Pro Bono Overview
Kirkland & Ellis is committed to providing legal services without charge to those who cannot afford counsel with the goals of improving lives, bettering communities, and deepening our professional experience. We have a well-supported pro bono program, and our lawyers are encouraged to contribute their professional services to those pro bono causes they are passionate about. Kirkland lawyers can pursue pro bono matters dealing with a variety of issues such as immigration, homelessness, poverty, constitutional rights, election protection and family law.
The opportunity to share legal skills and talents is available to senior partners and the newest associates, including summer associates. As part of our commitment to provide these services, time worked on pro bono matters is valued and evaluated the same as billable work. Kirkland continues to adhere to the tenets set forth by the Pro Bono Institute Challenge, including our pledge to contribute annually 3 percent of total billable hours to pro bono work.
Pro bono service provides substantial benefits to the communities in which we live. Kirkland lawyers also benefit from the practice opportunities, experience and personal satisfaction that working for the "public good" can bring.
"We encourage our attorneys to represent those who cannot afford counsel and to be advocates within the community for causes they care about. In doing so, the Firm underscores the importance it places on fulfilling our ethical responsibility to make justice accessible while giving attorneys opportunities to make a positive difference in people's lives and to further their own professional development."
- Tom Gottschalk, Firmwide Pro Bono Chair
"In just one year, Kirkland & Ellis' 49 Ladder Up volunteers helped 468 families and returned $776,850 to the community. But, more importantly, they made life a little better for our clients and their families. The firm did what they do best. They advocated for those who do not always have a voice, and they spoke volumes with their actions."
- Robert Burke, Chairman and Founder, Ladder Up
For more information about Pro Bono and your career at Kirkland, click here.
