Pro Bono

"The pro bono coordinator is accessible, keeps you informed about interesting pro bono opportunities, and also makes it easy for you to work on cases you find on your own."

---

Susan Lee
Associate, Litigation department
San Francisco office

Commitment to pro bono service is one of our core values. It's been a hallmark at Winston & Strawn since our founding more than 150 years ago. To support our commitment, we've put in place an infrastructure that encourages and promotes pro bono work. We were one of the first large U.S. law firms to adopt a written pro bono policy and create a pro bono committee. We have a full-time Pro Bono Counsel who is a leader in the field. And we have an award-winning pro bono intranet database that makes it easy to volunteer. 

We have represented clients in matters in such areas as asylum, not-for-profit organization, community economic development, criminal defense, First Amendment/free speech, civil rights, contested guardianship, federal appeals to habeas petitions, landlord/tenant, not-for-profit corporate organization, political asylum, post-conviction relief in death penalty cases, and public assistance.

Fellowship Program

Winston & Strawn LLP is pleased to announce a newly created Winston & Strawn LLP Fellowship Program. This program is an opportunity for incoming associates beginning with the class of 2011, to gain legal experience prior to their start date serving as volunteer legal staff at public interest law organizations that serve disadvantaged and vulnerable populations in our communities.

Participation is voluntary but requires that participants accept a commitment of at least four weeks and a minimum of thirty five hours per week. A stipend will be awarded to each participant. Winston & Strawn pro bono counsel Greg McConnell will oversee the program in all offices.

Pro Bono FAQ

Does the firm have a structured pro bono program?
Yes. Our program is run under the leadership of a formal committee comprised of partners and associates from each domestic office. The firm has a full-time Pro Bono Counsel who has day-to-day responsibility coordinating the program. 

Does Winston & Strawn have a written pro bono policy?
Yes. We were one of the first large law firms to adopt a formal written pro bono policy.  We revised it in 2004 to strongly encourage the involvement of all attorneys and paralegals in pro bono work. The policy includes detailed descriptions of representative pro bono activities, outlines the firm's compensation credit policy, and includes an affirmative statement that all attorneys and paralegals should strive to perform 35 pro bono hours annually. 

How does pro bono factor into compensation, performance reviews, and partnership decisions?
Associate work on pro bono matters is supervised by a partner and evaluated in the same manner as client billable work. An associate's work on pro bono matters is taken into consideration during the partner selection process. 

What resources does Winston provide to attorneys who perform pro bono work?
The firm treats pro bono matters the same as client billable work and provides all the necessary administrative and technical support. In addition, Winston & Strawn's award-winning pro bono intranet database makes it easy to volunteer. The site lists descriptions of pro bono opportunities as well as updates about pro bono client wins and awards.  Associates can attend regular pro bono training sessions conducted by the firm or by local agencies that seek services.  

Do hours spent doing pro bono work count toward Winston's billable hours target? 
Winston does not have minimum billable hours targets in most of our offices. We do take pro bono work into consideration in determining performance bonuses. For the most up-to-date information about pro bono credits, please discuss current policies of the specific office during the interview process. 

Can summer associates participate in the pro bono program?
Yes. We offer hands-on pro bono opportunities that allow summers to work with firm attorneys through the general assignment system. This is a chance to improve legal skills, gain practical experience, and provide legal services to many deserving individuals and a wide variety of nonprofit organizations in the community. Every office has developed specialized projects designed for summer associate involvement.

Click here for more information on Winston's Pro Bono work.