Pro Bono

Our commitment to community spans more than a century.

We have a long history of giving back and helping those in need, building a more inclusive society, and providing equal access to justice. We hold our pro bono work to the same high standards of quality, service, and care as any other client, and our efforts drive tangible outcomes that make a real difference.

Championed by our firmwide Pro Bono Committee and local committees in each office, we work for systemic change in our legal system and for meaningful change in the lives of individuals by helping our clients overcome obstacles that appear insurmountable.

Racial Justice Fellowship

Our Racial Justice Fellowship is a key component of our Commitment to Racial Equality, seeking to foster a more just and equal society. This fellowship offers current first- and second-year associates the opportunity to spend six months working with civil rights or criminal justice organizations that promote racial equity.

What Our Fellows Say

“The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and Perkins Coie allowed me to immediately experience the reach and impact my law degree and license could bring. To help the communities that I care about on fundamental principles of education is an experience that I will cherish forever.”

- Former Racial Justice Fellow

Impact of Pro Bono at Perkins Coie

Changing Lives

We represent hundreds of pro bono clients annually. Every day, we partner with nonprofit and community-based organizations to advocate for asylum seekers; champion human and civil rights; and fight for housing, education, food, benefits, and economic justice for individuals in our communities. We actively encourage all lawyers to engage in pro bono practice and provide the same level of value and support for pro bono work as we do for any other client matter.

Crucial Legal Support in High-Need Areas

It's More Than Just Hours—It’s a Commitment

Our pro bono program is highly regarded in the legal community for its dedication to providing legal assistance to people and organizations with limited resources in our local communities. We regularly tackle complex cases that affect the most vulnerable clients and address wider systemic issues.

Through our pro bono work, we continue to amplify our clients' stories, change lives, and transform communities.

2023 Pro Bono Highlights

Awards & Recognition

The following is a list of awards and recognition that the firm and firm lawyers have received for pro bono and community service efforts benefiting the legal community or the law. While the biggest rewards for our efforts in the community are the favorable results that we have achieved for our pro bono clients, we appreciate this additional recognition of our work.

The Lawyers’ Campaign for Equal Justice 2024 Large Law Firm Award
Legal Aid Foundation of Colorado 2024 Associates Campaign – First Place
SOAR Immigration Legal Services 2024 Pro Bono Award
2023 Veteran Heroes Law Firm Award by Attorney General of Washington’s Office of Military and Veteran Legal Assistance:
Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights Coalition 2023 Detained Adult Champion Award
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office 2023 Patent Pro Bono Achievement Certificate
U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona 2022 Outstanding Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award (awarded in 2023)

News & Insights

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Perkins Coie Partner Jamie Schafer Honored with Global Accountability Award

Perkins Coie is pleased to announce that litigation partner Jamie Schafer was honored with the 2022 Global Accountability Guardian Award from Human Rights First at the organization’s annual awards celebration on October 24th in New York.

Perkins Coie and Five Lawyers Honored by USPTO for Pro Bono Contributions

Perkins Coie is proud to announce that the firm and five lawyers were awarded the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s 2023 Patent Pro Bono Achievement Certificate, which recognizes individuals and law firms that devote significant time assisting financially under-resourced inventors and small businesses seeking patents.

Perkins Coie Appellate Team Wins Unanimous Supreme Court Ruling in Sixth Amendment Pro Bono Case

Perkins Coie is pleased to announce that a pro bono appellate team has secured a unanimous 9-0 ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Smith v. Arizona.