenner & Block’s pro bono committee committed to a challenge to provide $250 million in free legal services by the end of 2025. Today, with more than a year left until its deadline, Jenner has already surpassed that goal and its attorneys aren’t slowing down.”

The article highlights the firm’s advocacy for prisoners’ rights, veterans’ rights, and voters’ rights, along with the firm’s work in criminal defense, LGBTQ+ issues, and asylum cases.

It also reflects on the firm’s pro bono program and long-standing commitment to pro bono work, which dates back to the 1950s.

“Everybody is all in,” Randy shared with the reporter.

“We can use the resources of our firm to do good. The firm is supportive and encouraging,” Debbie added. “It’s our obligation to give back.”

The firm’s commitment to public service also makes it an attractive place for top lateral talent.

“When you’re in the trenches with other people, it also strengthens the bonds of those in the institutions, the bonds with each other and it makes them more committed to the fabric of the firm,” Randy explained.

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.

News and Insights

Event

Partner Terri Mascherin to Speak at Illinois State Bar Association Seminar on Negotiation Ethics

On November 11, Partner Terri Mascherin will join a faculty panel for the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) continuing legal education (CLE) seminar “Negotiation Ethics: Winning Without Selling Your Soul.”

November 11, 2026

Publications

In Politico, Partner Emily Loeb Discusses How Companies Are Preparing for Congressional Oversight 

Partner Emily Loeb was spoke with Politico for a story examining how companies are preparing for heightened congressional oversight, particularly those that could become the focus of investigations centered on affordability and accountability. 

 

October 29, 2026

Recognition

Partner Katie Wynbrandt Named a 2026 Rising Star by The National Law Journal 

Partner Katie Wynbrandt has been named a 2026 DC Rising Star in the appellate category by The National Law Journal at its DC Legal Awards.

October 26, 2026

Recognition

Partner Adam Unikowsky Named 2026 Appellate Attorney of the Year by The National Law Journal

Partner Adam Unikowsky has been named Appellate Attorney of the Year at The National Law Journal’s 2026 DC Legal Awards.  

 

October 23, 2026

Publications

EPA’s Power Plant Rule Adds to a Predictably Volatile Landscape, Bloomberg Law

Partner Amanda Shafer Berman and Meghan Greenfield authored an article for Bloomberg Law on the Environmental Protection Agency’s recent repeal of most Biden-era greenhouse gas standards for power plants and the litigation that followed.

October 21, 2026