Press Release
Duane Morris Participates in "Raising the Bar" Pro Bono Program
PHILADELPHIA, May 2006 - Duane Morris LLP was recently recognized for its participation in Philadelphia's "Raising the Bar" campaign, a city-wide effort launched by the Philadelphia Bar Association and the Philadelphia Bar Foundation to raise funds for legal services agencies.
Like other top law firms in the city, Duane Morris pledged to give a minimum of $300 per lawyer in its Philadelphia office to the campaign to support citizens in the city who cannot afford needed legal services. Through the campaign, in addition to the Philadelphia Bar Foundation, Duane Morris will support Community Legal Services, Volunteers for the Indigent Program, and the Support Center for Child Advocates, among other organizations. In 2006, Duane Morris will give $50,000 as a firm donation to the cause, as well as our lawyers' individual donations.
Duane Morris has long worked with the Bar in conjunction with its dedication to helping the city's underserved reach access to justice. Duane Morris partner and Chancellor-Elect of the Philadelphia Bar Association Jane Dalton has served on the firm's Pro Bono Steering Committee since 2002. In 2007, Jane will become the Chancellor of the Bar, continuing the organization's commitment to the Raising the Bar Campaign.
The firm's own Pro Bono Program is gaining momentum. Last fall, Duane Morris created the position of Pro Bono Counsel to oversee the growth in pro bono participation. In that role, Nicole Friant works with firm leaders, lawyers and staff to help match attorneys in every office and practice group to organizations in need. The goal of the program is to provide free legal services to those in our communities least able to afford legal services, and usually to those who have a dire need of such services. In the first quarter of 2006, the firm's pro bono participation has increased by approximately 45 percent over the first quarter of 2005.
About the Philadelphia Bar Foundation
Founded in 1964 as the charitable arm of the Philadelphia Bar Association devoted to the support of legal services agencies, the Philadelphia Bar Foundation's mission is to promote access to justice for citizens in the region, particularly those struggling with poverty, abuse and discrimination. The Foundation provides grants and technical assistance to legal services organizations that have demonstrated both a need for financial support and an effective program for assisting clients.
About Duane Morris
Duane Morris LLP, among the 100 largest law firms in the United States, is a full-service firm of more than 600 lawyers. In addition to legal services, Duane Morris has independent affiliates employing approximately 100 professionals engaged in other disciplines. With offices in major markets, and as part of an international network of independent law firms, Duane Morris represents clients across the nation and around the world.
